I’ve just returned from six days of cooking in the woods for 45 teenagers. I’m sitting here savoring the scent of Downy on my clothes (definitely not smoke) and enjoying the feel of clean, blow-dried hair. It’s a small luxury after a week of camp life.
While I was away I discovered that the ladies over At The Picket Fence featured my post about my mom. Your kind comments and shared stories of loving and letting go have touched my heart—thank you for your encouragement and for sharing your journeys with me.
Before I collapse into a very long nap, here’s a recap of what we did. My husband and I have lived and worked at a camp for twenty years, and the spot I’ve just returned from was where my first real camping experiences began. This week brought a mix of weather, hard work, and quiet rewards.
The first few days were, as usual, rainy—only this time the rain arrived in epic proportions. Muddy paths turned the trails into slippery ribbons, rain hammered against overhead tarps, and hot chocolate became a necessary ritual. I was grateful for my waterproof, fur-lined boots and a hoodie I could cinch tight to keep warm through damp evenings.
I don’t have photos from those wet days; I wasn’t willing to risk my camera out in the downpour. But then, gloriously, the sun returned and stayed.
Last year I learned the term “glamping,” short for glamorous camping. The idea of posh tents with French linens and chef-prepared lakeside meals is amusing—yet this week I found myself calling what I did “glamping” as well. Cooking for fifty people in the woods with a well-equipped camp kitchen felt unexpectedly elegant in its own practical way.
Key Elements of the Woodsman Camp Kitchen
- Walk-in pantry shed — A custom-built pantry makes a huge difference when you’re feeding dozens. Shelves full of staples and equipment mean fewer trips back to the supply tent and more time spent cooking.
- Dishwashing station with instant propane hot water — An efficient washing area with reliable hot water keeps dishes moving and volunteers smiling, which is essential when meal service is continuous.
- Propane stove with built-in griddle and oven — A sturdy propane range brings versatility and reliability to camp cooking. From pancakes at dawn to roasted casseroles at night, having a dependable heat source changes what you can prepare outdoors.
- Custom fold-up open cupboards — Open shelving that folds for winter storage keeps cookware and dry goods organized while protecting everything from wildlife and the elements during the off-season.
- Long buffet serving table and covered seating for 50+ — A generous serving table under a tarp and ample seating let everyone eat together comfortably, rain or shine. It turns mealtime into a communal, joyful event.
Cooking outdoors is a pleasure: fresh air and long days of activity build hearty appetites, and the teens’ gratitude makes the work especially rewarding. Meals at camp become part of the rhythm of the day—breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner—each one requiring planning, prep, and plenty of hands.
Even with full days of service, there are quiet pockets of peace. One morning, when the teens were all off on an activity, my husband and I sat together over a slow cup of coffee and simply looked out.
This was our view:
Simple moments like that—warm coffee, a calm lake, and the quiet between mealtimes—are part of why camp life feels special. Yes, glamping of a sort.
Woodsman Camp Memories
My most treasured memory of the week doesn’t have a photograph. Lying in my tent one night as I drifted off, I heard the kids begin to sing together in the dark:
“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 night in the woods, that simple song carried through the trees. There is no sound more beautiful than a group of young voices lifted in gratitude and wonder. It was a reminder of why we keep coming back to this place—to share food, to build community, and to mark the small, sacred moments that happen when people gather outdoors.
Other Woodsman Camp Posts
- Fireside Songs and Butterscotch Brownies (podcast)
- Summer Camp Cooking at Woodsman Camp (memories)
