Advanced Leadership Program
Camp Helper Sign-Up
Congrats on being selected. Before you sign up, please read through the details below.
CAMP TRAINING SESSION: MAY 9TH 3-4:30PM
Because of everyone’s changing availability this summer, I will wait until the 9th to ask for final camp commitments. Please arrive on/provide by the 9th the list of camps you will be helping with.
Do NOT stress if you can’t make this date work. This was the date that worked for almost everyone when I last compiled your feedback. I know that life is insanely busy in the spring. I do not want this to add to an already packed day, or get in the way of a “go nowhere/attend to things at home” day.
If you cannot make the training session and ATTENDED camp in 2025:
Contact me about setting up a time to chat on the phone or swing by for a short run through of expectations.
If you cannot make the training session and DID NOT attended camp in 2025 or have not been part of BMK before:
1) Contact me to set up a time to come out and get a tour and learn about how the camps are run or the changes since you were last here.
Parents: you are welcome to stay and listen in, or hang out in timber or in workshop room- feel free to bring along work/book/nothing at all.
**Please plan on parking facing up the hill as you do in camp, or drop off like in camp. We will meet inside BMK so just head around back and into the kitchen when you arrive. Yes, ice cream will be provided.
Contact:
Text: 319-325-3464
Email: beckysmindfulkitchen@gmail.com
Location: 4139 Crosheck Rd NE, Solon, IA 52333
A Note for Advanced Leaders
I recommend that if you have an interest in any of the camps, that you consider attending as a participant and not only as a helper.
There is a reason high school athletes still attend sports camps year after year: they want to improve their skills. The same applies in the kitchen and in creative, business-minded work. Skill development does not stop once you are “good enough.”
If baking is not currently a strong area for you, I strongly recommend signing up for Feed Yourself or Advanced Baking. Improving your skills directly improves your effectiveness as a leader in these camps. It also signals to me: that you are driven to improve, open to learning, and understand that your confidence is stronger than your ego or pride which might be saying that you are too old to attend. That mindset matters.
Spring Leadership Training Session
Based on the information provided in the form below, I will set one or more dates for a 1.5-hour training session here at BMK.
*Parents are welcome to stay and work in the workshop room or hang out during the session. I know spring sports schedules are not set yet, so feel free to email me if your availability changes. I will not set dates until March. If you cannot attend one of the scheduled sessions, just let me know and we will work something out.
For Campers
Two-day camps run from 9:00am–1:00pm each day.
One-day camps run from 9:00am–4:00pm.
For Helpers
Helpers should plan to arrive between 8:40–8:50am. You will help with any last-minute set-up and be ready to assist with camper drop-off.
If you are coming to camp with a younger sibling, your sibling can either come early with you, or you can arrive at the normal camp start time. The same applies to pick-up. Your sibling can hang out after camp, or you can leave at the regular end time. This is completely up to parents. This program is not meant to add stress or create scheduling headaches. Please do what works best for your family.
Pick-Up on Day 1
Helpers should plan on staying until about 1:30pm. This extra time is used for additional clean-up, setting up for the next day, and a short debrief. We talk through how Day 1 went, any changes to the plan for Day 2, great moments you noticed from campers, and anything important to share moving forward. More detail on this will be covered during spring training.
Day 2 (or Full-Day Camps)
For two-day camps, Day 2 pick-up is usually closer to 1:45pm. This will be confirmed on Monday after we see how long clean-up and reset take and how many helpers we have.
If you don’t have flexibility and need a set time now, plan on 1:30pm for both days to make things easy.
During Day 2 clean-up and debrief, we revisit what improved, what was challenging, obstacles or failures, and moments you were proud of. We also take time to call out leadership moments you saw in each other and meaningful moments from campers.
For full-day camps, we check in briefly at lunch to see how things are going, then do a full debrief at the end of the day. Pick-up is typically around 4:30pm.
The Why
This extended time is essential to making this program more than “I helped at a camp.” These conversations mirror the same discussions, questions, and lessons I bring to adults ranging from executives to NFL rookies earlier in the summer. I highly encourage helping with more than one camp. Those who participate in multiple camps get the added benefit of applying these lessons again and seeing why they matter.
A note:
Summer schedules are unpredictable. Life happens. If staying after camp is not possible, or if you need to be picked up early or dropped off late, please don’t stress. Just let me know as soon as possible so I can plan accordingly.
