Kids Culinary Summer Camp of Vermont

Summer camps have come a long way, over the past several years. They offer more learning opportunities than ever before. Many are very specialized, in regard to the type of program provided. One such specialty camp is the culinary camp.

The Kids Culinary Summer Camp of Vermont was founded in 1996, by Chef Kelly Q. Dietrich. Mr. Dietrich graduated from the very well-known Culinary Institute of America and currently owns and operates a popular Brazilian restaurant, in Burlington. Chef Kelly hosts his own TV and radio talk show, as well.

Camp counselors are young adults with previous experience in the culinary arts industry or restaurant business. They are all screened, bonded and very excited to play a part in each campers learning experience.

It is located in Highgate Center VT, 30 minutes from Burlington. Because of its popularity, what began as a day camp is now a residential camp, as well. (Local day campers are still welcome!)

The camp is situated on five acres of farmland. The renovated five bedroom farmhouse was originally built in 1811. Separate dorms for boys and girls, house ten campers, each.

The main purpose of the camp is to teach campers how to pursue a culinary career and what to expect if and when they become a chef.

All campers receive the following, which will help to make their experience even more enjoyable. Items include: chef jacket/pants/hat, a Forschner knife set, Wilton cake decorating set and cookbook. There is also a graduation ceremony and buffet luncheon, at the end of each session. (Parents are welcome.)

The two-week residential sessions run from late February until late August. Boys and girls age 7 and up, learn a wide variety of cooking skills such as country cooking, healthy eating habits, breads/pastries, garnishes, knife/chopping skills, seafood, hygiene, pies/cakes/cookies, vegetable cooking, nutrition and much more!

Campers also help with gardening, egg gathering and the care and feeding of the chickens, geese, pigs, sheep and other animals that live on the farm. This instills in them the value of our food sources.

It's not all just cooking at the Kids Culinary Summer Camp of Vermont. Residents enjoy other activities like hiking, swimming, boating, photography, maple sugaring and art instruction.

The cost of tuition includes several fun, not to mention, interesting 'day trips'. These include: Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory, University of Vermont's Dairy Farm, a boat ride on Lake Champlain, a gondola ride to the top of Mt Mansfield and the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory.