My First Night Cooking in the Camp Kitchen
I’m sitting in my favorite chair, dressed for comfort, laptop warming my legs, and my feet resting on a soft footrest. It’s amazing how small comforts help after a busy day in the kitchen. Each minute that my feet stay elevated, the soreness eases a little.
You might think I’ve been training for a marathon by the way I talk about aches and tiredness, but the truth is simpler: I spent the day cooking. Today was my first night helping in our camp kitchen, and the experience was far more intense and rewarding than I expected.
If I’m honest, I was absolutely terrified before service began. The idea of coordinating food for a group, keeping pace in a commercial-style kitchen, and making sure everything arrived on time felt overwhelming. I promised myself I wouldn’t let the guests see how nervous I was, and thankfully the evening went smoothly enough that they didn’t.
Now that the counters are clean and the last dish is put away, I can reflect on the day with gratitude. There were small victories and a few humbling moments, and I learned a lot in a short time. With breakfast just a few hours away and a stack of eggs that need scrambling, I wanted to capture the lessons and moments that stood out to me.
- Gratitude for Connie. I couldn’t have taken on this role without Connie. She is a trained cook with years of experience and spent three days teaching me the essentials: menu planning, the flow of a commercial kitchen, ordering, and practical systems that keep service running. Her guidance and encouragement gave me the confidence to step into the role. She’ll continue to help with planning and ordering, which is a huge relief.
- Learning to bake bread. One of the most memorable parts of training was learning to shape and bake bread. Connie is clearly passionate about baking and guided me through the process with patience. Watching her handle dough so effortlessly was an honor. I tried to copy her technique exactly, but my first loaves looked more like dog bones than artisan boules—still delicious, though, and a reminder that practice matters.
Even imperfect bread brings so much warmth to a meal. That immediate feedback—people enjoying homemade bread—was one of the most encouraging parts of the evening.
- The kitchen looks bright and welcoming. The space was recently painted and the fresh color lifts everyone’s mood. I hope to share photos of the finished space when I have a moment—right after I catch my breath and blow my nose!
- Hygiene rules can be awkward but necessary. I’m not a fan of hair nets, but I fully understand why they’re required. I opted for a hat instead; it looks a little odd on me, but I’d rather look silly than have hair in the food. If you see me wearing it, be kind—you can tell me it looks great.
- Kids and comfort food. Teenagers tended to gravitate toward simple favorites: Caesar salad and warm, homemade bread disappeared fast. Seeing plates cleared so eagerly reminded me that good, straightforward dishes feed more than hunger—they nourish community.
- Portion planning matters. The demand for bread and salad taught me a practical lesson: make more than you think you’ll need. It’s better to have an extra loaf than to run out mid-service.
- Helpers make a difference. Having an enthusiastic kitchen assistant transforms a long day into a manageable, even fun, shift. Physical tasks like lifting heavy boxes are easier with help. Thanks to Travis, who volunteered to help on my first day—your bravery and muscle power were invaluable.
The day ended on a high note. The guests were satisfied, the kitchen was spotless, and I went to bed tired but proud. Tomorrow’s breakfast will come early, and I’ll be back at the stove with another stack of eggs and a fresh perspective. For now, I’m grateful for the support, the lessons, and the small comforts that help me recover—like this chair, this laptop, and the memory of warm bread straight from the oven.
There will be more learning ahead, and I’m looking forward to refining recipes, improving timing, and growing more comfortable with the flow of camp cooking. Today was a great beginning.