By Jessica Gestwicki—
MUNCIE, IN – Boy Scout Troop 22 will be dishing up heaping helpings of BBQ and fixings at its 30th Annual Hog Roast fundraiser at the Delaware County Fairgrounds, Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 11am to 6pm.
Proceeds will help the troop prepare for a challenging backcountry experience at Philmont Scout Ranch, BSA’s high-adventure base in New Mexico. Funds will also offset rising participation costs so scouting opportunities remain available to all.
Besides the great food, Scouts will be collecting worn, tattered, or faded flags for the Scouts’ “Retire Your Flag” Drive. They will be demonstrating skills in First Aid and Fire Building.
Tickets are $12/adults and $5/kids aged 5-10.
The troop has proudly eliminated foam plates and plastic silverware to become more “conservation-minded”, a point of the Scout’s Outdoor Code. ScrapCycle, a composting service in Muncie and Yorktown, works with the troop to collect and compost all the food waste and paper goods.
Troop 22 has served the community since 1951, but first served pork BBQ in 1991, piggybacking on the Hamilton Township Volunteer Fire Department’s successful event.
“Steve McCoy, Assistant Scoutmaster, was friends with a lot of the firemen. He got the idea — we wanted a fundraiser that would take the place of selling other stuff — so we’ve partnered with Hamilton Township since Day One,” remembered then-Scoutmaster Joe Oliver, Jr.
Scouts continue to work shifts at the fire department’s event in exchange for use of their equipment.
The troop has always had a particular interest in teaching boys how to cook from scratch, so a BBQ party was a natural extension. The scout-made applesauce has become a signature dish that gets rave reviews.
A favorite tradition is the annual Cast Iron Chef cooking competition. As for every campout, each patrol is is responsible for planning their meals and grocery shopping within their budget — but with a twist! Their dinner plan must accommodate a “mystery protein” that is only revealed to the scouts that afternoon. The secret ingredient has been as mundane as SPAM and as exotic as ground camel. Meals are judged on nutrition, appearance, and taste.
Boy Scout Troop 22 has been recognized for exceeding standards in camping, training, and troop advancement. Scouts plan monthly outings to practice outdoor and leadership skills, earning the troop the nickname, “The Outdoors Troop”. Any interested boys aged 11-17 are welcome to attend a Monday meeting. Visit theoutdoorstroop.org for more information.
