Episode 14: Show notes
On a bright summer day, I wanted to share memories and lessons from summer camp—specifically, the unexpected education that comes from camping in the woods. I didn’t grow up as a camper; in fact, I was first introduced to woods life at age 22. In this episode I tell stories about how we ended up leading teenagers at a remote camp, what I learned watching experienced leaders, and the practical camping tips that stuck with me. Stick around for the tale of a beloved camp recipe that made its way into our family kitchen.
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Camping in the Woods? What’s that?
Although camping wouldn’t have been listed among my natural talents, I found myself packing up our small duplex shortly before our first wedding anniversary and driving a large blue Ford Granada to a year-round camp in Canada. I arrived with enthusiasm, a healthy dose of naivety, and zero expectations about what full-time camp life would teach me.
I grew up on the prairies of Montana as a farmer’s daughter. Summers meant long hours in the fields for my father, with my mother preserving the harvest and bringing meals to the workers. My own summer memories often involve the town pool and, later, my first summer job flipping burgers and serving ice cream at the local Tastee Hut. Camping in the woods was an entirely different world.
In this episode I talk about arriving at Woodsman Camp, staff training (including an unexpectedly intense canoeing class), how the camp was set up, and what it taught me about leadership, logistics, and community. I also share how one simple dessert—camp favorite butterscotch brownies—became a family staple.
Parts of this Podcast Episode on Woodsman Camp
- Why we chose to work at a year-round camp and how we got there
- Staff training and the canoeing lessons that tested my limits
- A description of Woodsman Camp’s layout, routines, and daily rhythms
- Practical camping skills learned from seasoned leaders and how to lead teens safely and confidently
- The story behind the most popular camp treat—Butterscotch Brownies—and how the recipe became a family favorite
Resources referenced in the episode
- Butterscotch Brownies recipe (featured on Harbour Breeze Home)
- Recipes newsletter list (Harbour Breeze Home newsletter)
- Photos of the Woodsman Camp kitchen tent and camp scenes (featured on Harbour Breeze Home)
Listen to the episode for personal anecdotes about late-night campfires, the mechanics of running programs for teens, and the small, practical skills—knot-tying, gear organization, meal prep—that make camping in the woods manageable and memorable.
More about our Podcast
The Harbour Breeze Home podcast is hosted by Rita Joy, creator of the Harbour Breeze Home blog. With a warm, conversational style, Rita shares stories, practical tips, and small design and homemaking ideas to help your home look and feel its best. New episodes are released regularly on Mondays.
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