Cook Like a Chef

Cook Like a Chef is BACK!

June 15-18, 2026 (9:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.)
Age 10-14
$350 (lunch included)

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.

Ready for Summer Camp?

Each day brings a new adventure starting with cool demos and education about making healthy food choices. 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
tips for cooking juicy, flavorful meats
and yes… how to bake homemade bread

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.

Pictures of food create during previous camps

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages can participate?: The Cook Like a Chef program was specifically designed for children ages 10 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?: 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?: 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?: 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?: 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?: We will provide drop-off information prior to the start of camp.

How should my child dress for camp?: 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?: 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?: 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 and Cancellations

If your cancellation request is received on or before May 18, 2026, you will receive a full refund minus a $25 administrative fee ($325 refund). Cancellations received between May 19 - June 1, 2026, will receive a 50% refund minus a $25 administrative fee ($150 refund). Cancellations received after June 2, 2026, will not receive a refund. Please send your written cancellation requests to psuconferences@psu.edu.

Confidentiality

For legal reasons, the University cannot release the names or phone numbers of other participants, not even to those who want to carpool.

Contact Us

Registration Help and Support

Registration Questions? Please contact Conferences and Institutes at PSUconferences@psu.edu, or 814-863-5100.

Physical or Dietary Accommodations Questions

Please contact Jeremy Krebs, jbk5697@psu.edu with Conferences and Institutes us at least four weeks prior to your arrival.

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.

Medical Information

Staff members will refer medical emergencies and illnesses to University Health Services, or the Emergency/Outpatient Department of Mount Nittany Medical Center, or Penn State Health Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy. A parent or guardian must complete the health questions as part of the registration form to grant permission for any medical attention required during the program.

Health Notice

Please help lessen the spread of any contagious diseases. The exclusion of ill persons from public, school, and group gatherings is key to lessening the spread of illness. If you are ill, please remain at home during your illness and recovery. If you have a fever (100˚ F or higher), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends limiting contact with others until you have been without a fever for at least 24 hours.

COVID-19 Update

All HHD youth camps will follow all University COVID-19 guidelines that are in place at the time of camp.

You can learn about Penn State’s current COVID response and view up-to-date policies and frequently asked questions on the Coronavirus Information site. Anyone who registers before the guidelines are announced will have the option to cancel their registration with no penalty if they choose. For more information, read the COVID-19 Guidelines for Residential Camps PDF.

Medical Fees and Insurance

The University does not provide medical insurance for campers.

In the event of illness or injury requiring treatment, hospitalization, or surgery, family medical insurance must be used. Parents or guardians will be billed directly for any medical care given at University Health Services, Mount Nittany Medical Center, or Penn State Health Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy.

University Health Services does not have contracts with any health insurance companies and does not send bills to insurance companies. Patients will receive an itemized bill at the end of a visit and will receive a statement from the University Bursar as well.

The University urges that participants be covered by some form of personal medical insurance. Be sure to provide your insurance company’s information where indicated on the program registration form.

The parent(s) or guardian(s) of a participant requiring medical treatment at University Health Services, Penn State Health Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy, or Mount Nittany Medical Center will be notified of the treatment within 24 hours. We know how important timely notification is for insurance claims, so it is extremely important for you to list the following in the designated areas of the form: the numbers of your daytime phone, home phone, and cell phone, and your family physician’s name and phone number.

Penn State is committed to equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment for all persons. It is the policy of the University to maintain an environment free of harassment and free of discrimination against any person because of their actual or perceived age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, genetic information or political ideas. Discriminatory conduct and harassment violate the dignity of individuals, impedes the realization of the University’s educational mission, and will not be tolerated. This access is extended to all university sponsored youth programs, including 4-H.

The needs of any participant in a youth program will be discussed privately with that child’s parent/legal guardian on a case-by-case basis with the goal of promoting a safe environment and quality experience. If you have any questions, please contact the program manager Jeremy Krebs, jbk5697@psu.edu.