Light weight camping stoves are a recent addition to Scouting. They fit nicely with compliance of Leave No Trace -- meals can be cooked in the outdoors without denuding the forest. Camping Merit Badge
now requires that the Scout explain the safety procedures for using a
propane or butane/propane stove, using a liquid fuel stove, and proper
storage of extra fuel. The Scout needs to understand the advantages
and disadvantages of the different types of lightweight cooking stoves
and has to prepare a camp menu and cook at least one breakfast, one
lunch, and one dinner for their patrol from this menu. At least one of
the meals has to be a trail meal.
The Boy Scouts of America has very specific policies on camp stoves in Section VII of Guide to Safe Scouting - Fuels and Fire Prevention. Scouting Magazine has a great article, Outdoor Smarts Camp Stoves, that compares and contrasts camp stoves and Boy's Life gives some good tips of purchasing stoves in the article Backpacking Stoves Buying Guide.
The Zen Backpacking Stove site is an excellent resource for learning about stoves, fuels, accessories, and safety.
Backpackgeartest.org is THE site for reviews on backpacking stoves, both store bought and home made.
Whether you buy a stove or make your own, remember that extra care needs to be taken to stay safe when using a camp stove.