Culinary Arts Classes for Children

Culinary arts classes inspire the young gourmet.

Culinary arts classes can teach children how to prepare food for themselves, family and friends. They will learn nutritional facts, use math and science skills, learn how to follow directions and gain confidence and self-esteem, all while having fun learning to cook. Many types of classes are available for children of all ages.

Cooking School

Many facilities offer cooking classes in a safe environment that encourages discovery and creativity. Children can attend weekly classes or individual sessions. Classes are available for children of all ages. Kids learn kitchen safety, proper food handling, food preparation, cooking and baking techniques, presentation, table setting and manners. Young Chefs Academy offers classes at facilities nationwide; a complete listing of locations is available on the company's website (see Resources). Many local facilities offer cooking classes for kids; for example, try Kids Culinary Adventure in Belmont, California, or Create a Cook in Newton, Massachusetts.

Private Classes

Arrange for private classes for your children's group at a culinary school or in your home. Classes can be customized to your own menu. They can also be designed around themes such as international cuisine or cake baking. Kids will learn about nutritious foods through creativity in meal preparation. Young Chefs Academy can arrange for a private session for your classroom or for your Girl Scout troop to fulfill their cooking merit badge requirements. Other local culinary schools such as Kids Culinary Adventures in the San Francisco Bay Area will also arrange for private classes.

Cooking Camp

Week-long cooking camps let kids explore and learn the culinary arts. Camp themes include chocolate, in which kids create a menu revolving around delectable chocolate; cooks and books, in which dishes revolve around favorite children's books; and around-the-world cooking, for kids to explore international cuisine. Camps are typically three to four hours a day for four or five consecutive days. Young Chefs Academy sponsors "I Can Cook Camp" at locations nationwide. Kids Culinary Adventures holds a "Camp C'mon You're A Wok Star" in Redwood City, California, which teaching kids about Asian cuisine and culture.

Special Event Classes

Classes are offered for kids to learn to prepare special meals for special events. Kids and parents can cook together to prepare a Mother's Day Tea or a Father's Day Feast. Learn to prepare fruit kabobs, baked chicken and triple berry cobbler. Classes are often offered at culinary academies or local grocery stores. Kid's Cooking Company in Dallas, Texas, offers special events classes such as Chocolate Delights and Dinner with Dad. You can arrange a private field trip for your preschool or organization with Young Chefs Academy.

References

• Young Chefs Academy: A Cooking School for Kids
• Kids Culinary Adventure: Kids Cooking Classes
• Create a Cook: Cooking Classes and Parties for Kids and Adults Newton/Boston
• Kids Cooking Company: Kids Cooking Classes in Dallas, Texas

Resources

• Young Chef Academy: Store Locator