The introductory periods have waned and the ‘meat’ of the program has begun—literally. A part of my day-to-day responsibilities involve preparing and serving meals to the children at camp!

I was hired by HFF to assist with operation, planning, and implementation of children’s programming for the summer food service program. I am responsible for supporting the kitchen staff in whatever capacity they may need. My parents refer to such a role as the “up” person: chop it up, sweep it up, run it up, you get the idea.

Initially, me and the AmeriCorps Vista for the summer, Elizabeth, intended to do just that. The week before camp started, we had made our first food run to Aldi for the upcoming week’s groceries, knew the ins and outs of the meal serving logistics, and were excited to meet all the kids after the meals were over and we were released to participate in activities outside of the kitchen. The good news is that we do, in fact, perform the aforementioned tasks. Though there is one stipulation.

The night before the first day of camp, Elizabeth and I learned that the chef for the summer—Lisa—had been diagnosed with tonsillitis and another secondary infection that prevented her from coming to work. Thankfully, the chef who cooks during the school year was around to help, heavily, with planning and food prep for the first two days. Miss Gayla, if you’re reading this, I appreciate you more than words can say! However, after Tuesday, Lisa reported that she was bed ridden for the rest of the week and Gayla had alternative responsibilities at HFF that she needed to fulfill. Thus, Elizabeth and I became the chefs until further notice.

As I sweat in the kitchen today, furiously buttering bread for 200 grilled cheese sandwiches (yes, 200!) and stirring tomato soup in an industrial sized pot, I am learning that the outline for this type of work is constantly subject to change. Further, everyone seems to help out with everything. In the words of my supervisor, “we do it all here.” Schedules get moved, activities don’t always happen, intentions sometimes aren’t realized, and that’s okay.

The shift from support person to primary provider was swift and welcomed because I care about the mission of the organization and the people that they serve. I am willing to do justabout anything to help the campers have the best possible experience this summer.

Please enjoy the attached photo of Elizabeth with our (absurdly tall) grocery cart filled with two days’ worth of groceries. Unfortunately, we only brought one quarter for the cart. Rookie move.