Cooking Adventure at Woodsman Camp Kitchen

After a six-day cooking stint outdoors for 45 adolescents, I am enjoying the clean scent of Downy, not smoke, and freshly blown-dry hair.

I saw that the women at At The Picket Fence shared my post about my mother while I was away; your kind comments truly moved me. Thank you for sharing your own experiences of love and release.

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Before I take a very long rest, I want to share what I've been doing. As you might know, my husband and I have been at a camp for 20 years; my initial true camping experiences happened at this recent location.

The initial days were wet, as is typical, but this time it was exceptionally so. The trails were slick mud, rain beat down on the overhead tarps, and we had plenty of hot chocolate. I was so thankful for my waterproof fur-lined boots and hoodie, which I kept tucked around my head for nighttime warmth.

You won't find photos from those days because I worried about my camera and didn't risk using it.

However, then—what a wonderful day—the sun appeared and has remained out.

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Last year, I learned the term “glamping,” which means 'glamorous camping.' An article I read described upscale, designer tents with French linens and gourmet chef lakeside meals. I found it interesting, and the word makes me chuckle; I've decided to call my recent cooking 'glamping' too.

Essential Features of the Woodsman Camp Kitchen

Walk-in Pantry Shed It's rare to find a custom kitchen like this in the woods, complete with a walk-in pantry.

2. Dish washing station with instant (propane) hot water ,

3. A lovely propane stove (featuring a built-in griddle) and oven,

4. A tailored open cupboard unit that folds for easy winter storage (apologies, I didn't time to style it…),

4. A long buffet serving table and seating under a tarp for 50+…

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Cooking for people in the woods is a joy. The fresh air and activity create strong appetites, and the children were very grateful and appreciative, which is nice.

The days were certainly hectic, with cooking being a near all-day commitment. Yet, one morning when the teens were out, my husband and I enjoyed a quiet coffee…