Since 2005, nearly 6000 young people from throughout Northern California, and from as far away as Florida, Idaho, Georgia and Mexico City, have traveled to Sacramento, California to participate in our kids cooking classes.  Each one starts with Jr. Chef Central Cooking Camp, the door through which all kids enter our program.

Culinary Programs for Kids & Young Adults

Jr. Chef Central © 2008 Ksoto Inc.  All rights reserved  

"Teaching kids to make healthier lifestyle choices for themselves and, by extension, their families; while focusing on the common denominator of food to bridge cultural, social and economic divides among young people."

Based in a commercial kitchen in Sacramento, the state's capitol, kids cook and work with professional grade equipment (including Wusthof Knives!).  Our programs run 3-5 days, we cook either a 3 or 4-course meal from scratch each day, and along the way learn kitchen sanitation, knife safety, sound nutrition, dining etiquette, table settings, and shopping on a budget.  Our focus on the importance of eating in season encompasses seasonal recipes and trips to the Farmer's Market (Basic Camp) and a farm tour (Advanced Camp). 

All kids, ages 10-15, are welcome into our cooking programs, regardless of ability.  From young people with physical or emotional challenges, to finicky eaters, budding gourmands, and passionate cooks, we take all children, meet them where they are, and help them go further than they thought they could.