Published on July 12, 2024 by Alison Ingle  
teen cooking camp

Samford University's Wellness Kitchen was cooking up some fun in June at the 2024 Summer Teen Cooking Camp. Over two weeklong sessions, more than 65 kids, ages 11-16, enjoyed cooking alongside registered dietitian-nutritionists to learn how to build delicious and nutritious plates for meals and snacks.

"The cooking camps provide a fun environment for teens to practice hands-on cooking skills, try new foods, and learn the important role that food plays in cultures around the world," said Clara Darling, Wellness Kitchen director and instructor. "So, not only are the recipes appetizing and fun, but they are also developed to highlight heathy ingredients and cooking techniques."

The camp also showcases variations in cooking between different countries and regions. This year's menu explored Mediterranean, Asian, Latin American, African and American Southern cuisine.

In addition to strengthening their hands-on cooking skills, participants gained an introductory understanding of nutrition and healthy cooking techniques, variations in regional cuisines (focusing on a different region each day), how to read and interpret recipes and how food is grown. Students enjoyed planting their own herbs and discussing sustainability.

The goal, Darling said, is to help develop a positive relationship with food and cooking.

The Samford Cooking Camp for Teens is held each summer in the Samford Wellness Kitchen, in the College of Health Sciences on the Samford University campus. Registration for next year's sessions will be available in January.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.