I’ve just come back from six days of cooking at Woodsman Camp for a lively group of 45 teenagers. I’m sitting here enjoying the fresh scent of Downy on my clothes and the memory of clean, blow-dried hair—definitely not the smell of smoke. The week was full, messy, and incredibly rewarding: long days in the camp kitchen, rain and sun, and the simple joy of feeding hungry campers.
While I was away, a lovely mention of my post about my mom appeared on a popular blog, and the thoughtful comments left by readers warmed my heart. Thank you to everyone who shared their own stories of love and letting go—your words mean a lot.
Before I collapse into a well-deserved nap, I want to share what camp cooking at Woodsman Camp looked like this year. My husband and I have lived and worked at camp for two decades, and many of my earliest real camping memories were made in this very place. That history makes every trip back feel like coming home.
The first few days were, as is often the case, soaked in rain—this time at an almost epic level. Trails turned into slimy paths, tarps overhead took the brunt of the storm, and hot chocolate was a nightly necessity. I was profoundly grateful for my waterproof, fur-lined boots and the hoodie I tied to keep my head warm. I didn’t risk taking pictures during the worst of it; I wasn’t about to put my camera in danger.
Then, gloriously, the weather changed. The sun came out and stayed, revealing the bright, cheerful side of camp life: warm mornings, outdoor meals, and the ease of cooking with a smiling sky above.
Key Elements of the Woodsman Camp Kitchen
Our camp kitchen is a delight for anyone who enjoys feeding a crowd. It has been custom-built over the years to support efficient camp cooking while keeping a rustic, outdoorsy charm. Here are the key features that make it work:
- Walk-in pantry shed: A proper walk-in pantry in the woods is a luxury—shelves stocked with dry goods and bulk supplies make meal planning and prep much easier.
- Dish-washing station with instant propane hot water: Clean dishes are essential for serving healthy meals to dozens of people. Having hot water on demand speeds up cleanup and keeps everyone safe.
- Propane stove with built-in griddle and oven: A reliable cooking surface and oven allow us to prepare a wide range of hearty camp menus, from pancakes and bacon to roasts and casseroles.
- Custom open cupboard unit: Open shelving keeps pots, pans, and utensils within reach. This unit folds up for winter storage—practical for a seasonal camp.
- Long buffet serving table and covered seating for 50+: A shaded dining area with a long serving table makes feeding large groups manageable and helps create a communal mealtime atmosphere.
Cooking at camp is an all-day affair: prep in the morning, steady service through meals, and cleanup that often stretches into the evening. The payoff is worth it—fresh air, lots of activity, and campers with hearty appetites make the hard work feel meaningful. The gratitude and lively energy of teenagers at camp are some of the best rewards a camp cook can receive.
One quiet morning, when the teens were off on their own adventures, my husband and I sipped coffee together in peaceful contentment, taking a moment to appreciate the lake view and the stillness around us. Those small, calm interludes between the busyness are precious.
Yes—glamping, indeed. When a camp kitchen includes creature comforts and thoughtful design, it brings a touch of glamour to traditional camp cooking while keeping the spirit of the outdoors alive.
Woodsman Camp Memories
My most treasured memory from the week doesn’t have a photo. Lying in my tent one night, drifting toward sleep, I heard the campers begin to sing softly:
“The Lord loves me, and oh, what a wonder I see, a rainbow shines through my window, The Lord loves me…”
In the stillness of a moonlit woods, those voices carried like the purest music. There’s nothing quite like the simple, shared faith and song of young people gathered around a campfire or tucked into tents—those moments stick with you.
Other Woodsman Camp Posts
- Fireside Songs and Butterscotch Brownies (podcast)
- Summer Camp Cooking at Woodsman Camp (memories)