The pandemic hit some industries harder than others. Movie theaters, arts and cultural institutions, restaurants — many struggled to survive the last couple of years around the nation and here on the island.

But through it all, Vashon’s historic Camp Burton continued to make its magic, putting on community events, coming up with ideas for take-out, outdoor community events and more.

A lot of the passion behind Camp Burton innovations was supplied by Chef Bill Rowe, a beloved mentor to young people with whom he has worked in Vashon’s kitchens and restaurants over the course of many years.

Rowe has been the chef and food service manager at Camp Burton for the last seven years. Before that, he was the chef at the Vashon Island Golf & Country Club and at The Hardware Store Restaurant. Between all three, he has worked with teenagers in his kitchens on the island for 20 years.

Rowe exudes warmth and kindness. He’s the kind of guy who likes to hug people and make cookies for friends. He was born and raised in the Northwest and has cooked for as long as he can remember.

For Rowe, that work has been a calling, allowing him to play a role in the lives of many young people.

Rowe has three daughters and five grandchildren and loves to visit them whenever he can. But he likes to say he has many more kids than that, including those who have worked side by side with him in food service over the years.

“I always take an interest in them. I am an advocate for them. I give them respect. A lot of young people have needed my help over the years and I give it to them. Always. So many adults don’t trust kids,” he said. “I want to give them a safe place where they can walk in and know I will talk to them.”

Rowe reminisced about how as the chef at the Vashon Island Golf & Country Club, he created a place that would draw kids. The food service staff and their friends would hang out after work, and Rowe would make them food.

He liked to provide a safe space where they could be themselves. He also said he is inspired by youth and believes in holding troubled youth close, something he credits to his Native American heritage.

“I don’t believe in firing people,” he said. “Young people often just need someone to believe in them. I believe everyone can have a purpose.”

At Camp Burton, Rowe and his colleagues focused on innovation when the pandemic hit, coming up with ways to stay connected to the community. Camp Burton was, of course, hit hard, with no camps happening for a period of time.

So, they created “grab and go” dinners and other ideas that allowed people to experience the beautiful property. Camp Burton has continued to grow its role as a gathering place, a location for weddings, memorial services and other events.

“We want this beautiful location to be available for the island,” said Rowe. “You can’t beat this amazing location. And this place has a tremendous spirit to it. People here are utterly kind.”

Many visitors to Vashon have their first interaction with Vashon through the camp, which has long offered music camps, as well as camps for kids with disabilities or those living with cancer. Rowe said he finds many of the camp visitors deeply inspiring.

Jevne Meyers, the program manager at Camp Burton, is someone Rowe credits for much of the camp’s innovative efforts to support the community.

“Our mission is to create a safe and welcoming environment for all people to experience transformation and renewal,” Meyers said. “A big part of that happens because of the overwhelming support we receive from the community.”

Meyers said the goal of Camp Burton has been to give back to the community by providing affordable meals during the pandemic.

On Mother’s Day, which takes place on May 8, Camp Burton will open its doors for an affordable meal. A continental breakfast will be served from 8 to 9:30 a.m., followed by a breakfast buffet from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Pricing is available at the Camp Burton website, campburton.com.

As for her assessment of the chef, Meyers said Rowe has impacted so many young lives through his love of cooking.

“He’s truly one of the most remarkable people I’ve had the privilege of meeting,” she said.

One thing is for sure, as this beautiful camp, perched on the shores of Puget Sound, moves out of the pandemic and back into a more normal world: the camp will continue to provide innovative community programming and good food, with Chef Bill in the kitchen.

For Rowe, there is much more fun to be had at Camp Burton, as the camp slowly reopens to campers returning for the summer season.

Behind the scenes, he will be flanked by plenty of young staff members — the secret sauce that makes Chef Bill beloved to so many. Rowe wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I do what I love, and love what I do,” Rowe said.

Lauri Hennessey, a longtime contributing writer to The Beachcomber, is the CEO of the League of Education Voters.