The camp host is an important job to help the troop operate properly. The host takes responsibility for meal planning and preparation for a weekend camp-out. The point is to allow the scoutmaster and assistants to devote their time to working with the scouts and, similarly, to allow the senior patrol leader and assistants to move among and supervise the patrols rather than cooking for themselves.
We need a camp host for every weekend camp-out, except for Philmont prep backpacking trips. Each family should volunteer for this role at some point. Two or more volunteers may share the role if that makes it easier. Normally, the camp host camps with the troop for the weekend. For some short-distance trips, particularly at Beaumont, the camp host need not camp overnight if willing to drive back and forth as necessary. It helps the troop leadership for parents to commit to be a camp host well in advance rather than waiting to see which adults sign up for a given camp-out.
The duties of the host are to handle the meals for the troop leaders and other adults who are camping as well as the senior patrol–SPL and ASPLs. The host plans the meals, purchases the food, brings the food and supplies on the camp-out, and leads the cooking and preparation of the meals. Other adults will help with cooking and clean-up for the meals. The host collects $20 from each adult and senior patrol member who is camping. Usually, the host buys the food the Thursday before a camp-out. It is important to get an accurate list of those who will be camping from the troop’s activities coordinator or the scoutmaster.
Our camp-outs normally involve four meals–three on Saturday and Sunday breakfast. Sunday breakfast is often a non-cooked meal to facilitate a prompt departure. Everyone is responsible for his/her own dinner on Friday before arriving for the camp-out. The menu for each meal is up to the camp host, but the host should ask about any food allergies in the group.
The adult patrol box has an assortment of pots, pans, and utensils. The troop usually cooks on propane stoves. Dutch ovens and charcoal are also usually available. Salt, pepper, and some other condiments may be available in the adult patrol box but check in advance.
Except for the family camp-out in the fall, being the camp host does not involve cooking for the whole troop. The scouts in each patrol plan and cook their own meals for most camp-outs.
Hosting a camping event might seem a daunting task, especially if you are planning to cook for both the parents and the scouts. While that might not always be the case, the first time always seems the most difficult.
This page is set up to provide useful tips for parents who are volunteering to host. This page is still a work in progress and anyone who has hosted in the past is welcome to send in their contributions.
Please send your helpful hosting tips for parents to site administrator.
Troop 344 