Harvest from the Ballibay Garden
This will be the second summer that I’ll be journeying out to the mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania to work at Camp Ballibay, a magical summer camp with exceptional camp food. Last year, I spent much of my time in the kitchen, breakfast was my special focus. Many of you followed along on Facebook as I posted photos and recipes from the kitchen. Our garden was small, but we harvested loads of greens, radishes, peas and beans with the occasional head of red cabbage. We even had some fun and created a hummus video which has become an Internet sensation, posted on nationally recognized Fooducate and Slow Food USA blogs.
This year, we’ve got a fabulous new crew in the kitchen who will be bringing the food to a new level of deliciousness. Co-executive Chef Holly Mendenhall has her own catering business in Brooklyn, Unfussy Food. Many others in the kitchen bring lots of experience in health supportive foods. Campers will be well nourished for sure!
This summer, my job description is even more adventurous. I’ll be in charge of the garden which has doubled in size since last year. We’ll be creating food and garden activities for campers to deepen the relationship between growing food and enjoying it in the dining hall. This vision of food based education which is both fun and delicious is in complete alignment with my work with Better School Food and with Slow Food.
Personally, I’m thrilled because I know my youngest daughter Mikey will have a blast singing, dancing, acting and eating great food. Most importantly I can rest assured she won’t be in a toxic food environment like she is when in school. Crazy as it is, Mikey taught me so much about picky eating that I was able to write a picky eater e-book with what I learned. Last year, the food environment at Ballibay helped her to expand her palate more than I ever could have done at home. She’s excited to go back for more “Balli-food”!
Professionally, I’m even more thrilled to have the opportunity to have a job doing what I love to do: growing food & cooking with kids. We’ll be developing a food based curriculum that will serve as a foundation for years to come.
I leave for camp early next week and will work to blog about my adventures there at least once a week. You can learn more about Camp Ballibay by visiting their website. Stay tuned for more details about my “Balli-venture”.
