Some of the best family memories start with a simple idea — everyone in one place, cooking something good, and taking the time to enjoy it together. Family Camp Kitchen Night is your reason for making that happen.

It’s easy to set up, fun to make your own, and built around gear that helps families slow down without slowing the fun. The Camp Cooking & Dessert Bundle includes everything you need for a cozy night together — from the Dutch oven that holds dinner to the freeze-dried ice cream that ends it with a laugh.

There’s no complicated prep or expensive ingredients here. Just real food, real connection, and the reminder that the best moments are the ones you make together.

If that sounds like a night your family would love, keep reading to see how to bring Family Camp Kitchen Night to life — and how sharing your favorite recipe could win you a $100 Scout Shop Gift Card!

Food brings people together like nothing else. It's no secret that cooking together improves communication, teamwork, and trust. It helps kids feel confident and parents feel connected.

But more than that, it’s a break from routine. Family Camp Kitchen Night fits right into things families do together at home — real meals, real time, real memories. Scouts already know that food cooked outdoors always tastes better. This tradition brings that same feeling home, whether you’re using a mini stove or your kitchen range.

It’s simple: no screens, no distractions, just a shared meal and a little adventure. That’s why families love this night.

Here’s how to make it happen step by step, using the Camp Cooking & Dessert Bundle (20% OFF) to help make the holidays a little warmer, tastier, and more connected. Each item was handpicked to make cooking together comfortable, easy, and meaningful.

1. Plan your menu – Start with The Scout’s Deck of Outdoor Recipe Cards. Pick a few favorites — something hearty, something sweet, maybe even something new. The cards include easy family meals you can make outdoors and healthy family meals you can make outdoors that work whether you’re camping or in the backyard.
2. Set up your kitchen space – Use the Near Zero Mini Stove for quick cooking anywhere. Pair it with the 6-Qt Dutch Oven, large enough for a family of four. Line it with Lodge Dutch Oven Liners (8-Pack) to make cleanup fast and frustration-free.
3. Cook together – Everyone gets a job: stirring, chopping, watching the fire. These family team-building activities for adults and kids keep everyone engaged and make cooking feel like play. If you’re working on parent-child bonding activities in school, this is a hands-on way to keep that teamwork going at home.
4. Share a meal, share your stories – Sit down and eat together. Talk about your favorite Scout trips, a new skill learned, or a recipe passed down through generations. Encourage everyone to share one new meal they want to try next time.
5. Add dessert with a twist – Wrap up your night with an Astronaut Freeze-Dried Ice Cream Sandwich, the same real ice cream developed for NASA missions. It’s freeze-dried for easy storage, needs no refrigeration, and is ready to eat straight from the pouch. Crunchy, sweet, and a little unexpected, it turns dessert into a story your family will actually remember. Kids love novelty, parents love nostalgia, and everyone loves that it tastes like it is out of this world.

There’s no rush, no schedule — just good food, laughter, and time spent together. Before you know it, Family Camp Kitchen Night becomes a tradition everyone looks forward to, no matter what time of year. 

Every piece in this bundle was chosen to make cooking outdoors feel easy any time of year. The stove and Dutch oven handle everything from pancakes to chili. The liners make cleanup quick, and the recipe cards keep the menu simple. Even the freeze-dried ice cream adds a little fun after dinner. Whether it’s a backyard night or a weekend away, this gear makes every meal feel like an adventure.

Price Breakdown

Cooking outside with your family is equal parts chaos and magic. Things burn, someone forgets a spoon, and somehow — it always ends with everyone laughing and full. That’s the point. You’re not aiming for perfect. You’re aiming for together.

