Baking Boot Camp

Personal and professional development is a natural part of many jobs. Counselors take PD classes, teachers have PD days built into the school year, and other professions have the opportunity for conferences and workshops for relevant learning. For the Lamprini Bakers, professional development looks like a team coming from the US to the bakery and spending a week on the ground hosting what we call “Baking Boot Camp”. It is more than just baking, and more fun than boot camp! 

Each day started with a guided activity, which allowed time for each person to take time to reflect on themselves and their lives in different ways. Creating vision boards allowed time to reflect on personal values and dreams. Decorating masks allowed time and space to ponder how we project ourselves to others and what we keep protected deep within. The time and space for silent reflection, creative reflection is precious and valuable. For most of these women an experience they wouldn’t have had outside of Lamprini. I am thankful for a space where women feel safe enough to dream, to share, and to let their mask down even for a moment. 

After a time of optional sharing, we moved into the kitchen for the hands-on activities. 

The ladies had a chance to try their hands at new techniques and recipes. They learned firsthand not every attempt at a recipe is a success. They learned that everyone makes mistakes and we can adapt as we go! The ladies were also able to practice their English skills with new people. 

This cross-cultural exchange also presents an opportunity to learn about others’ cultures, ways of thinking, and life experiences. We are learning from one another, elbow to elbow, decorating cakes and knee to knee, drinking tea. While the “teachers” might have been considered our guests from the US, everyone was a learner this week! 

Learning, in all these various forms is valuable and also tasty!