Young Chef's Academy in Norfolk: A Cooking Party for Kids

I had heard about the wild popularity of the Young Chef's Academy from friends of mine who loved the fun cooking birthday parties, the interesting classes, the warm friendly teachers, and the real life skills their kids learned in the Young Chef's kitchen. When we asked the Ghent branch to sponsor our homeschool science fair, the Ghent Young Chef's Academy decided to throw a "Science of Cooking" party for ten of our participants. How awesome! They're going to talk about yeast, baking soda, and some of the other parts of cooking that look a lot like chemistry. So, ten lucky winners of the "Emil Fisher Award for Sweet Experimentation" will be going to a party at the Young Chef's Academy in Ghent.

Here we are picking up the class certificate from Chief Wisker Sarah Horne:

Here's what I love best about Young Chef's Academy: their wonderfully imaginative ideas for cooking summer camps. You know how this year is the summer olympics in China, right? Well, check out their summer camps offerings. I just *love* these creative ideas:

We are gearing up for the Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. COOKING FOR THE GOLD will explore cuisine from 6 continents, while also including some history, math, world geography, health, culture, literature, and science. Each camp session will conclude with "Recipe Trials" in which young chefs will apply skills and knowledge from previous days to create new recipes.

These are 3 day mini-camps (Tues, Wed, & Thurs) 9am-12pm or 1pm-4pm
$150 per child 25% off siblings Members receive 10% off

Go Team USA ! June 17, 18, & 19
We’ll warm up with fun foods from home. With these American favorites,
we’re sure to win Gold!
Go Greek June 24, 25, & 26
Journey back to Olympic roots in Greece . Besides learning about the origins of the Olympics, students will prepare amazing Greek dishes.
The Champions’ Table July 1, 2, & 3
Ever wonder what famous athletes enjoy cooking in their own kitchen? How does the Olympic Village feed all of those champion athletes?
Melting Pot of Nations July 8, 9, & 10
As the Olympic torch passes through 6 of the 7 continents, how about making Cinnamon Crepes with Peaches & Cream while passing through France .
Athletes in Training July 15, 16, & 18
Athletes stay fueled by eating the right foods for their sport. What gives you more stamina? What gives you more power? How do you re–fuel after a workout?
A Day In Beijing July 22, 23, & 24
Welcome to the destination of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Explore the culture, cuisine, & cooking techniques that make Chinese food so delicious.
Kitchen Olympics July 29, 30, & 31
This camp will venture into the world of the culinary Olympics. It’s all about presentation, garnishing, & display…...of cold & hot foods.
Closing Ceremonies August 5, 6, & 7
This will be the last camp celebrating the Summer Olympic Games. We will be serving up the highlights from “Cook for the Gold”
That’s Italian (always a favorite) August 12, 13, & 14
Homemade pasta...fresh sauces...crusty bread and rich deserts...Our look at Italian cuisine is always a favorite with our young chefs!
Back By Popular Demand August 19, 20, & 21
The recipes in this camp are all time favorites from our Summer 2006 & Summer 2007. While we travel across the US we’ll make special treats to beat the heat!
From Sea to Shining Sea August 26, 27, & 28
This camp is a combination of the best recipes from our classes all summer long. We will choose the favorites from coast to coast.

Having visited the kitchen and spoken to Sarah I can tell you that your children's experience at YCA in Ghent will be a whole lot of fun. The kitchen is huge, bright, happy, and engaging. My kids wanted to jump RIGHT in and start banging pots and slinging wisks. On the recommendation of my friends, the impressions I got from my visit, and the incredibly cute and inventive visions they have for their Olympics-based summer camp, I am happy to recommend Young Chef's Academy in Ghent for summer camps, cooking birthday parties, and all their regular classes. This is a winner.