“Glamping” at the Woodsman Camp Kitchen

I’ve just returned from spending 6 days cooking in the woods for  45 teenagers.  I’m sitting here savouring the smell of clothes with Downy scent (not smoke!) and clean, blow-dried hair.

And, I’ve just discovered the ladies over At The Picket Fence featured my post about my mom while I was gone. The sweet comments you  left me have touched my heart.  Thank you for sharing your own journeys of loving and letting go.

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Before I settle in for a (really) long nap, I want to tell you what I’ve been up to.  As you may (or may not) know, my husband and I have lived/ worked at a camp for 20 years.  My first “real” camping experiences began then, at the location I’ve just returned from.

The first few days were –as per usual – rainy.  But, this time, it was the epic proportion variety.  The paths were slimy mud trails, the rain pounded down on the overhead tarps, and hot chocolate was consumed in large proportions.   I became extremely grateful for my waterproof fur-lined boots and hoodie that I tied securely around my head to stay warm at night.

You’ll notice I have no pictures of those days.  Honestly, I was afraid for my camera’s life and I dared not remove it.

But THEN – oh, glorious day! – the sun came out and has been out to stay.

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Last year I was introduced to the term “glamping”.  It refers to a new trend of “glamorous camping”.  The article I read on it featured posh, designer tents with French linens and lakeside meals were provided by gourmet chefs.  I found the whole thing fascinating, and the term just makes me laugh…  I decided that I’m going to call the cooking I just did “glamping” too…

Key Elements of the Woodsman Camp Kitchen

1. Walk-in Pantry Shed It’s not every day you can go out in the woods and find a custom built kitchen like this – complete with a walk-in pantry,

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

3. A beautiful propane stove (with built-in griddle) and oven,

4. A custom built open cupboard unit that folds up for easy winter storage (sorry, but I didn’t take time to stage it…),

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

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It is a delight to cook for people in the woods.  All the fresh air and exercise makes hearty appetites, and the kids have been grateful and appreciative– which is also nice.

Obviously, the days are busy and cooking is sort of an all-day affair.  But, one morning the teens were all away and my husband and I shared a peaceful cup of coffee…

while looking at this…

Yep.  Glamping, indeed.:)

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Woodsman Camp Memories

I don’t have a picture of my most precious memory of the week.  As I was laying in my tent last night and drifting off to sleep, I heard the kids start to sing…

“The Lord loves me,

and oh, what a wonder I see,

a rainbow shines through my window

The Lord loves me…”

I tell you what~

In the stillness of a moonlit night in the woods,

there is no sound more beautiful than that.

Other Woodsman Camp Posts

• Fireside Songs and Butterscotch Brownies (podcast)
• Summer Camp Cooking at Woodsman Camp (memories)