At this time last year, there were many construction projects happening at the same time all over camp. It seemed like there were things to do everywhere and little time to get it all done before camp started. There were private contractors here and there with Norm running from one project to another and at the top of the list were two extremely important ones. The first was the camp bathrooms and shower house known as Mount Beacon. It really needed an extreme makeover and it got just that! There was the revamping of the shower area as well as the brand new deck and staircase. A lot of money was spent on it (raised through the Capital Campaign) and it was well worth it. Now it's been called one of the nicest places on the camp grounds. There's even a nice view of the lake!
The other location getting a makeover was the camp kitchen. Until the new Welcome Center/Dining Hall/New Kitchen is built at the top of the hill, (Still raising money for that!) the original kitchen would have to be used. So the decision was made to revitalize it! The entire floor was redone to include a better drainage system, some of the old equipment was fixed up, some new equipment was purchased, all to get ready for the summer. There was a new exhaust system for the stove that had to be installed on top of everything. One other remaining factor was getting the new walk-in cooler and freezer to camp and installed and turned on! All of this while all the other construction projects were happening. Needless to say, miracles truly occurred at camp to get it all done! It was into the first week of camp before everything was completed and usable. So how did meals get prepared in the meantime? There was staff there at that time as well as volunteers to get all the work done and they needed to get fed. Along with the help of Adele and Jui Ling, it was all in the capable hands of one Chris Griffith, head chef! Using several refrigerators (located throughout camp) and the kitchen at Hart Lodge, Chris and Adele and Jui Ling were able to prepare more than enough great food until the newly revamped kitchen was operational. It was yet another time in the history of Wa Wa where things get done regardless of all the obstacles.
Hart Lodge Kitchen
The Camp Kitchen in May 2010
Under construction in June 2010.
Getting better!
Moving equipment in.
Starting to take shape.
The Walk-in Cooler arrived and was installed.
And the kitchen is completed!
One of the vital places at camp is the kitchen so we are very pleased that Chris has agreed to return as head chef once again! The news gets even better as Adele is also returning! Three meals get made there every day, plus snack time, so rest assured, excellent food will be made at camp once again.
I had the chance to have a quick conversation with Chris and he's very excited to return. Here's that conversation-
What makes you come to camp?
(Chris) I Enjoy the outdoor/camping environment, providing kids with healthy food I find rewarding, works well with my school schedule.
What do you do during the school year?
(Chris) I'm a Chef / food service manager at a boarding school grades 9-12.
Why are you a chef?
(Chris) I’ve always enjoyed cooking; I’ve combined my passion with my career
Least favorite part of being a chef?
(Chris) All the schelping & long hours
Most favorite part of being a chef?
(Chris) Creativity, each day is different.
So how did it go last summer?
(Chris) Great/Fantastic; especially considering what stage the kitchen was in on June 15th 2010
Any issues come up?
(Chris) The one that I most remember; no walk-in cooler or gas stove for the first week of camp.
Who's returning from last year in the kitchen?
(Chris) So far its Adele & me.
What did you do when not cooking last year?
(Chris) Fish, Fish, & more Fishing!
Best memory of last summer?
(Chris) Being apart of the WA WA Team. Opening a camp kitchen from scratch.
What are some things on the menu for this summer?
(Chris) Chilled strawberry soup, pizza, homemade cookies & rolls, BBQ, Garden Veggies.
Any new items?
(Chris) Yes, it’s a surprise.
Will there be vegetarian options at the meals?
(Chris) Always at every meal
Favorite thing to make at camp?
(Chris) A smile on a kids face.
Rumor is that you'll be having a Cooking class. What will you be doing in it? What will you be making?
(Chris) I’m not sure, will have to see what the campers want to cook.
What are you looking forward to at camp?
(Chris) Another great summer with good “Eats” and happy campers!
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