Req 4 — Duty Roster & Leadership
Camping is a team effort. The patrol method — where a small group works together with shared responsibilities — is what makes Scout camping run smoothly. A duty roster is the tool that makes sure everyone knows their role and no task falls through the cracks.
What Is a Duty Roster?
A duty roster is a chart or schedule that assigns specific tasks to each patrol member for the duration of a campout. Think of it as a game plan for camp. When everyone knows their job, camp runs like clockwork. When nobody knows their job, you end up with five people standing around and nobody starting the fire.
Common Camp Duties
Here are the typical roles you might assign on a duty roster:
- Fire/stove tender — Responsible for setting up and maintaining the cooking fire or camp stove, and ensuring the fire is completely out after each use.
- Cook — Prepares meals according to the menu plan. Works with the fire tender to coordinate cooking times.
- Water bearer — Makes sure the patrol always has a supply of treated drinking water.
- Quartermaster — Manages patrol gear — makes sure equipment is accounted for, properly stored, and in good condition.
- Cleanup crew — Washes dishes, cleans the cooking area, and properly disposes of waste water and food scraps.
- Fireguard — Ensures fire safety rules are followed and makes sure the campfire or stove area is left safe.
- Navigator — Leads the patrol on the trail using map and compass or GPS.
Building Your Duty Roster
A good duty roster is simple and clear. Here is an example format for a two-day, one-night campout with a six-person patrol:
| Duty | Friday Dinner | Saturday Breakfast | Saturday Lunch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cook | Alex | Jordan | Taylor |
| Fire tender | Jordan | Taylor | Morgan |
| Cleanup | Taylor & Morgan | Morgan & Casey | Casey & Alex |
| Water bearer | Casey | Alex | Jordan |
Helping Others Prepare
Requirement 4b asks you to help a Scout patrol or Webelos unit prepare for a campout. This is a leadership opportunity — you are using your experience to guide others through the planning process.
Here is how to approach it:
Helping a Group Prepare
Key areas to cover
- Create the duty roster together. Walk the group through each role and explain what it involves.
- Plan the menu as a team. Discuss what meals to prepare, who will cook each one, and what ingredients to buy.
- Make an equipment list. Go through personal gear (what each person needs to bring) and patrol gear (shared items like stoves, pots, tarps).
- Discuss the trip plan. Where are you going? What time do you arrive and depart? What are the emergency procedures?
- Help with camp setup. Show less experienced Scouts how to pitch a tent, set up a cooking area, and organize a campsite.
Menu Planning Basics
Since menu planning is part of helping a group prepare, here are the essentials:
- Keep it simple. One-pot meals are easy to cook and easy to clean up. Save the fancy recipes for when you have more experience.
- Plan for energy. Camping burns calories. Include protein, carbs, and fats in every meal.
- Think about weight and packaging. If you are backpacking, minimize heavy cans and excess packaging. If you are car camping, you have more flexibility.
- Account for dietary needs. Ask if anyone has food allergies or dietary restrictions before you finalize the menu.
- Plan snacks. Trail mix, granola bars, dried fruit, and jerky keep energy levels up between meals.
You will dive much deeper into menu planning in Requirement 8c — Menu Planning.
Scouting America Planning Worksheet An official worksheet to help organize your patrol's campout planning, including duty roster and menu sections.