Cooking Classes at Summer Camp

Summer camp is known for being a place where kids can explore new interests, while benefiting from the experience of a trained instructor, and cooking classes are one more fun way for kids to learn skills at camp that they will use for a lifetime. Cooking at camp goes well beyond roasting hot dogs over a campfire. In fact, kids at camp get to enjoy state-of-the-art equipment as they practice their culinary skills. While they may think they’re simply having fun, you can enjoy knowing that they are gaining the following benefits from their summer camp cooking classes.

Strengthen Math Skills

Many kids struggle with challenging mathematical skills such as adding fractions. In the camp kitchen, opportunities to practice these critical skills are everywhere. For example, kids often have to add or multiply fractions when they are increasing a recipe. Weighing ingredients, converting between the metric and imperial measuring systems and calculating cooking times are all ways kids learn math in the kitchen.

Experiment with Science

The science involved in the cooking process is often overlooked, yet every recipe is a chance for kids to learn about chemistry, physics and nutrition. From learning about the Maillard reaction as they brown meat to using salt to lower the freezing point of ice, kids will have fun while also learning essential science concepts. The best part about learning science in the kitchen is that it is the one time when kids can eat the final product. Camp cooking classes also foster an environment where they are more willing to try new foods and learn about the importance of good nutrition for their health.

Develop Greater Independence

Parents are often surprised at how much growing up their kids do over the summer and cooking classes at camp are a big part of them developing more independence. In the camp kitchen, kids are responsible for prepping ingredients, cooking meals and cleaning it all up afterwards. Since everyone is required to help out, kids naturally take on greater responsibilities that give them a sense of pride.

Nurture Creativity and Self-Confidence

The difference between a regular cook and an excellent chef is the ability to combine ingredients into creative new recipes. At summer camp cooking classes, kids have a safe place where they can take risks with their culinary skills. If a recipe doesn’t work out, all that is lost is a little time and a few ingredients. Yet, even a recipe that doesn’t turn out right is not a failure since kids learn from what went wrong and go on to recreate the dish using their findings. Many new recipes have been created in a camp kitchen and kids gain self-confidence when they can share their signature dish with others.

Taking cooking classes at summer camp helps kids round out their active schedule with an activity that teaches skills they will use throughout their lives. While it may seem like a fun way to enhance the typical camper’s menu, kids who take cooking classes learn academic and social skills that are best taught in the exciting and interactive environment offered by the camp kitchen. From pulling apart fresh baked monkey bread to making granola bars to share with friends on the trail, each cooking class at summer camp is always a new adventure.

If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. Learn what campers say about summer camp at CWW: http://www.campwalt.com/about-sleepaway-summer-camp.html