Summer Overnight Culinary Camps: The Rarest of Breeds

Summer overnight camps that expose children to some light cooking are distinct from summer overnight culinary camps. Culinary camps offer chef-run programs that teach children about the proper use of kitchen tools and food preparation techniques and engage them in relatively sophisticated cooking projects. In commercial kitchens, the children learn to prepare cuisine.

A bona fide summer overnight culinary camp is a world apart from the summer camp advertising cooking among its offerings because it lets kids throw burgers on the grill or make french toast for breakfast.

Where can you find a summer overnight culinary camp? This fascinating breed of summer camp is rare indeed. It's easier to find summer culinary day camps, but those are of little use to families living outside the area where they operate. Here are some notable culinary camps for overnight campers:

Kids Culinary Camp of Vermont

Kids Culinary Camp, Highgate Center, Vermont offers two different program options for budding chefs. The baking and pastry arts program introduces kids to the skills required for producing scruptious baked goods while the saute kitchen program focuses on meals. While cooking and baking, the kids learn about nutrition, organic food sources, composting and even bee keeping.

Besides the food prep, children do chores that include egg gathering and gardening. Special events and activities at this culinary camp include visiting Ben and Jerry's ice cream factory, daytripping to Montreal, checking out local chocolateries and dairies, riding a gondola to Jay's Peak and taking a boat ride on Lake Champlain.

Exploration- Culinary Arts Focus Program

The Exploration-Culinary Arts Focus Program operates out of Wellesley College in Wellesley, Mass. Working in a commercial kitchen, young culinary enthusiasts learn to prepare, season, and serve meals. They learn cutting techniques, culinary tricks, complementary flavors, and pick up on food history and chemistry along the way.

When they're not cooking campers visit Six Flags New England, enjoy carnival night, use campus sports and theatre facilities or take a cruise along Boston Harbor. The co-ed program is designed for campers ages 13 to 15. Students are housed in single sex dorm rooms.

Pali Overnight Adventures Culinary Institute Camp

Pali Overnight Adventures Culinary Institute, Running Springs, Cal., is part of a 16-program adventure camp operating on Pali Mountain. Soups, appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts are all on the learning menu at Pali's Culinary Institute summer overnight camp. The camper's morning is organized around daily culinary themes used to teach various cooking skills. The culinary program culminates in an Iron Chef-style cooking challenge using a secret ingredient.

Pali enrolls 9 to 16 year olds. Besides the specialized culinary program, the campers participate in afternoon activities of their choice including various sports, adventure activities, swimming, or relaxating with yoga or mani/pedis. In the evenings, campers enjoy traditional camp games and activities.

When looking for an overnight culinary camp, the checklist should include a recognized chef, a commercial kitchen, a focus on technique, and fun.