OUR GOOSE IS COOKING !
BUILDING PATROLS AT TL STORER
Some people get confused about Scout Cooking . It is true that Scouts cooking their own meals is a method to feed and sustain them . When you are hungry cooking it yourself is a practical solution . However that true value of a Scout cooking at summer camp has very little to do with eating .
Scout cooking is a developmental exercise in organizational dynamics . You first must make a plan- referred to in this case as a menu . You need to organize others to help prepare , serve , and clean up . As foods cook at different rates , timing is everything . Getting all the foods completed at the same time provides challenges . Temperature is another variable to consider . Too hot will result in in inedible plate of charcoal . Too cool will extend the meal into the next day .
A successful patrol cooked meal at summer camp requires a team . That is why patrol cooking at summer camp is an option that many Scout Troops place high value upon . Scout cooking gets Patrols working and learning together . It is the ultimate patrol activity .
At the NeXus we have a camp that is specifically designed for that purpose . For almost 60 years Wild Goose Camp at T . L . Storer has supported that experience for hundreds of Troops . This year the methodology and facilities will be improved and expanded .
Many camps offer patrol cooking but give each patrol the exact same meal to prepare . At the NeXus we believe that this diminishes the experience . Patrols at Wild Goose will have the opportunity to plan their own meals and prepare them like they want to . This planning has tremendous value to the experience . The Scouts will develop a menu and “ shop ” at the Wild Goose commissary to obtain their ingredients . Camp Counselors are available to help the patrols develop their plan and consider their options .
For Troops who are looking to improve their patrols “ Cooking at The Goose ” is an outstanding method to achieve that goal . It can be the experience that helps your Troop all year long .