Retail Confectioners International (RCI) has opened registration for Chocolate Boot Camp, scheduled for Aug. 8-11 at Fascia’s Chocolates in Waterbury, Connecticut. 

Organizers of this course encourage those interested to register now, as it is expected to sell out quickly. 

Newcomers and veterans of the confectionery industry attend RCI’s Chocolate Boot Camp to learn practical techniques for working with chocolate to take back to their businesses. During this brief-yet-comprehensive course, students learn about tempering, how to prevent bloom, the application and use of chocolate and compounds, how to select chocolate for different applications, depositing techniques, enrobing techniques, how to manage mistakes, secrets to making meltaways, bark, truffles and ganache and critical sensory evaluation. Students also learn good manufacturing practices, sanitation and basic traceability systems.

"RCI has a long history as a valuable resource for small business owners, both established and new to the industry,” says Executive Director Angie Burlison. “The successes of past Chocolate Boot Camp courses are an indication of the quality of materials and content that will be provided during the course. The hands-on approach, combined with the knowledge and experience our instructors have to offer, will give chocolate makers the tools they need to be successful in their businesses."

Along with open registration, RCI has named Lindsey Greer of Dietsch Brothers in Findlay, Ohio as the recipient of the Dennis R. Witzel Chocolate Boot Camp Scholarship. Greer is the second recipient of the scholarship which will allow her to attend the August 2022 course tuition free (a $1,250 value).

With a passion for chocolate and the desire to educate and inspire, Dennis Witzel created the Chocolate Boot Camp Scholarship for members of RCI prior to his passing in January 2020. Dennis Witzel enjoyed a 47-year sales career in the chocolate industry. He coordinated and instructed for various chocolate-related educational programs, including RCI’s Chocolate Boot Camp, for several years. For more information about the Dennis R. Witzel Chocolate Boot Camp Scholarship, visit retailconfectioners.org/CBCscholarship. 

Chocolate Boot Camp is open to both members and non-members of RCI and the class size is limited to 26 students. Reserve your space now at retailconfectioners.org/bootcamp.