Cook Like a Chef Youth Programs

The below information is provided for information on past programming. Due to COVID-19 concerns, we are uncertain about future offerings, but will keep this website updated.  

For over 15 years, the College of Health and Human Development and Department of Nutritional Sciences have offered Cook Like a Chef a summer youth camp for children. Over 300 children have participated in this popular day camp held on campus.

Cook Like A Chef: The Basics 

June 15-19, 2020 

9 am - 1 pm

This camp is for 10-14 year olds. The program features basic cooking techniques, such as mise en place, knife handling, how to make soup and sauces, safe food temperatures, how to choose fruits and vegetables, meat cooking tips, how to bake bread, and how to make pizza. Each morning, the cooking sessions are introduced by nutrition students who use the MyPlate components—grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy, and protein—to compose a healthy plate and a healthy diet. The campers then work together to prepare at least 12 different recipes, based on the focused MyPlate components for the day, that they then enjoy together for lunch, giving them exposure to a wide variety of foods, including greens, whole grains, beans, healthy fats and milk and non dairy alternatives. To help show off their skills, we save samples of our creations for parents to try at pick up.

Cost is $265 per camper and scholarships are available.

For more information, contact Lisa Clapper at 814-865-8898 or LRC139@PSU.EDU.