Camp Pull-A-Shot 2011 Recap from Michael Harwood, BGA SE Chapter Representative:
I first remember hearing about the Barista Guild of America's inaugural Camp Pull-A-Shot last year. Scrolling down the BGA website, I daydreamed about developing my craft with noted professionals, meeting other inspired baristas, and taking in the great outdoors (e.g. skunks, raccoons, mountain lions, owls, kittens, et cetera).
An opportunity like this does not arise every day, but as often happens, life conspired to keep me from going. The announcement that there would be another Camp Pull-A-Shot did not stop my pangs of jealousy at every Tweet, Facebook update, and photo post I saw, but it gave me hope and reaffirmed my commitment to make it next year.
Fast forward one year, and I am arriving at the campgrounds for the second annual Camp Pull-A-Shot, where I will be meeting fellow Baristas, learning, and competing for the next three days. This physical coming together was a strength of Camp. We were able to eschew confusing online one-liners for thought-provoking, face-to-face discussion. From Matrix-esque milk steaming philosophy to the finer points of espresso machine boilers, many topics were covered. When not stroking our collective beard in deep thought, we fraternized through team events. The teams were determined by the BGA before camp, and the winning team was to be announced on the final night. After running a gauntlet of trivia, a craft coffee brewing relay race, a cappuccino & espresso relay race, and a team-staffed cafe competition, I am proud to announce that my team came in third place out of twelve! I was a pleased team leader.
When not sprinting around in clown costume with hot coffee in hand or hiking the canyon's many trails, I spent most of my time in classes, which always managed to cover something I hadn't heard before. In one of my favorite classes, Sensory Skills, we experienced how to differentiate not just varying levels of sweet, salty, and sour, but also how to distinguish different mixes of the aforementioned tastes. This last step proved to be quite tricky, proving that I am (perhaps thankfully) not a super taster. Amongst the other classes I took, we learned how to be more efficient on bar, how to adjust an espresso machine's pump pressure, and what the milk homogenization process is about. Aside from the take-home knowledge, these classes also went towards the BGA's Certification program. I took my Level 2 exam on our last full day at camp. I passed the written portion, but did not pass the practical by a slim margin. Not one to dwell on the past, I quickly learned from my proctor how I could do better next time. I look forward to my next opportunity to finish up my Level 2 Certification! From what I hear, I'll have a chance sooner rather than later on the East Coast.
I made many new friends and caught up with many more old friends at my first BGA Camp Pull-A-Shot. These memories won't soon fade and I can't wait to go back! I hope to see you all there next time!
Want to share your Camp Pull-A-Shot memories? Drop us a line, send us a tweet, comment below! And don't forget to share your camp photos in the Flickr group pool.
