Hi friends — I’ve missed you. It feels like not long ago I announced I was stepping away from cooking at camp, but that break lasted just two weeks. Before I knew it, I was back in the camp kitchen where my presence was needed.
Summer at camp is full-on. We’re now cooking for between 170 and 220 people per meal, and those numbers change how you plan, prep, and serve. The first week back was a whirlwind that scared the life out of me, but gradually we found a workable rhythm. The stress eased as routines settled into place, and I was blessed with wonderful helpers and a dear friend who graciously covers one of my days off each week so I can rest. Their support has made all the difference.
Blogging time has been scarce. My focus has always leaned toward budget-friendly home décor projects, but with the camp kitchen filling most of my days, there hasn’t been much room for DIY adventures. For now, I’m sharing snapshots and updates from life at camp and at home — little glimpses of the community, the food, and the people who make these summers meaningful. I’m toying with a “photo of the day” series from the camp kitchen; it could be a fun way to document this season of cooking, serving, and fellowship.
I recently transferred photos from my camera to the computer and was surprised at how many moments were waiting to be shared. Our camp celebrated its 70th anniversary on June 22, and the other staff wives poured so much care into every detail. From simple decorations to thoughtfully arranged programs, the celebration reflected decades of memories and community. It was a rare break from kitchen duty, which gave me time to visit, catch up, and enjoy the company of longtime friends and newer faces alike.
That anniversary weekend also coincided with Quadra Island’s annual garden and quilt tour. My friend Sue’s yard and garden were showcased as part of the tour, and her place was a peaceful, beautiful respite. I took several photos there — vivid flowers, neat garden paths, and the kind of details that make a garden feel like home. I’ll share more pictures from the garden tour in a dedicated post, because the images deserve a longer look.
One of the highlights this summer was having all our boys home at the same time for a few weeks. We squeezed in a family photo session about half an hour before the oldest left to return to Alberta. The resulting images are full of laughter, sighs, and the easy chaos that comes with capturing everyone’s personality all at once. We eventually managed a picture with all of us in the same place at the same time — a small miracle and a treasured memory.
There’s comfort in routine, even when the routine is as demanding as feeding a whole camp. Planning menus for 170–220 people challenges you to be practical and creative at the same time: balancing nutrition, variety, and the realities of large-scale food prep. I’m learning new strategies all the time, and the teamwork in the kitchen has been inspiring. The cooks, servers, and volunteers who show up each day make the dining experience at camp something special.
Thank you for coming along on this little update. I’ll try to post more photos and short stories from camp life — the meals, the people, and the small, everyday moments that make summer at camp memorable. Wishing you a wonderful summer filled with good food, good company, and a few quiet moments to breathe.