Young Chefs Academy Mixes in the Right Ingredients

You are never too young to learn how to cook and, at the Young Chefs Academy in Valrico, children of all ages are gaining hands-on experience in the kitchen this summer.

Encouraging discovery and creativity, Young Chefs Academy, a franchise originating in Waco, Texas, provides a safe environment for children to learn the basics of cooking through interactive experience, thus creating a deeper appreciation for the culinary arts. 

Offering an array of cooking camps throughout June, July and August, children ages 4 to 15 are being welcomed into the kitchen to create and taste all types of food, allowing them to become familiarized with diverse foods.

“We aim to develop in kids an appreciation for tasting new foods and encourage healthier eating and food choices,” said owner Amy Metz.

Meeting from 10 a.m. until noon on Mondays (July 4th excluded), children ages 4 to 6 can participate in mini camps offered by the Young Chefs Academy. Participants will have the opportunity to make and taste three themed recipes each week that have to do with places they might like to visit. For example, during race track week, participants will make “wheely” good pizza, "don’t speed" donuts and "pit stop" drinks. Other places of exploration on the list include the state fair, art museum, zoo, farm, fire station, theater and the beach.

For children ages 7 to 15, Young Chefs Academy offers day camps, which run for three consecutive days – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 1  and 4 p.m. Participants will make and taste new recipes daily, which will be specific to the week’s theme. Featured themes throughout the summer include: Diner Days, The Time Warp featuring foods from the '50s through the new millennium, Bakery Wars, American Road Trip, Restaurant Tour, Outdoor Adventures, Faves and Craves and That’s Amore.

Mini camps for children 4 to 6 are just $35 each or four classes for $125. Camps for children 7 to 15 are $149 for all three days.

Young Chefs Academy also offers late afternoon and evening classes all summer long. Children are welcome to participate in one class, or they are welcome to join the Chefs Club and cook each week. Currently close to 60 club members visit the center weekly for lessons.

To learn more about the summer cooking camps and weekly classes, call 813-643-7025. Registration materials are also available online.