The Five Things a Parent Needs To Look for In a Good Kids Culinary Camp Things naturally change and evolve over the course of time and kids' summer camps are no different than anything else. The newest style in summer camps are ones with culinary for kids. As more and more of these kids' culinary camps sprout up, parents need to know what to look for in a good program. This article will attempt to explain the 6 factors a parent should know before reserving a seat at a kid's culinary camp.
Summer camps started as outdoor encampments in the 1880s where urban children, often scout troops could get away from the noise, overcrowding and smog of early towns, cities and "get back to nature". Parents who had been raised on farms and in rural settings felt strongly that their children should have exposure to every summer to natural settings and healthy outdoor activities. And so was born the "summer camp" an oasis of swimming, boating, hiking and campfires.
But as the need for such "man-made wildernesses" receded, more and more summer programs began to incorporate educational or skilled based curriculums such as college-credit courses in debate, math, history or journalism. Others created intensive systems for foreign language studies, or college prep such as SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) boot camps.
But one of the most popular of these enrichment courses has been culinary for kids. Cooking programs at kids' culinary camps are fun ways for children and teenagers to learn math skills, self esteem and discipline and basic chemistry and physics.
Culinary for kids can also be a great way for a child who is experiencing some learning problems, get inspired and motivated about learning again. And it is an excellent way for the more advanced student to maintain their focus and interest in classical subjects taught in an alternative setting.
Five Factors in a Good Kids' Culinary Camp
Kids' Culinary Camp Factor 1
- The Type of Camp. Not all Kids' culinary camps are the same. Some are full blown residential facilities with intensive culinary for kids programs taught by certified chefs while other can be more traditional camps with some basic "cooking" classes thrown in. Others may be like "after school" programs hosted by local cookware retailers or culinary companies.
Kids' Culinary Camp Factor 2
- Costs. In tough times, parents are aware of costs more than ever. A good rule of thumb is that all things being equal, the closer a summer program is to your home, the cheaper the price. The main reason for this is travel expenses. So to keep costs under control, investigate camps that are only a few hours drive time from you.
Kids' Culinary Camp Factor 3
- Size matters. If your kid is shy and retiring, you may want to consider placing them in a smaller or less formal culinary for kids program. While on the other hand a more outgoing child won't get lost in the crowd of a larger or regimented environment.
Kids' Culinary Camp Factor 4
- Programs & activities. Look carefully at the culinary curriculum. It is comprised of just basic food preparation and simple meal making or is a full on culinary training experience? Is the cooking program mixed with outside activities and tours or is a "chef-in-training" system where students remain primarily indoors?
Kids' Culinary Camp Factor 5
- Special needs. Does the program cater to specific personal needs of their campers such as weight loss menus, kosher foods, vegetarian/vegan or other special diets? Do they have staff to help with English as a-second-language students or ones with physical disabilities?
Once you understand all the factors that go into making a good kids' culinary summer camp, you as a parent can make decision that will ensure that your aspiring chef has the best culinary for kids experience possible.
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