This past summer, I went from getting (then inexplicably losing) a job at a local bakery to teaching little kids how to crack an egg in my very own Little Iron Chef Camp.

My friend and I landed bakery positions back in April 2010, due to begin work in June. We felt very lucky, considering there was a huge influx of unemployed college students in our area scarfing up the summer positions. Unfortunately, our sighs of relief quickly turned to panic as the owner denied ever giving us the job only a week before we were [ ...continue reading ]]]>

This past summer, I went from getting (then inexplicably losing) a job at a local bakery to teaching little kids how to crack an egg in my very own Little Iron Chef Camp.

My friend and I landed bakery positions back in April 2010, due to begin work in June. We felt very lucky, considering there was a huge influx of unemployed college students in our area scarfing up the summer positions. Unfortunately, our sighs of relief quickly turned to panic as the owner denied ever giving us the job only a week before we were supposed to start. Bummer, right? By June 10, we knew we had lost any opportunity of getting another job, certain all summer positions had been filled. So what better thing to do than start our own baking camp?

We created flyers, advertising the days and times, what we were going to make and a registration form. The camp ran Monday-Friday, 9-12 a.m. There were two sessions: July 26-30 and Aug. 2-6. At first we had a hard time getting participants, but by the second week we had up to 12 kids. Word of mouth really helped to get these bakers cooking.

A typical day at our camp was very busy. The kids would come in, pick out an apron and sit outside at their table next to their recipe book. They would cut out pictures from the day before and glue them in the notebook we provided. Then we would tell them the agenda; whether it was making candy sushi and red-velvet cupcakes or chocolate chip scones and milkshakes. We would have them write down the ingredients for the recipe. My friend and I had gotten all of the ingredients at Shop-Rite the day before. They would read the recipe, measure the ingredients, and mix it all in the bowl. They loved to be creative. Making zoo animal cookies and chocolate-covered pretzel men really let them show off what they could do. While their creations were baking in the oven, we would have them write the recipes down in their recipe books so they could make the dessert or meal at home. Once the treats came out of the oven and cooled, the camper-bakers would eat! That was their favorite part (and mine). The kids would also get extra baked goods to bring home. (All the moms loved that!)

On the last day we had a party: We made ice cream sundaes and gave out awards that the kids definitely deserved from all of their hard work over the week. The awards, including Best Cupcake Decorator, were given on paper cupcakes. The campers loved to feel that we noticed their talents. Once 12 o’clock hit on the final day of the second session, part of me was happy that I didn’t have to get up before 9 and get baking anymore, but I was also sad knowing I would not see the group of girls I had become friends with over the week.

Running my own business was very rewarding. At the end of the week, when I deposited the money in my high school checking account I felt accomplished. I was proud that I got a business up and running. The bakers were great! Yes, there were definitely some messes and spills but the kids were so cute! One girl actually gave me a “thank you” card that included her e-mail address so we wouldn’t lose touch. I really developed a connection with the younger age group. I can’t wait to make it even better for next year.

There is nothing better than spending a hot summer day with your best friends. Driving in one of our cars all together with the windows rolled down, our hair blowing, our freshly sun-kissed skin glowing and a classic summer song like What I Got by Sublime playing full blast. Even the smell of sunscreen mixed with everything else summer makes me happy. It’s an unexplainable feeling that makes you think it’s too good to be true!

We laugh at each other when we try to sing as loud as we can to the tunes pumping on our iPods. [ ...continue reading ]]]>

There is nothing better than spending a hot summer day with your best friends. Driving in one of our cars all together with the windows rolled down, our hair blowing, our freshly sun-kissed skin glowing and a classic summer song like What I Got by Sublime playing full blast. Even the smell of sunscreen mixed with everything else summer makes me happy. It’s an unexplainable feeling that makes you think it’s too good to be true!

We laugh at each other when we try to sing as loud as we can to the tunes pumping on our iPods. All you can do is smile and bop around to the music because you feel so carefree—like nothing could ruin this moment. During the times that you aren’t at your summer job, you try to fit in as much fun as you can. Wake up late, but not too late or else you waste the day. You go to the beach with your friends, chill outside, get smoothies and maybe go to the mall every so often. At night you BBQ, go to a movie and for dessert, Dairy Queen makes a great hangout spot. Then, since you can stay out late, you have bonfires with your friends and roast marshmallows, and just spend time at someone’s house for a while. Some people travel, some go to sleep-away camp, but the ones who stay home can have just as much fun as the ones who leave their regular surroundings to experience something different and exciting. It really is the best time of the year.

With so much stuff happening all over the place, it’s easy to find things to do without spending a ton—which is great if you’re trying to save up the money you are earning from your summer job. For example, I plan on going to free concerts and outside movies in New York City this summer. Hopefully they won’t turn out like the free Drake and Hanson concert on June 15! (I happened to be right next to all the violence at the concert—yikes!)

Summertime has some kind of magic to it. People are willing to do things they normally aren’t comfortable doing. We gain confidence, strive to find adventure and are simply happier. It’s scientifically proven! Why do you think summer flings exist?! Why do you hear about that one cute boy that your friend spent her whole trip to Cancun with?! Everyone comes back to school in the fall with a slew of stories ready to be shared. Yeah, sometimes so much free time can get a bit boring, but I like to take advantage of my boredom because during the year I have no time to be bored. There is always something going on somewhere; it’s a matter of finding it.

There is so much time to make this summer a great one. Be adventurous! I want to hear ALL about any stories you have this summer—so leave a comment below to tell me about your experiences!! Let’s make this summer AMAZING!