The Troop meeting last night offered a great opportunity to get introduced/reacquainted with backpacking stoves and backpacking food. You might say its just a matter of boiling water and it mostly is but food menu planning is the key. Some of the things talked about last night:
- distribute the food between patrol members for carrying purposes
- repackage food into zip lock bags, light weight containers, etc. to reduce weight (every little bit helps)
- you don't have to only buy pre-made dehydrated food
- backpacking stoves get very hot - be careful where you set it up and how you handle it
- how will you handle pouring boiling water? into what?
- straining pasta can be a little more tricky than usual - try covering the pot with a plate to hold the pasta back and drain the water
Remember on the trail there is no patrol box filled with stuff to help you cook. When you meal plan ask yourself about what exactly do you need to make this meal?
Ask an older scout or one of the adults if you need additional information. Of course there is always Google.... | 
