How cooking at camp became my ministry

For Bonnie Bolger, the camp kitchen was more than a place to cook. It was a place where friendships were formed, stories were shared, and ministry happened in unexpected ways. Through years of serving at camp, she found community, purpose, meaningful friendships, and opportunities to serve others with love. 

By Bonnie Bolger of North Bay, ON

Cooking at camp has truly been my ministry over the years. I never set out to become a camp cook, but as a young mom with children of my own, I wanted to be involved in camp life. Cooking turned out to be the perfect fit. It allowed me to serve, be part of the camp community, and still care for my family at the same time.

One of the greatest blessings was sharing the kitchen with a dear friend. Together, we spent countless hours preparing meals, washing dishes, and making sure everyone was fed. Those hours were filled with laughter, friendship, and some unforgettable memories.

Like any camp kitchen, there were plenty of mishaps along the way. One year, my friend Anna was lighting the grill and accidentally singed off her eyebrows! Another time, while whipping up a chocolate cake in the big industrial mixer, a tea towel covering the bowl got sucked into the machine. We had our share of cooking fails, but those moments often became the stories we laughed about for years afterward.

The kitchen was about much more than food. It became a gathering place where people felt welcome. Camp staff, volunteers, and guests would often stop by for a chat. Many meaningful and heartfelt conversations happened while peeling potatoes, stirring soup, or waiting for cookies to come out of the oven. The kitchen was a place where people could take a break, share their struggles, celebrate joys, and simply be themselves.

I often felt that the kitchen was a soft place to land. If someone needed encouragement, a listening ear, or just a few moments away from the busyness of camp, they knew they could find it there. Sometimes ministry looked like preparing a meal, and sometimes it looked like listening to someone's story while washing dishes side by side.

One of the greatest joys was watching the children enjoy camp. Seeing them laugh, play, and grow in their faith made all the hard work worthwhile. Knowing that a warm meal helped create an environment where campers could thrive gave purpose to every early morning and long day.

Looking back, I realize that cooking was never just about feeding people. It was about building community, creating a welcoming space, and serving others with love. Through the meals, the conversations, the laughter, and even the occasional kitchen disaster, God used that ministry to bring people together. I am grateful for every moment spent in that camp kitchen and for the many lives that were touched there—including my own.