Cook Like a Chef
Cook Like a Chef is BACK!
Get ready to tie on an apron, fire up your creativity, and jump into the world of cooking! At Cook Like a Chef, campers ages 10–14 learn real culinary skills that make them feel right at home in the kitchen.
Registration Opening Soon
Each day brings a new adventure starting with cool demos from our nutrition students, who break down the MyPlate food groups (grains, veggies, fruits, dairy, and protein) and show campers how to build delicious, balanced meals. Then it’s time to get cooking!
Campers will learn:
- how to set up their station like a pro (mise en place)
- knife skills that make chopping safe and fun
- how to whip up soups and sauces from scratch
- the secrets of safe food temperatures
- how to pick the freshest fruits and veggies
- tips for cooking juicy, flavorful meats
- how to bake homemade bread
- and yes… how to craft the perfect pizza!
Working together in teams, campers create at least 12 different recipes tasting new foods, experimenting with ingredients, and discovering how delicious whole grains, greens, beans, healthy fats, dairy, and non‑dairy alternatives can be. Best of all, everyone sits down together to enjoy the meal they made!
And because our young chefs deserve to show off a little…
We save sample snacks for parents at pickup so you can taste the day’s creations, too!
It’s hands‑on. It’s confidence‑boosting. It’s tasty.
And it’s the perfect place for curious, creative kids to cook up something amazing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What ages can participate?
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The Cook Like a Chef program was specifically designed for children ages 11 to 14. The content is geared to address the dietary guidelines for this age range.
- My child is allergic to peanuts. Will this be a problem in the camp?
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You will have the chance to list any allergies on the medical form, and the staff will take every reasonable precaution to make certain that there are no peanuts used in recipes where their use can be avoided. We make every effort to accommodate allergies and as well as sensitivities to wheat, soy and dairy products.
- My child is a vegetarian. Will they be required to try the dishes made with meat?
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No child is ever forced to try anything that he or she doesn’t want to try. The nutrition students sit at the tables with the campers and model appropriate tasting behavior, but no child has to try all the dishes.
- What is your policy on refunds?
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If your plans change after registering your child, you may cancel the registration up to 15 business days before the start of the camp with no penalty. However, cancellation that occurs less than 15 business days prior to the start of camp will be assessed a $50 administrative fee for processing.
- How late do you accept registrations?
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If there is space in the program, we will accept registrations up to June 1; however, please note that the camps typically fill many months before that and interested people will be put on a waiting list for a possible cancellation.
- Where will I park to drop off my child?
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We will provide drop-off information prior to the start of camp.
- How should my child dress for camp?
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Campers should wear closed-toed, comfortable shoes, socks, shorts, and a tee shirt that has sleeves. No flip flops or tank tops. Hair must be pulled back if longer than chin length. We will call you to bring proper clothing if your child arrives at camp in clothing that doesn't meet the above guidelines.
- What is your cell phone policy?
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Children are permitted to bring cell phones to camp; however, they will be asked to keep them turned off and stored away during all activities.
- What if my child is very particular about what they eat?
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We guarantee that your child will not go hungry. If your child doesn't like any of the dishes that are made each session, we will have some other food options available. Each counselor will be seated at the tables with the campers and will make certain that everyone is getting a healthy portion of the food.
Additional Information
Refunds
If your request to withdraw is received at least fifteen business days prior to the first day of the program, you will receive a full refund. Withdraws received less than 15 business days prior to the start of camp will be charged a $50 administrative fee for each withdrawal.
Confidentiality
For legal reasons, the University cannot release the names or phone numbers of other participants, not even to those who want to carpool.
Youth Program Compliance
Title IX Information for Parents and Guardians. All Penn State youth programs have policies in place to ensure the safety of youth participating in our programs, activities and services is not compromised. All program staff are trained in emergency protocols and all relevant internal, external, and parental reporting requirements.