BBQ Camp?

Smokey-T · 11-23-2009, 06:06 PM

Fellow Brethren,

Is there such a thing as a BBQ camp? A couple day or week long instructional that can aid a backyard boy into a higher level Pit Master?

Any info appreciated.

Thanks,

Ted

sfbbqguy · 11-23-2009, 06:11 PM

I think you're at Camp right now! Just takes some time and cooking. I know I'm learning new stuff here every day.
I'd eat too much if I went to BBQ Camp!

jagardn · 11-23-2009, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfbbqguy

I think you're at Camp right now! Just takes some time and cooking. I know I'm learning new stuff here every day.
I'd eat too much if I went to BBQ Camp!

I agree, you can learn a lot, just by reading posts and trying techniques. Another thing I have found helpful is a BBQ log book. When I do a recipe, I basically track everything I did...

Meat Type
Any Prep, notes on how I trimmed the meat
Rub/Seasonings - how long did I put it on before cooking
Internal Meat Temp at start of cooking
Wood Chunks/Chips used
Smoker Temp
Did I foil it at any time - if so how many hours/what temp was the meat
Did I add liquid to the foil
How tender was the meat when done
Was anything about the seasonings overpowering/weak

Basically every step I make, I track it, in hopes that it will help me find patterns of what works best. I am by no means a professional, but I hope to be someday.

Norcoredneck · 11-23-2009, 07:03 PM

Lots of Pros run clinics. Look at the BBq organization websites. They usually have links.

Norcoredneck · 11-23-2009, 07:05 PM

Here is one local to me
http://www.cbbqa.org/wiki/index.php?...tion_101_Class

ThomEmery · 11-23-2009, 07:09 PM

The class was great
40 Students

Muzzlebrake · 11-23-2009, 07:35 PM

what are you trying to do as a pitmaster? compete or just cook?

Artfuldodger · 11-23-2009, 07:51 PM

Check with a specialty store that sales mainly grills or Green Eggs. They wouldn't be cooking on the same equipment as you but it might be interesting.

jestridge · 11-23-2009, 07:58 PM

practice , practice, some of those so call expert not that great. if you like it and the family like it you are an expert.

Smokey-T · 11-23-2009, 08:20 PM

Central PA is pretty light weight when it comes to this stuff. Primary goal is to be really good at this and just wanted a little bump with some extreme exposure from those in the know. Yes, this and other forums have helped me a great deal, but would really like to get a week of intense instruction.

If anyone knows of East coast or MidWest, let me know. CA is a bit far for me!

Thanks!

BBQ Bandit · 11-23-2009, 08:45 PM

Thats easy...

1. Ask a local Comp Team if they need a pit bitch... easy-peasy.
2. There 'may be' a bash (informal weekend gathering) in 2010.
http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...74#post1093974

As its been already mentioned... read as much of you can within this forum.

Muzzlebrake · 11-23-2009, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smokey-T

Central PA is pretty light weight when it comes to this stuff. Primary goal is to be really good at this and just wanted a little bump with some extreme exposure from those in the know. Yes, this and other forums have helped me a great deal, but would really like to get a week of intense instruction.

If anyone knows of East coast or MidWest, let me know. CA is a bit far for me!

Thanks!

well they are not a week long but most of the "hands on" classes take up a weekend and will give you what you want. While not as common here in the northeast, they are available, just keep checking, like people have said already, the cooks from I Smell Smoke and iQue have held classed here and I think they both are going to again next year.
You can also try and hook up with one of the teams at a comp looking to mentor people or just see if you can hang out with one for a weekend but this is going to give you a crash course in competing, not necessarily cooking

Smokey-T · 11-24-2009, 06:54 AM

"Mentoring" seems more of a learning experience than "Pit Bitch".... One sounds like you would learn something, the other like you would be expected to "Squeal like a pig" .....

Thanks all. I will keep at it, reading this forum and watching for day or weekend offerings.

Ted

smokeydog · 11-24-2009, 07:56 AM

I asked a friend that does comps the same question. Is there a school etc that I can attend to get better, learn basics un-learn some things. His reply was "Practice, Practice, Practice". Jagardn is right. If we keep doing the same thing over and expect different results...write down what you did and didn't do. Yes its a pain but so is a no call at a comp. Just my dimes worth (inflation).

Skidder · 11-24-2009, 08:06 AM

I would join your state BBQ society. Up in New England we have the New England Barbeque Society and they put on judging and cooking classes a few times a year.

