Minding Our Manners

Our first Summer Fun day camp of 2015 is a new one day version of Etiquette Day Camp.  As in past years we focused on things that will allow our youth to be comfortable, and make others comfortable in a variety of settings.  Our day started with a lesson about others.  Our youth had the opportunity to make a character filled with terrible things that people say.  Then they balled up all the terrible things that are said and tossed them away, in an effort to clean the slate and be more considerate of others.
After a brief snack it was time to head to the highlight of the day for our campers... the Carolina Hotel at Pinehurst for our table manners session.
We arrived at this wonderful resort with the opportunity to have lunch in a private dining room while having an incredible meal.  Many of our campers were in awe of the table settings, crystal chandliers, and wonderful service.  One of our rules before we left the office was you may not like something but you may not talk about it.  If it is something you have not had before you must at least try it.  Our youth were amazed to find out they liked salad and the raspberry sorbet served between courses knocked their socks off.  When the main course of chicken, mashed potatoes, and broccoli came out it was familiar yet much more wonderful.  Then the youth knew all the hard work and learning from Mr. Brian was so worth while when they saw the black bottom cake being gently placed in front of them.
After a spectacular lunch our youth got a real treat, meeting Chef Thierry Debailleul.  After speaking to him about careers, food, and even school he allowed them the special treat of a tour of his kitchen.  The youth were impressed with all of it but their favorite part was the area where all the sweet treats were made.  It was really neat to see all the confections and the ins and outs of fine dining.
After a wonderful experience it was time to head back to the office and grab a few more lessons.  Dress to impress, handshakes and conversation starters, as well as social media etiquette were all topics we discussed.  Then it came time to host our own party as our parents came in for a little nosh, our youth showed them how to balance a cup of food and plate of punch while making a proper introduction.  They were etiquette experts and happy to meet and greet to practice their new skills.