Here’s how to make it easier, safer, and a lot more fun:

• Prep before you leave - Chop onions, pre-measure spices, and pack sauces in small containers at home. When everyone’s hungry at camp, you’ll be glad you did.
• Master your heat – Whether cooking over a burner or a campfire, steady heat is your best friend. Keep flames low and consistent so food cooks evenly instead of scorching. If you’re using a campfire, let flames burn down to coals before cooking.
• Use heavy cookware – Thin pans scorch food fast. Cast iron or thick aluminum holds heat better, making outdoor cooking more forgiving.
• Keep kids busy - Even the youngest ones can stir, wrap foil, or hand you tools. Give everyone a job. Cooking turns into teamwork whenever everyone has a role.
• Control your heat zones – Think of your campfire or stove like a stovetop: one side for boiling, another for simmering. Move pots around as needed to keep food cooking evenly.
• Bring a backup meal – Stuff happens. Fires die, wind picks up, and food falls in the dirt. Pack something quick — soup, pasta, or sandwiches — for your “plan B.”
• Finish fresh – Add herbs, cheese, or citrus at the end. Fresh toppings bring life to even the simplest camp meal.

Outdoor meals aren’t supposed to look perfect. They’re supposed to look like real life — a little smoky, slightly messy, and full of people you love.

Cooking isn’t just about the food — it’s about what happens around it. Every stir, taste, and laugh adds up to something bigger. Experts in family bonding activities therapy say shared experiences like these help families communicate better, lower stress, and feel more connected.

That’s exactly what Family Camp Kitchen Night is meant to do. Scouts learn teamwork, patience, and problem-solving outdoors — and this tradition brings those lessons home. Parents guide, kids experiment, and everyone ends up learning something about each other along the way.

There’s no rush, no schedule — just good food, laughter, and time spent together. Before you know it, Family Camp Kitchen Night becomes a tradition everyone looks forward to!

When the food’s gone and the night starts to fade, capture the moment that made it special. Take a photo of your family cooking or gathered around your meal — your Dutch oven steaming, recipe cards scattered on the table, and maybe a few smiles you’ll want to remember.

Then tag us @ScoutShopBSA on Instagram or Facebook and share your favorite recipe or story from the night. Whether it’s something new you discovered or an old family favorite, your post enters you for a chance to win a $100 Scout Shop Gift Card to use toward your next adventure.

We’ll feature families throughout the holiday season who are making Family Camp Kitchen Night part of their own Moments That Matter tradition. Your story could inspire someone else to start theirs.

How much does the Family Camp Kitchen Night Bundle cost?
Bought separately, the items total $148.34 $118.67 with your 20% bundle discount, saving you $29.67. This outdoor cooking bundle gives families everything they need for a simple, fun camp kitchen setup.

What’s included in the Family Camp Kitchen Night Bundle?
Each bundle includes:

• Camp Recipes & Meal Planning Cards 

• Mini Stove 

• 6-Qt Dutch Oven 

• Dutch Oven Liners (10-pack) 

• Freeze-Dried Ice Cream Sandwich 

Is this camp cooking gear beginner-friendly?
Yes. The Family Camp Kitchen Night Bundle is designed for first-time campers and families learning outdoor cooking. The mini stove lights quickly, the Dutch oven holds steady heat, and the liners make cleanup fast and easy.

Can I use this camping cookware in my backyard or at home?
Absolutely. Every piece works just as well for a backyard dinner, Scout event, or tailgate cookout. The bundle is portable, compact, and easy to pack for any outdoor meal.

What can I cook in the 6-quart Dutch oven?
The Dutch oven is perfect for stews, cobblers, chili, or baked desserts. It holds heat evenly and works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner recipes on coals, grills, or camp stoves.

Do the Dutch oven liners really help?
Yes. They prevent food from sticking and cut cleanup time in half. Just lift out the liner when you’re done cooking—no scrubbing required.

Is the freeze-dried ice cream worth it?
It’s a fun dessert for kids and Scouts. No freezer needed, and it’s the perfect way to end your camp meal with a smile.

Can I reuse the recipe cards?
Yes. They’re durable, easy to wipe clean, and made for long-term use. Each card includes quick prep steps and Scout-friendly meal ideas for every season.