Stirred Memories at Kamp Kaleo
- Tara Obner
- Oct 6
- 6 min read
I feel incredibly grateful and amazed that my seventeen-year-old daughter, Josephine, still chooses to share her experiences with me and engage in meaningful conversations. As an educator, I know that many teenagers tend to withdraw into their own worlds, often absorbed by their phones or social media, so Josephine’s openness and eagerness to connect truly feels like a rare and treasured gift. Whether she’s excitedly recounting moments from school, discussing her dreams and fears, or simply chatting about everyday happenings, these interactions remind me of the strong bond we’ve built over the years. It’s a beautiful reminder that despite the whirlwind of adolescence and the inevitable quest for independence, the desire for genuine connection and understanding between parent and child can remain vibrant and alive. Each conversation not only enriches my understanding of her evolving world but also strengthens the trust and love that form the foundation of our relationship.
During the summer, our church secretary, Lizz, informed us of a culinary camp hosted at Kamp Kaleo, which immediately attracted Josephine's interest. Tailored for culinary enthusiasts at any level, this exceptional camp provides hands-on training in gourmet cooking, from learning fundamental knife skills to preparing elegant dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The camp’s director, Brad Hindsley, is a seasoned chef with experience in various roles across the culinary industry. After Lizz’s enthusiastic endorsement, Josephine was thrilled by the opportunity to dive into this dynamic setting, not only to advance her cooking skills but also to share the experience with me. Since Josephine hadn’t visited Kamp Kaleo since childhood and I had never been there, the retreat seemed like the perfect opportunity for us to deepen our bond.
As the culinary camp drew near, both Josephine and I felt our anxiety intensify, haunted by the fear of making fools of ourselves in front of others. Josephine’s concern stemmed from the fact that she would be surrounded entirely by adults who might be reluctant to team up with her since she was still a teenager. We both felt uneasy about collaborating with more experienced participants plus a professional chef, which brought an unexpected level of pressure. We imagined the chaos of spilled ingredients, burnt dishes, or fumbling over unfamiliar techniques, all of which threatened to turn our culinary adventure into a memorable mishap. Yet, tucked beneath our apprehension was a glimmer of excitement: an opportunity to learn, savor new flavors, and possibly surprise ourselves with what we could achieve by embracing the journey side by side. Unbeknownst to us at the time, the camp would evolve into more than a challenge of endurance; it would become a joyful adventure filled with laughter, personal growth, and shared victories that deepened our connection well beyond the confines of the kitchen.
When the long-awaited weekend finally came, we methodically loaded our car with sleeping bags, soft pillows, and all the necessities for our four-day stay at Kamp Kaleo. Excitement filled the atmosphere as we folded garments, packed toiletries, and selected kitchen-appropriate clothing—ensuring we were ready for any culinary challenges camp might present. Carefully arranging everything in the back of my car, Lady Godiva, we double-checked the load was secure before bidding farewell to family and setting off toward Burwell, NE. This journey wasn’t merely a trip; it represented an opportunity to share new experiences and forge lasting memories away from the daily hustle. As we shut the doors and began our drive, the thrill of the upcoming weekend enveloped us with happiness and a spirit of adventure.
The unhurried three-hour journey through Nebraska’s vast farmland brought back nostalgic memories from my South Dakota childhood. While Josephine listened to music and did her homework, I observed the view outside the windows: native grasses growing along the roadside ditches, merging with extensive corn and soybean fields under a clear blue sky. The winding roads passed familiar red barns, grazing cows, and charming rural homes, each reflecting timeless tales of diligent farmers and the rhythm of changing seasons. Every small town we drove through mirrored aspects of my own hometown, featuring at least one agricultural business, a local bar, a ball field, and stretches of well-kept lawns. More than just a drive, this autumnal trip was a heartfelt immersion into the serene rural beauty of Nebraska.
Upon our arrival at Kamp Kaleo’s Welcome Center, Brad greeted us warmly and pointed us toward the cabin we would share with fellow aspiring chefs. Unexpectedly, our first task was to head straight to the kitchen for a lesson. Running a bit behind schedule, we quickly unloaded the car before making our way through the shaded camp toward the lodge. There, we were presented with gleaming chef’s knives and a pristine chef’s jacket, transforming us instantly from enthusiastic beginners into hopeful culinary students. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as Brad commenced a live demonstration, skillfully crafting four dishes inspired by the French and British Isles while providing an overview of the region’s culinary history. Observing his fluid chopping, slicing, and seasoning both intimidated me and ignited my passion for the culinary journey that lay ahead.
Following the demonstration, Josephine and I joined the other campers in the kitchen, where we divided into two teams. Kyle, a disabled veteran also hailing from Omaha, joined our team, which had trouble settling on an appropriate name. Josephine proposed “Omaha-ha-has,” Kyle offered "Teamaha," and I suggested "Omaha Flamethrowers," yet none of the options felt quite suitable. Meanwhile, the opposing team was composed of locals who had attended camp the previous year. Among them were Tom and Trudy, a kindhearted couple in their sixties whose many years together had flavored their cooking with rich stories and traditions passed down over time. Also present were Trish and Ruth, two lively women in their seventies who displayed remarkable resilience as they coped with physical challenges that would have discouraged less determined individuals. United by chopping boards and bubbling pots, this diverse ensemble formed strong connections, demonstrating that in the culinary world, variety is the key ingredient to an unforgettable experience.
Once every group had carefully crafted their quartet of dishes, excitement filled the air alongside the enticing scents of Coq au Vin and Tarte Tatin that permeated the dining space. As the finishing flourishes were applied, a separate group from camp arrived to share our masterpieces, their expressions brightening as they took in the colorful array presented before them. We piled our plates high before gathering around circular tables, not only eager to enjoy the meal but also to exchange stories and laughter, forging connections between the different groups through the universal bond of sharing food. This shared feast evolved beyond a simple dinner into a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and community, transforming basic ingredients into a meal that felt like family.
To my immense satisfaction and delight, the weekend’s culinary venture proved to be far more than a mere cooking exercise; it became a journey highlighting the strength of Josephine and my teamwork. As we chopped, sautéed, and seasoned through the recipes, an unexpected harmony in our collaboration emerged. We divided tasks with ease, creatively tackled unforeseen obstacles—such as slicing a finger or burning the almonds—and naturally balanced each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Through the kitchen’s organized chaos, our communication was fluid, punctuated by laughter over minor mishaps, and culminated in the pride of every delicious creation. This experience not only elevated our cooking abilities but also deepened our respect for each other's capacities, underscoring how combining our unique skills in unison can produce remarkable outcomes both inside and beyond the kitchen.
By the time the camp came to an end, Josephine and I felt a renewed sense of closeness that neither of us had quite anticipated. What began as a shared culinary adventure had blossomed into something far more meaningful – a bridge spanning the gap between parent and teenager, built with patience, teamwork, and a sprinkle of humor. As we packed up our chef jackets and knives, I hoped this was only the beginning of many more shared experiences to come. Driving home, the warm glow of the weekend lingered like the satisfying taste of a perfectly crafted meal, reminding me that sometimes, the best ingredients for connection are simply time, openness, and the willingness to create something together.
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