Girl Guides in WW2 had to be prepared at all time and part of this was to build an emergency oven and cook food for the community directly after an air raid. This is a 2 part exercise for Guildes help over 2 evening . The objects of this exercise:

1. Understanding rationing during WW2.
2. Planning and co-ordination.
3. To light a fire and make a cup of tea within 20 minutes (preferably hot!).
4. To make a hot cooked meal for four people, using only what was available in times of rationing.
5. Cook something to go with the meal, (pudding, bread dampers, an accompaniment) .
6. To clear away and wash up everything.

The activities take place over two evenings:

Evening 1 To start with we do a 30 minute talk/presentation with hundreds of original photos of what Girl Guides did in WW2, focusing on the Blitz, the results and what the Guides did to help with providing emergency cooking, help and refreshments for victims and helpers. We cover rationing, what was on ration what was not, how it all worked and a general overview, plus ideas on how to cook on a open fire.

For the remaining time of the meeting, we give them a list of non-rationed goods, some basic ideas, several original recipes, along with a planning list (who does what, buying the food, what to cook, who lights the fire, food prep, etc.).

Evening 2 We returned to watch/advise with the challenge and to mark it. The winning patrol will be presented with a prize.