Local Boy Scouts Compete in Iron Chef Competition

Boy Scouts from in Troop 200, Annandale recently participated in their annual Iron Chef camp out. Tenting at Washington Crossing Council's Ockanickon Scout Reservation in Pipersville, PA, two teams battled for the coveted ‘golden skillet’.

This year’s theme ‘American food’ was picked by the Titans patrol. Members of three patrols – the Council of Ricks, the Venomous Cobras and the Titans – were split into two teams, the Ricks and the Cobras with the Titans splitting into each group so they could gain more experience. Would the Ricks repeat their 2018 win? Or would the pre-planning by the Cobras pay off?

“Our Iron Chef campout is my favorite event, it’s one that I don’t want to miss,” says George Gregory, a member of the Venomous Cobras Patrol. “I love cooking especially over an open fire. I enjoy preparing the fire by splitting wood and starting the fire by using my flint and steel. This year it was especially a challenging to start a fire, due to the rain we got Friday night, but it all worked out in the end.”

This year’s secret ingredient was a container of Pringles which both teams had to incorporate into their meals. In the appetizer round, the Cobras prepared bacon infused mac-n-cheese while the Ricks prepared hand-cut Freedom Fries mixed with the Pringles. For the main course, the Ricks put together a hamburger bar with all the fixings and accompanied it with lemonade. Not to be outdone, the Cobras grilled steaks (encrusted with Pringles) over the campfire with a side of coleslaw. They also provided the judges with hand-made vanilla milkshakes.

This year, the judges changed it up and held the dessert round prior to the campout so everyone in the troop could partake. The Ricks set the pace with their infamous one-pot, ‘dump cake’ but the Cobras outdid them with a brownie and pudding dessert.

The weekend wasn’t just about the competition. The Scouts worked on rank advancement, younger scouts earned their Totem Chips and they went on a 2-mile hike.

“We are a boy-led troop,” explains Assistant Scoutmaster Ted Bozzi. “It’s really great to see the boys learn and grow into true leaders. Our older scouts really stepped it up and took the lead throughout the entire weekend, giving direction, teaching the younger boys new and important skills.”

Troop 200 is a high-adventure, boy-led troop. The scouts meet on Monday evenings during the school year at Immaculate Conception Church in Annandale, NJ. For more information about the troop, follow BSA Troop 200 on Facebook, Troop 200 NJ on Instagram or reach out us at Troop200NJ@gmail.com.