11-23-2009, 06:06 PM	#1
Smokey-T Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 05-29-09 Location: Williamsport, PA	BBQ Camp? Fellow Brethren, Is there such a thing as a BBQ camp? A couple day or week long instructional that can aid a backyard boy into a higher level Pit Master? Any info appreciated. Thanks, Ted __________________ - Broilmaster Gasser, Blackstone 36" Griddle, Humphrey Battle Box, Primo Oval XL

11-23-2009, 06:11 PM	#2
sfbbqguy is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 08-18-08 Location: Corte Madera, CA	I think you're at Camp right now! Just takes some time and cooking. I know I'm learning new stuff here every day. I'd eat too much if I went to BBQ Camp! __________________ 2004 Weber Performer [COLOR=darkgreen][B]GREEN[/B][/COLOR] UDS [COLOR=darkorange][B]Orange[/B][/COLOR] Super-Duper Fast '08 Weber Genesis Gasser SJG Tamale Pot Mini Smoker (SJG was a rescue) and a Pyro FIL

11-23-2009, 07:03 PM	#4
Norcoredneck somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 07-11-06 Location: Norco, Ca.	Lots of Pros run clinics. Look at the BBq organization websites. They usually have links. __________________ *Low and Slow.....* *The Prontologist is in...* *Ok let's see your Butt!*

11-23-2009, 07:05 PM	#5
Norcoredneck somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 07-11-06 Location: Norco, Ca.	Here is one local to me http://www.cbbqa.org/wiki/index.php?...tion_101_Class __________________ *Low and Slow.....* *The Prontologist is in...* *Ok let's see your Butt!*

11-23-2009, 07:09 PM	#6
ThomEmery Babbling Farker Join Date: 08-20-05 Location: Indio Ca.	The class was great 40 Students __________________ Catering, Contests, and Community Service Team What Wood Jesus Que? Www.bbqthom.com

11-23-2009, 07:35 PM	#7
Muzzlebrake Babbling Farker Join Date: 09-22-06 Location: Pleasant Valley NY	what are you trying to do as a pitmaster? compete or just cook? __________________ Sean Keever "What sort of people are these charcoal masters? They behaved badly and were unconcerned with appearances. Their hair was long and unkempt and their clothes were wrinkled and old. They drank beer to and from the crab house and they made rude noises while we cooked." Tao of Charcoal

11-23-2009, 07:51 PM	#8
Artfuldodger Found some matches. Join Date: 01-07-08 Location: Augusta, Georgia	Check with a specialty store that sales mainly grills or Green Eggs. They wouldn't be cooking on the same equipment as you but it might be interesting.

11-23-2009, 07:58 PM	#9
jestridge somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 12-28-07 Location: annville ky	practice , practice, some of those so call expert not that great. if you like it and the family like it you are an expert.

11-23-2009, 08:20 PM	#10
Smokey-T Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 05-29-09 Location: Williamsport, PA	Central PA is pretty light weight when it comes to this stuff. Primary goal is to be really good at this and just wanted a little bump with some extreme exposure from those in the know. Yes, this and other forums have helped me a great deal, but would really like to get a week of intense instruction. If anyone knows of East coast or MidWest, let me know. CA is a bit far for me! Thanks! __________________ - Broilmaster Gasser, Blackstone 36" Griddle, Humphrey Battle Box, Primo Oval XL

11-23-2009, 08:45 PM	#11
BBQ Bandit Babbling Farker Join Date: 02-15-08 Location: Harrisburg, PA	Thats easy... 1. Ask a local Comp Team if they need a pit bitch... easy-peasy. 2. There 'may be' a bash (informal weekend gathering) in 2010. http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...74#post1093974 As its been already mentioned... read as much of you can within this forum. __________________ Custom Klose Backyard Chef... of Snot, and a 22.5 WSM Former smokers; Lang 84 Deluxe kitchen, Lang 60 Mobile - The Damsel II, Lang 48 Patio - The Damsel, Bubba Keg Grill - RIP, Double Barrel Smoker and a BSKD

11-24-2009, 06:54 AM	#13
Smokey-T Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 05-29-09 Location: Williamsport, PA	"Mentoring" seems more of a learning experience than "Pit Bitch".... One sounds like you would learn something, the other like you would be expected to "Squeal like a pig" ..... Thanks all. I will keep at it, reading this forum and watching for day or weekend offerings. Ted __________________ - Broilmaster Gasser, Blackstone 36" Griddle, Humphrey Battle Box, Primo Oval XL

11-24-2009, 07:56 AM	#14
smokeydog On the road to being a farker Join Date: 01-31-08 Location: Pensacola, Fl	I asked a friend that does comps the same question. Is there a school etc that I can attend to get better, learn basics un-learn some things. His reply was "Practice, Practice, Practice". Jagardn is right. If we keep doing the same thing over and expect different results...write down what you did and didn't do. Yes its a pain but so is a no call at a comp. Just my dimes worth (inflation). __________________ WSM/Red Weber Gasser w/side burner/Weber OT Gold/Large BGE/Hasty Bake Gourmet SS/Lang Original 48 mobile/ Smokey Joe/Super Fast Orange Thermapen [email protected]

11-24-2009, 08:06 AM	#15
Skidder Babbling Farker Join Date: 02-02-08 Location: Westfield,Ma.	I would join your state BBQ society. Up in New England we have the New England Barbeque Society and they put on judging and cooking classes a few times a year.

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