buying food for camp

A very long day today, but it culminated in an interesting exercise.

Our Scout Troop is camping this weekend and the Scouts set their own menus with a fixed budget based on their Patrol size.

It was fascinating to watch them and offer advice.

One Patrol Leader had quite an elaborate menu. He also had the largest Patrol, so had the most money. He came within a few dollars of his budget. He is looking at getting more eggs. He had it pretty together though.

Another Patrol Leader came within about five bucks of his budget. However, not sure his bunch will be able to snack through the day. He can still get a few things though.

The third Patrol Leader came in under half his budget. He actually has about thirty clams left. I advised him to load up on snacks to provide energy through the day.

The last Patrol Leader, the boy, had one of the smallest budgets, but came in at two-thirds of his budget. He has about a ten-spot left. Yet, he is in very good stead for food. Very hearty choices. Lots of energy in his food choices. His big meal is going to be a stoup. He is not making a bigos though. However, he knows how to make soups and stews from his old man. Not sure if he is going to get any more grub though, his Patrol does not really need any more food!

That all being said, there is still plenty of food being provided by the Troop. And myself. I cleared out a bunch of stuff from my pantry and will be pulling some items from the freezer. My donations and the surplus food from the Troop's stores will provide a lot of back up food.

Nevertheless, these young lads and lasses will learn a lot about budgeting, food choices, and preparing food in the bush.

That all being said, they will be fine. We are not going deep in to the bush this weekend. We are camping at Baxter Conservation Area. The Scouters wanted to provide an environment that simulates the bush, but is safe if anything goes awry, not that it will. We are helping the Scouts build their skills and confidence so that they can go in to the bush with those skills and confidence.

This is what I love about Scouting. Teaching and mentoring so these young people can engage in increasingly complex and sophisticated activities. Then, who knows, maybe someday they will pass on their skills to other Youth.

So, if they make errors with their meal planning all will still be well. Just remember, nobody ever starved to death while camping with Scouts. blbbl