Kirtland’s Boy Scout Troop 286 won the prestigious Gold Griddle Competition at the 2021 Lake Erie Council Spring Camporee held April 24-25 at Beaumont Scout Reservation in Ashtabula.
Kirtland’s Boy Scout Troop 286 won the prestigious Gold Griddle Competition at the 2021 Lake Erie Council Spring Camporee held April 24-25 at Beaumont Scout Reservation in Ashtabula.
Facing off against 37 other Scout teams, Troop 286 won first place with its delicious “Stoup 286” recipe. This stew/soup hybrid features Hungarian Kolbasz from Kirtland’s own Mike’s Market, fresh vegetables and a savory broth seasoned with the Troop’s secret blend of spices that paired perfectly with the garlic and flavors in Mike’s sausage.
The Gold Griddle is a long-standing Lake Erie Council tradition that pits Scout Troops against each other in a challenging cooking environment. Scouts are provided with only a small charcoal fire on a gravel trail and must produce a delicious and nutritious dish with the ingredients and cooking utensils they carry with them throughout a full day of Scout challenges.
All this must be done without direct help from their adult leaders.
Working together over a few test-runs at other campouts, the Scouts developed a recipe that pleased even the pickiest of eaters, and evidently the three-judge panel agreed.
“If they can cook a wonderful meal for themselves in an iron pot on a roadside, they can certainly do it at home in a kitchen,” Scoutmaster Joe Work was heard to exclaim.
Cooking healthy and balanced meals in diverse and challenging situations is one of the many life skills all Scouts are taught through the iconic Scouting program that empowers young people to become confident and competent adults.
Chartered at the historic Old South Church at the corner of state Route 306 and Eagle Road in Kirtland, Troop 286 has been producing engaged citizens since 1958 and is always open to interested youths who have a taste for the outdoors — and delicious food.
