Advancement Through Cooking

Tenderfoot- On a campout, assist in preparing and cooking one of your patrol's meals. Tell why it is important for each patrol member to share in the meal preparation and cleanup, and explain the importance of eating together.

Demonstrate the Heimlich maneuver (its not cooking, but if you're eating you should know it).

Second Class- Discuss when it is appropriate to use a cooking fire and a lightweight stove. Discuss the safety procedures for using both. Demonstrate how to start a fire and a lightweight stove. On one campout, plan and cook over an open fire one hot breakfast or lunch for yourself, selecting foods from the four basic food groups. Explain the importance of good nutrition. Tell how to transport, store, and prepare the foods you selected.

First Class- Help plan a patrol menu for one campout -- including one breakfast, lunch and dinner -- that requires cooking. Tell how the menu includes the four basic food groups and meets nutritional needs. Using this menu, make a list showing the cost and food amounts needed to feed three or more boys and secure the ingredients. Tell which pans, utensils, and other gear will be needed to cook and serve these meals. Explain the procedures to follow in the safe handling and storage of fresh meats, dairy products, eggs, vegetables, and other perishable food products. Tell how to properly dispose of camp garbage, plastic containers, and other rubbish. On one campout, serve as your patrol's cook. Supervise your assistant(s) in using a stove or building a cooking fire. Prepare the breakfast, lunch and dinner you planned. Lead your patrol in saying grace at the meals and supervise cleanup.

Star, Life and Eagle- These ranks require you to hold a leadership position within the troop. One such position is the Junior Assistant Grubmaster (JAGM) or Food Guide. This position will fill the troop's requirement for leadership, but check with the Eagle coordinator to see if this service fulfills the Eagle requirement.

Safety With Cooking and Winter Survival Tips

  • Keep foods cooler than 40 degrees or warmer than 140 degrees.
  • Keep synthetic materials (e.g., polar fleece) away from heat and flames.
  • Charcoal is hotter than propane and more useful for winter cooking.
  • Build meals around a one pot Dutch oven meal.
  • Stay at a distance from the campfire and eat high calorie food often! The fire within will keep you warm!
  • Use rubber gloves when washing dishes in winter.