For Parents
Please help spread the word about some of the more advanced camp options this summer. In past years, I moved away from offering older-kid-only camps, so some families may not realize these opportunities are available again. Word of mouth is how BMK has always grown, so thank you.
Updates on advanced camps:
As part of the Advanced Baking camp in June, I may be adding more technical skill work, including laminated dough (palmiers) or advanced chocolate work. I would like to offer croissants in future summers, which means first developing more advanced bakers through camps like this one.
Archery & First Aid combines archery instruction with practical, life-saving first aid and CPR skills. This camp does not include certification, but it does focus on real-world skills campers can carry with them. For campers who have attended fire camps in the past and demonstrate strong safety awareness, there may be opportunities to practice additional skills under supervision.
There is also a strong chance the baby goats will have been born shortly before camp, which means plenty of baby goat snuggles will be worked into the day.
For entrepreneur-minded campers, we have added creating and building a jewelry line as part of the Sephora camp experience. With an older group this summer, we will also spend more time learning how to see past marketing tactics and become financially savvy shoppers.
There is also one spot available in the August baking competition.
(And yes, another form to fill out- don’t worry, it is a quick one, and will help me make life easier for everyone this spring/summer)
Leadership Program WAIVER, RELEASE, AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
(For Minor Participants)
In consideration of my child being permitted to participate in the leadership program and related activities at Becky’s Mindful Kitchen (“BMK”), I, the undersigned parent or legal guardian, knowingly and voluntarily agree to the following terms on behalf of myself and my child.
Assumption of Risk
I acknowledge that participation in activities at Becky’s Mindful Kitchen involves inherent and foreseeable risks that cannot be eliminated, even with the exercise of reasonable care and supervision. These risks may result in physical injury, emotional injury, illness, permanent disability, death, or property damage.
Activities may include, but are not limited to: interaction with farm animals (including goats and chickens); treehouse use; timber and outdoor play; uneven or natural terrain; ninja-style obstacles; zip lines; climbing elements; cooking and baking activities (including use of ovens, stovetops, knives, and kitchen tools); fire starting; pizza oven use; hatchets; trail hiking; exposure to insects, animals, weather conditions, dirt, and other natural elements. This list is not exhaustive, and I understand that my child may participate in activities not specifically listed.
I knowingly and voluntarily assume all risks, known and unknown, inherent in or related to my child’s participation in BMK activities.
Release and Waiver of Liability
On behalf of myself, my child, and our respective heirs, assigns, personal representatives, and estates, I hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue Becky’s Mindful Kitchen, its owners, officers, employees, volunteers, participants, agents, and all other persons or entities acting on their behalf (collectively, the “Releasees”) from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, or liabilities arising out of or related to my child’s participation in BMK activities, including claims arising from the negligence of the Releasees, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
This release does not apply to claims arising from intentional misconduct.
Indemnification
I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Releasees from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, arising out of or related to my child’s participation in BMK activities or my breach of this agreement.
Medical Representation and Health Policy
I represent that my child is physically and medically able to participate in BMK activities and has no condition that would prevent safe participation, or that I knowingly assume all risks associated with any such condition.
I agree not to allow my child to attend a BMK event if they have experienced fever, vomiting, or diarrhea within the preceding 24 hours.
Allergies and Medical Information
I understand and agree that all allergies, medical conditions, or special needs must be communicated directly to Becky Schmooke.
Behavior Expectations
I understand that if my child’s behavior is unsafe, disruptive, or inappropriate and does not resolve after verbal redirection, I may be required to pick up my child immediately. In such cases, my child may not be permitted to return, and no refunds will be issued.
Jurisdiction, Governing Law, and Severability
I agree that any legal action arising out of or related to this agreement or participation in BMK activities shall be brought exclusively in the state in which Becky’s Mindful Kitchen is located, and that the substantive laws of that state shall apply. If any portion of this agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
Photography and Media Release
I grant Becky’s Mindful Kitchen permission to use photographs and/or video recordings of my child taken during the event for promotional, educational, or marketing purposes, including use on websites and social media, without compensation.
Acknowledgment and Acceptance
By signing this agreement, I acknowledge that I have carefully read and fully understand this document. I understand that this is a release of liability and a legally binding agreement. I understand that by agreeing to this waiver, I may be waiving important legal rights, including the right to sue for negligence. If I am signing on behalf of a minor, I affirm that I have the legal authority to do so and that I consent to the minor’s participation in BMK activities.
I understand that my child may not be permitted to participate in the event if I do not agree to the terms of this waiver.