Grubmaster Guide - Troop 826

What is a Grubmaster?

Being a Grubmaster is one of the most important leadership roles a Scout can take on during their Scouting career. As Grubmaster, you're responsible for feeding your entire patrol during campouts - from menu planning and shopping to cooking and cleanup. This role builds essential life skills including planning, budgeting, shopping smartly, and cooking, while also satisfying Rank Advancement and Merit Badge requirements.

Remember: Adult leaders do not provide or prepare meals for Scouts. Each patrol is responsible for their own meals, with adults intervening only when safety or health is at stake.

Your Responsibilities as Grubmaster

Before the Campout:

• Menu Planning: Work with your patrol to create a complete meal plan

• Budgeting: Stay within the $20 per Scout budget for weekend outings

• Shopping: Purchase all food and supplies needed

• Packing: Organize food in coolers and totes for safe transport

• Preparation: Consider pre-cooking items at home to save time at camp

During the Campout:

• Cooking: Oversee meal preparation with your patrol

• Safety: Follow all food safety and cooking safety guidelines

• Cleanup: Ensure proper cleanup after each meal

After the Campout:

• Food Removal: Remove all food from coolers and totes

• Disposal: Throw out spoiled food, distribute remaining good food to patrol members

• Receipt Management: Turn in all receipts for reimbursement

Planning Your Menu

Know Your Numbers:

• Get a firm headcount at the outing prep meeting

• Budget is $20 per Scout attending (not per patrol member)

• Plan meals for: Friday cracker barrel, Saturday breakfast/lunch/dinner/snack, Sunday breakfast

Menu Planning Tips:

• Friday: Simple "cracker barrel" snack before bed

• Saturday Breakfast: Plan a good hearty breakfast to fuel Scouts for the day's activities ahead.

• Saturday Lunch: Keep it simple - often eaten on the go

• Saturday Dinner: Your showcase meal - plan something special

• Sunday Breakfast: Consider prep time - Sunday is busy with packing

Get Approval:

Before shopping, have your Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader approve your menu to ensure it's reasonable, appropriate, and healthy.

Smart Shopping Strategies

Budget Management:

• Compare Prices: Look at cost per serving, not just total cost

• Stay on Plan: Don't change the menu just because you see something you like better

• Control Costs: Choose store brands, avoid individually packaged items, pick raw ingredients over prepared foods

What to Avoid:

• Overbuying: Don't buy too much milk, fruit, and vegetables - they often get wasted

• Duplicate Purchases: Check the scout trailer first - we often have leftover supplies

• Last-Minute Shopping: Shop 1-3 days before the campout, not the day of departure

Packing Like a Pro

Food Protection:

• Pack smartly - keep raw meats separate from fruits and vegetables

• Remove excess packaging to reduce weight and campsite trash

• Use zip-lock bags for pre-measured ingredients

• Protect bread and fragile items from getting squished

Ice Strategy:

• Forget Bagged Ice: Fill gallon water jugs ¾ full and freeze them several days ahead

• Keep caps off during freezing process

• Multiple jugs may be needed in hot weather

• Bonus: Frozen jugs provide cold drinking water as they melt

Smart Prep Work:

Do as much preparation at home as possible:

• Scrambled Eggs: Pre-scramble raw eggs at home

• Diced Vegetables: Wash and dice carrots, celery, onions at home

• Pre-cook Meats: Cook bacon, sausage, or ground beef at home to eliminate grease and simplify cleanup

• Pre-measure Ingredients: Put measured ingredients in labeled zip bags

Tips for Success

Leadership Development:

• This role teaches real-world skills: budgeting, planning, shopping, and cooking

• Work with your patrol - don't try to do everything alone

• Ask for help when you need it - refer to Chapter 10 (Cooking) in your Scout Handbook

Parent Partnership:

• Parents provide transportation and advice, but you do the shopping and decision-making

• Use parental advice about nutrition and price comparison

• Remember: You're learning valuable life skills through this process

Financial Responsibility:

• Save all receipts in an envelope labeled with your name, patrol, and total cost

• Stay within budget - spending beyond budget requires patrol approval

• Turn in receipts promptly for faster reimbursement

Remember the Scout Law

"A Scout is Thrifty" - This is your guiding principle as Grubmaster. Your patrol members are counting on you to provide good food without wasting money. Plan carefully, shop smartly, and cook safely.

Don't Worry: Since 1910, no Scout has ever starved on a weekend campout! This is a learning experience, and your patrol and leaders are there to support you.

Need Help? Refer to the Cooking Section (Chapter 10) of your Scout Handbook, or ask your Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, or Scoutmaster for guidance.

Questions about being Grubmaster? Talk to your leaders at our weekday meetings (7:00-8:30 PM) at VFW Post 9473.