Ben Bob's Cast Iron Camporee

Master Outdoor Cooking with Cast Iron

Whether you're looking to sharpen your outdoor cooking skills, complete rank requirements, or learn how to teach others, Ben Bob's Cast Iron Camporee is the perfect weekend adventure. Held at Camp Loud Thunder, this hands-on camporee combines practical cooking instruction with fun outdoor experiences, giving youth and adults valuable skills they can use in Scouting and beyond.

Participants will spend the weekend cooking with cast iron, learning techniques for preparing meals over an outdoor fire, and gaining confidence in one of Scouting's most rewarding outdoor traditions. Youth participants will work on selected Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, and Cooking Merit Badge requirements while enjoying a weekend of camping and fellowship. Adults will learn effective teaching methods to help Scouts complete cooking-related rank advancement and merit badge requirements within their own units.

Who Should Attend?

• Scouts BSA youth
• Venturing youth
• Adult Scouters interested in outdoor cooking instruction

During the weekend, youth participants will:

• Complete portions of Second Class and First Class rank requirements.
• Prepare for additional cooking-related requirements to finish with their troop.
• Learn skills that apply toward portions of the Cooking Merit Badge.
• Build confidence using cast iron cookware and outdoor cooking methods.

Adults will gain practical instruction on:

• Teaching outdoor cooking skills.
• Coaching Scouts through cooking-related rank advancement.
• Supporting Scouts as they work toward the Cooking Merit Badge.

Event Information

• Date: August 22–23, 2026
• Time: Saturday at 8:00 AM through Sunday at 3:00 PM
• Location: Camp Loud Thunder, 9906 175th St. W., Illinois City, IL
• Cost: $45 per Scout (includes program supplies, camping, meals, and an event apron)

Registration

Online registration closes Thursday, August 20, 2026, at midnight. Register through the Illowa Council events page.