Nobody eats like a Scout.
Upper Crust, a food service management company with roots in serving college fraternities and sororities, provides meals for Scouting America camps. Upper Crust’s vice president of strategic partnerships, Shana Smith, says even college students can’t keep up with active kids when it comes to refueling.
“Campers are burning a tremendous amount of calories every day,” Smith says. “They’re active all day long, they’re still growing and they eat differently than other groups. You have to make sure you’re providing the right nutrition, hydration and portions to support that.”
Returning to the Scouting America National Annual Meeting (NAM) this month as a presenting sponsor for 2026, Upper Crust demonstrates how a deep understanding of the Scouting experience can elevate something as essential as food service. Its growth into the Scout camping world has been intentional, driven by a genuine appreciation for what makes Scouting unique.
Rather than treating camp food service like a one-size-fits-all operation, Smith says Upper Crust tailors its approach to the realities of Scouting life — from the high energy demands of campers to the traditions that make each camp unique. That attention to detail is a reason Upper Crust has become a trusted partner for camps nationwide. Upper Crust works closely with dietitians to ensure menus meet nutritional standards, while also training staff specifically for the camp environment.
But beyond logistics and menus, Upper Crust has embraced the broader Scouting experience in ways that go beyond the kitchen.
In July, that commitment will be on display at the National Scout Jamboree, where Upper Crust will participate for the first time as a sponsor and exhibitor. The Jamboree provides an opportunity for the company to connect directly with Scouts and leaders from across the country. It’s also a milestone in a growing relationship with Scouting America.
“We’re really excited about Jamboree,” she says. “Not only will we be there as a sponsor, but we’re also going to be involved in delivering parts of the Cooking merit badge. That’s something we’re passionate about — sharing what we know and helping Scouts build skills.”
Upper Crust doesn’t just arrive, serve meals and leave. It partners with camp leadership to manage the full food service operation, from staffing and menu planning to daily execution and ongoing support throughout the season. After camp concludes, Upper Crust management holds post-season debriefings to review performance, identify opportunities for improvement and help make the dining experience stronger.
Smith also notes that Scouting has had a positive impact on Upper Crust’s internal culture. The company has seen increasing interest from staff who want to work at camps during the summer, often driven by word of mouth from colleagues who had a great experience. Smith and members of the Upper Crust team also serve as merit badge counselors, allowing them to work directly with Scouts on cooking requirements. That enthusiasm ensures that Scouts receive not just quality meals but also friendly, engaged service from people who understand the importance of their role.
As Scouting America continues to grow, partnerships like the one with Upper Crust are crucial to delivering a quality experience for Scouts.
Upper Crust’s return to sponsor the 2026 NAM (May 11-15) in Dallas — combined with its first-ever participation in the National Scout Jamboree — shows a commitment that highlights the value of partners who support Scouting. Upper Crust goes a step further by participating in the Scouting movement.
Meet the 2026 NAM platinum sponsor
Black Pug Software
Black Pug has always been more than just a registration tool. Its Scouting Event system is a comprehensive management engine that handles everything from payment tracking and member validation to a seamless check-in process and event close-out. And that’s only the beginning. Whether you need a full-scale weekend camping module, an integrated online store with inventory tracking or a robust point-of-sale system, everything is designed to keep your council running smoothly.
Meet the 2026 NAM silver sponsors
Scouting America is proud to partner with the following silver-level sponsors for this year’s annual meeting:
Colorado Tent Company
Colorado Tent Company has been crafting canvas tents and goods in Denver since 1890 — the same craft and the same commitment to gear that holds up in the field. For more than a century, Scouts across the country have relied on their wall tents and camp equipment built to withstand seasons of hard use. Colorado Tent Company is proud to support Scouting America as a manufacturing partner.
Microsoft Elevate
Microsoft Elevate centers on people in AI, investing $4 billion over five years and aiming to credential 20 million learners in the next two years, supporting education, nonprofits and government partners with AI skills and resources.
Symbol Arts
Symbol Arts specializes in creating personalized awards, badges and other promotional products that help honor and recognize the people who make a difference.
