Q: How do we know if we need food service?
A: Any group can request food service. However, food service is a
particularly good idea if your group is larger than 50 people or if
it’s made up of primarily Brownies and Juniors.
Q: Can we do our own cooking, even though food service is an option?
A: Smaller groups and groups of older girls can do their own meal
planning and outdoor cooking as long as outdoor training requirements
have been met by adult volunteers in each troop.
Training requirements for outdoor cooking: At least one adult
volunteer in each troop must have completed Basic Overnights, Let’s
Camp, and Let’s Cook Out in order to use BBQs, campfire cooking, box
ovens, etc.).
Need training? See the training calendar to find courses, dates, and
times. You can self-sign up for Basic Overnights. Use the code “sleepingbag” for
this online course. Register for in-person courses on the Events page
at sdgirlscouts.org.
Note that troops can only cook for themselves, not for larger groups.
Q: How do we decide on a menu?
A: The food service specialist will contact you in advance to
discuss menu options that are nutritious and feasible for the size of
the group.
Q: We used to assign “hoppers” to set tables and serve meals. Will
girls still take on this role?
A: Since meals are served buffet-style, girls won’t need to arrive
early to set up or stay late to clean up. You can still schedule
sweeping and other kapers. Please arrange these in advance with the
food service specialist.
Q: How can we conduct flag up and a fire drill for all to attend if
groups are eating breakfast in shifts?
A: We recommend two rotations of flag up and fire drill on Saturday
morning so that all have a chance to attend. For example, troops that
attend the meal between 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. can attend flag up at
8:30 a.m. followed by a fire drill. Troops scheduled for a meal at or
after 8:15 a.m. can do flag up at 7:45 a.m. followed by their fire
drill. They’ll head to their meal after the fire drill.
The fire drill and evacuation plans can also be discussed Friday
night with anyone who might not be available Saturday morning, like
those who leave after a meal for ropes or archery.
Q: We want to use the lodge for an activity. When will it be available?
A: When the standard mealtime schedule is followed, the lodge is
available to use in its fullest capacity on Saturdays from 9:15-11:45
a.m., 1:30-5:15 p.m., and after 7:15 p.m. Outside of these times, you
can request tables at the back of the lodge. Contact the food service
specialist in advance.
Q: How can we make group announcements if the girls eat in shifts?
A: You can make announcements at the start and end of meal time to
connect with most attendees. You can also create an announcement board
for attendees to read as they enter the lodge. Or, plan a mailbox
system where each troop brings a decorated “mail box” to camp. Use the
box to distribute announcements, notes, and even snacks.
Q: What’s the best way to hold grace or have a greeting before a meal?
A: Use the outside time in line to sing a song or say a greeting or
grace. Individuals are free to say grace on their own at their table.
Q: Do we have to eat buffet-style?
A: Grab-and-go meals are available and may be swapped out for a
buffet meal on either Saturday or Sunday. The meals are packed by each
troop and are available for pick-up during mealtime. Coordinate
grab-and-go meals with the food service specialist in advance. Plan to
provide a list of troops and a total number of attendees.
Don’t see your question? Contact encampments@sdgirlscouts.org.