As we continuously strive to improve our camping experiences, one key area we’ve focused on is the meals and nutrition during Troop campouts. Our Troop leaders have observed some trends that we believe are important to address to ensure the health and safety of all our Scouts.
Firstly, we’ve noticed a significant amount of food waste, with Scouts often not eating the meals prepared. Additionally, many Scouts bring extra snacks on campouts, which can attract animals to tents and cabins. Moreover, the meals planned by the Scouts sometimes lack balance, missing essential food groups. While we understand that some Scouts may have specific eating preferences beyond food allergies, it is crucial for everyone to have well-balanced meals to stay energized for our activities.
To address these concerns, Troop leadership is committing to:
- Incorporate All Five Food Groups in Meal Planning: Going forward, we’ll ensure that our meal plans cover all five food groups, providing a balanced diet that is essential for the health and energy levels of our Scouts.
- Share Planned Menus in Advance: We will provide the menu for each campout ahead of time. This will allow Scouts who might not be interested in the planned meals to bring their own suitable alternatives.
- Gathering Feedback: We will ask our Scouts to provide feedback on what foods they like and don’t like so we can consider those preferences in our meal planning. We will also gather feedback on the specific meals prepared during campouts so we know whether to include them in future plans.
We are asking for the cooperation of Scouts and their parents/guardians in the following ways:
- Encouragement to Eat Provided Meals: We urge everyone to encourage Scouts to eat the food being prepared. This not only helps reduce waste but also ensures that all Scouts get the nutrition they need.
- Inform Leaders About Alternative Food Arrangements: If a Scout decides to bring their own food, please let the Troop leaders know in advance. This information is vital for us to make accurate food purchases and avoid unnecessary waste.
- Limit Snacks Brought to Campouts: While snacks are often a fun part of camping, bringing excessive amounts can lead to problems, including attracting wildlife. We request that the amount of snacks brought be limited.
We believe these steps will help make our campouts more enjoyable and healthy for everyone involved. By working together, we can ensure that our meals are not only delicious but also nutritious, keeping our Scouts fueled and ready for adventure!
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
