The kitchen was alive with activity: the rhythmic chopping of peppers, the gentle whisper of a whisk, the cracking of eggs, and the sizzle and aroma of bacon and sausage filled the air. Flour floated around like delicate clouds. This was the vibrant scene of summer Chef Camp at The Cabbage Patch, where the day’s focus was creating a special breakfast menu. Excitement filled the room as campers eagerly participated.
“I like making food and having fun!” shouted one enthusiastic camper.
Throughout the week-long camp, kids learned the entire process of meal preparation, starting with making a shopping list and heading to the grocery store to find the best ingredients at the best prices. They also learned about nutrition, healthy eating habits, and how to read a recipe. Under the guidance of program staff and volunteers, they honed their kitchen skills: safely handling hot surfaces and knives, precisely measuring ingredients, utilizing various kitchen appliances, and understanding overall kitchen safety.
Helpful tips were shared, such as cracking eggs into a smaller bowl before adding them to the main mixture to easily spot and remove any stray bits of shell.
Over the course of the week, the youth worked together in teams whipping up culinary delights for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with summery desserts like peach milkshakes and turnovers. A memorable field trip to Huber’s Orchard in Southern Indiana provided first hand lessons in sustainability and the origins of seasonal produce, reinforcing their connection and deeper understanding of food and its sources.
As 12-year-old Journey was engrossed in cracking and whisking eggs in The Patch’s kitchen, she shared how picking peaches at Huber’s had been a camp highlight for her. She also shared her excitement for all she was learning. “I signed up for this camp because I like to cook, and I am excited to try these new recipes I am learning with my family,” she beamed.
Chef Camp, like other summer programs at The Patch, builds confidence, independence, teamwork, and social skills among youth. It emphasizes that sharing a meal isn’t just about food—it’s about creating connections and memories that last a lifetime.
We extend heartfelt thanks and gratitude to donors and numerous volunteers whose efforts bring experiences like this to life, alongside our valued partnerships with local businesses such as Huber’s Orchard. It’s through our combined efforts that we empower children to succeed.