Way back in VideoCast #06 we discussed patrol boxes. This video highlights the changes from the initial setup years before.
Show Notes:
Below are the items referenced in the video:
- Coleman 33-Quart Party Stacker Cooler – These are just the right size for a patrol and stackable.
- Stansport Premium Quality Stainless Steel 7 piece Deluxe Family Cookset – Great cookset
- 8Pcs Camping Cookware Kitchen Utensil Organizer Travel Accessories Set -Available in 6 colors
- Coleman Gas Stove | Portable Propane Gas Classic Camp Stove with 2 Burners – Classic and reliable
- 1.6L Portable Camping Tea Kettle – Ultra light and fast boil
- Double Burner Griddle Non-Stick 16-Inch – A better addition, used instead of the smaller included pan
Transcript:
They say in Woodbadge that you never really finish your ticket. This is true for one of my ticket items of putting together patrol boxes for each our our patrols and the adult patrol.
The genesis of the patrol box idea came from the amount of time it was taking for the Troop to collect all the equipment and head out on a camping trip. At some times it would take upwards of 45 minutes to get going out to camp. In the winter months this was a big problem as the later you go, the more likely it was that you were setting up in the dark.
So, in came the patrol box idea.
I crafted a set of equipment including a patrol stove, utencils, pot kit, cutting boards and small knife and a strainer. Over the years we added a microfiber towel and spice wheel. The patrols were able to add whatever they wanted to take a long. In general they added thinks like paper towels and aluminum foil.
This worked out very well.
Along the way we made some modifications, like popping holes in the box, so any contents could breathe and banning the storage of any foodstuffs from the box. This mess could be it’s own videocast.
Like lots of things that head off into the woods, some stuff gets lost, banged up and broken, and about 6 years later it was time to replace some items.
In rethinking the boxes we opted to go for a bit of a smaller box. This next size down holds all the same stuff, but makes packing a bit easier, as it takes up less space in the gear truck.
The old tried-and-true pot set was no longer made, from Scout Stuff, so after a bit of experimenting we landed on this great set. This set ordered from Amazon is a Stansport Premium Quality Stainless Steel 7 piece Deluxe Family Cookset. While it’s a bit heaver that the aluminum, it’s pretty sturdy, cooks well, and for the past 6 months has held up well.
In addition to the pot kit, we replaced the utensil kit. Our original one was mirrored on the old ones that are really meant to cook over an open fire. Since the majority of our cooking is on stoves, a smaller set, with a knife and small cutting board served the patrol’s purposes better.
This 8Pcs Camping Cookware Kitchen Utensil Organizer Travel Accessories Set – has it’s own case, Cutting Board, Rice Paddle, Tongs, Scissors, Knife and a smaller set of utencils for over the stove cooking.
One of the other problems that needed solving was heating up water for tea, cup of soups or instant oatmeal.
The old method was just to pull out one of the smaller pots, and get to work. While this worked, pouring was always a hassle, and you needed to unfurl the whole pot kit to get to a smaller pot. So, we invested in this little camping tea kettle to include.
This portable Camping Tea Kettle has a collapsible handle, heats water quickly, and avoids the issues or getting at pots that are already packed up.
SO, while I still don’t consider my ticket item complete, I will say that the practice of critically looking at your supplies from time to time makes the whole camping experience a little better and a little more efficient. But, this is what works for us.
Take what you like and leave the rest, and as we say in Woodbadge, feedback is a gift, leave yours below in the comments, with the hope we can all learn together.
I’m Scoutmaster Dave, and this all about patrol boxes.
