The annual European Barista Camp gains Eastern European attendance in third year
As if by magic, the first Roaster Guild of Europe Camp was packed up and finished, and the Barista Guild of Europe Camp appeared in its place, thanks to careful planning and extraordinary organization by the guild’s working group and the exceptional SCAE volunteers and staff, and the inestimable Guild Manager Isa Verschraegen at the helm.
At the conclusion of Roaster Camp on October 8, there was one day of tear down (of Roaster Camp) and build up (of Barista Camp) before Barista Camp kicked off on Monday, October 10. Baristas from more than 25 countries have gathered here in Pärnu, Estonia, to learn, play, build community, and further their credentialed SCAE education through written and demonstrative exams.
Attendees chose which track they would focus on prior to arriving at Camp ”Barista Intermediate, Sensory Intermediate, Green Coffee Intermediate, Sensory Foundation, or Barista Foundation. Their time over this 3-day event is split between serious classwork with some of Europe’s most esteemed coffee trainers, and lectures and discussions with such industry heavyweights as Mette-Marie Hansen and Jerome Ribot.
Baristas are also responsible for team duties, which is a lot more fun than it sounds. Team challenges kicked off last night with such tests as stacking paper cups into giant towers, forming their bodies into specific coffee shapes, designing a team name and crest, and much more.
Be on the lookout for an article about all the fun and excitement of the Barista Guild of Europe Camp in the December+January 2017 issue of Barista Magazine!
