This year our Cooking Like a Chef camps have been taken virtually. We provided each of the youth a kit with supplies, 10 individual lessons and the Cooking Like a Chef Manual. Each of the lessons had instruction on the skills needed for the lesson, a recipe, and a video to help them prepare this recipe. The videos were prepared by chefs, teen leaders, and County 4-H Agents. Some of the recipes included Beef Stew, Pizza, Chicken Pot Pie, Omelets, Stir Fry, Ricotta Cheese and Manicotti, Tuna Tacos, Apple Quesadillas, Macaroni and Cheese, and healthy snacks.
Each participant was encouraged to take pictures of their recipes completed and send to their County 4-H. This qualified them for a variety of awards. If they complete 3 recipes, they received a 4-H oven mitt and a 4-H cookie cutter. If they completed 6 recipes, they received a 4-H oven mitt, 4-H cookie cutter and a kitchen thermometer. If they completed 9 recipes, they received a 4-H oven mitt, 4-H cookie cutter, a kitchen thermometer, a 4-H chef hat and a 4-H apron. This program is made possible through a grant with the Walmart Foundation.
Some comments from a few of the participant’s parents are as follows:
“Noah thoroughly enjoyed this camp. While he is a picky eater, preparing his own food assisted with bringing him out of his fear of certain foods. He enjoyed finding flavors and seasonings that worked for him and he was always excited to see the start to finish results. This camp was amazing, the recipes were a great way to introduce some foods that my son would not normally eat to his pallet. It also gave him an appreciation for the people who prepare his food on a regular basis. Thanks so much for the opportunity!” -Mrs. Brittney Clark, Marion County
“Madison enjoyed the experience. She loved that the food was healthy and tasted good. Madison had tuna for the first time, and she loves it. She says she would definitely participate again. Because she prepared the meals with mom and big sister, it gave her a different bonding experience.” Mrs. Myeshia Rogers, Marion County
“My sone Tyler was a participant in the 4-H Kids Cooking Like a Chef Camp. He learned so much and now has adequate knife skills, how to read recipes and can cook great food. He is one step closer to being able to take care of himself by attending this camp. He learned so many life skills in this camp and has confidence in himself using equipment in the kitchen. Great camp!” Amy West, Orangeburg County
“In the Cooking Like a Chef Camp, my daughter, Alexis, was given a lot of healthy meal options and learned to like things such as spinach in her drink. Learning to eat healthy is a big deal for her since she has been diagnosed with delayed gastric emptying and severe reflux. Hopefully, learning that having healthy meals that are fun and nutritious will help her as she navigates this journey towards wellness.”
Karrie McGowen, Orangeburg County
“By the end of these activities I was amazed to see how much her cutting skills have improved. She has gained quite a bit of great knowledge about the different vegetables and terms related to cookery. Thank you so much for providing this amazing opportunity.” Mrs. Fathima Sreekumar, Marion County
