There are many things I enjoy doing in life. Reading, writing, watching TV, spending time with friends, and cooking. I know that I need to cook daily to keep my kids alive, and sometimes it can be a chore, but usually I love to cook. I take pride in making something for someone, especially when they like what I’ve made. Food makes people happy. It can cure a broken heart, mend a relationship, and celebrate a special occasion. If you think about it, food brings people together. I know for myself, I’ve had many wonderful conversations around a kitchen table, and many of those conversations have happened with my children. It would be a dream of mine if one of my children became a chef or baker, but I have a feeling that’s not going to happen. I can still dream, though. đ
A handful of years ago my daughter was gifted with an opportunity to take a summer camp cooking class at Young Chefs Academy. I don’t remember the theme of the camp, but I remember some of the things she cooked. I also remember her coming home and being excited to try some of the recipes on her own. (Surprisingly, I still have the recipes given to her. We should pull them out and make something!) She really loved the camp and she learned so much!
Young Chefs Academy is pretty far from where I live, so I had kind of forgotten about it until I ran into the owner a few years back, Chef Shayna, at a place where I use to work. You may have seen Chef Shayna on TV, as she does some cooking segments on Channel 30. Shayna is a wonderful person. I’ve only had a handful of conversations with her, but I thoroughly enjoy talking to her whenever I’ve gotten the chance. She has a passion for cooking, and for passing along her knowledge to children and teens in the Valley. Anyway, after seeing Shayna, I remembered how much fun my daughter had during summer camp. I still didn’t sign my daughter up for more classes, but I held Young Chefs Academy in high regard, recommending it to my friends who asked. Then, just last week, information about Young Chefs Academy’s summer camps came my way. I looked at the dates, and I realized that this time around I can actually sign my kiddos up for some fun summer camps! This time, however, I’m going to give my son the opportunity to take one of these camps. He likes helping me in the kitchen, and he can do some small stuff on his own, but this would give him the chance to learn more! (Then maybe I can have him help me more! See, us moms are always thinking.)
What I love mostly about the cooking classes/camps, is that they give children confidence that they can cook. They have the ability to use a recipe and make something yummy. They can mix spices and experiment, because cooking is science. If one thing doesn’t work out, then you try something else. On the flip side, cooking is also like art. Being in the kitchen is one way some people like to express themselves, as well as showcase their talent. For those chefs who love what they do, it certainly shows in their food. This is true for both adult and younger chefs! Young Chefs Academy helps to foster the love that kids have for food and cooking.
I know for me I’m already looking into what types of things we can keep busy with this summer, and signing my son up for one of these cooking camps is on my list. The cost is affordable enough to where you can even sign your child up for two! Sign up before May 14th, and you get an Early Bird Discount. (Enter code: earlybird16) You can sign your child up by calling Young Chefs Academy at 433-6698, or visit them online. Also, check them out on Facebook for the latest information on classes and special events. They don’t just offer summer classes, but they have classes year round. You can even have your child’s birthday party there!
I’m including two fliers, both with information about the different camps offered. There’s something for your little one, as well as your teen! Just think, maybe your child will bring home a new recipe and will want to cook for you!
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