Careful planning allows you to take enough food so that everyone in your patrol eats well, but there aren’t many leftovers. You’ll also know which pots, pans and utensils to take along. Consider the following as you plan your outdoor meals.
Fresh foods are fine for short outings, but for longer trips (more than a day or two) carry supplies that won’t spoil.
If your days will be packed with action, choose recipes that won’t take long to prepare. When cooking will be a high point of a campout, take the ingredients and gear needed to make a real feast.
Backpackers will want to keep their loads light with simple meals of nonperishable ingredients. If you will be traveling by car to your campsite, you might want to take griddles, Dutch ovens, canned and fresh food, and plenty of utensils.
Winter menus should contain more of the fats your body burns for heat. Take along soup mixes and hot drinks to warm you up. Summer meals can be lighter and include plenty of fluids.