Woodsman Camp Life: Campfire Songs and Butterscotch Brownies

Episode 14: Show notes

With the sun high and the sky bright, this episode turns to memories of summer camp and the practical life lessons learned there. I didn’t discover camping in the woods until I was 22, and that late start led to plenty of surprises. Stay with me to hear how we ended up leading teenagers at a remote camp, the lessons I learned watching seasoned campers at work, and a few simple, time-tested tips that make life at camp run smoothly.

Listen to Episode:

Camping in the Woods? What’s that??

Camping was never a lifelong pursuit for me — in fact, I didn’t sleep overnight in the woods until my early twenties. Yet, by our first wedding anniversary I found myself packing up our little duplex and driving a big blue Ford Granada to a year-round camp in Canada. That leap into the unknown became the start of some of the richest learning experiences I’ve had.

I arrived with almost no camping experience, a lot of curiosity, and a willingness to try anything. I had no idea what working full-time at a camp would demand: long days outside, problem-solving on the fly, and the constant responsibility of looking after young people.

My upbringing was very different. I grew up on the Montana plains as a farmer’s daughter. Summers meant hard work in the fields for my father while my mother tended the garden, canned produce, and brought food out to the men working long hours. My own summer memories include cool relief at the town pool until I landed my first job flipping burgers and serving ice cream cones at the local Tastee Hut.

The contrast between that childhood and life at camp was striking. Camps teach you practical skills fast — how to handle a canoe, manage a meal line, lead a group of teens, and make community life both safe and fun. In this episode I share stories about learning those skills, the mentors who taught me, and how simple camp routines translate into lessons for everyday life.

Click PLAY to hear the full episode and the rest of the stories from Woodsman Camp.

What you’ll hear in this episode

• Why we chose to work at a year-round camp and how that decision changed our lives
• Staff training details — including the canoeing lessons I took as a complete beginner
• A clear description of Woodsman Camp and how the site and programs were organized
• Practical camping and leadership techniques learned from experienced camp staff
• The popular camp recipe for butterscotch brownies and how it became a beloved family treat

Links mentioned in this episode

• Butterscotch Brownies Recipe
• Recipes Newsletter List
• Photos of the Woodsman Camp kitchen tent and camp life

More about our Podcast

The Harbour Breeze Home podcast is hosted by Rita Joy, the voice behind the Harbour Breeze Home blog. Rita uses storytelling and lighthearted conversations to share practical tips for making your home feel welcoming and well cared for. Expect new episodes on Mondays, each one designed to inspire small, achievable steps that make a big difference at home.

Subscribe On:

More episodes you might enjoy: