Summer Camps

Full-Day Experience

Our week-long sessions run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, offering a balanced mix of culinary and recreational activities:

Mornings are dedicated to preparing lunch recipes, while afternoons focus on creating take-home products. To keep things balanced, we incorporate camp-style programming such as art and crafts, and sports, giving campers opportunities for creative expression and physical activity throughout the day.

Hands-On Learning, Safety, and Expert Supervision

Our onsite staff includes a team of highly trained chefs and childcare professionals who prioritize the safety and well-being of all campers. With a 1:6 staff-to-student ratio, we ensure each camper receives individualized support and supervision. Recipe preparation is at the heart of our camp. Campers work in table groups to collaborate on recipe completion, but we also ensure there are plenty of individual tasks, allowing each camper to gain hands-on practice and develop their culinary skills. With guidance from our chefs, campers will experience the satisfaction of creating delicious dishes from start to finish, while building confidence in the kitchen and learning important teamwork skills.

At Nini’s Cooking Academy, we foster a fun and educational environment where campers not only learn how to cook but also build lasting memories, friendships, and valuable skills that will inspire them for years to come. Join us for a summer of creativity, culinary exploration, and a whole lot of fun!

Recipe preparation is the heart of our program

• Teamwork: Collaborate in table groups to complete recipes.
• Skill Development: Gain hands-on experience with individual tasks, guided by professional chefs.
• Confidence Boost: Learn to create dishes from start to finish while mastering kitchen techniques.

Expert Instruction

Our skilled and enthusiastic. Our team consists of seasoned chefs, culinary experts, early childhood educators, experienced youth workers, and social workers. Together, they craft an exceptional learning environment that nurtures, inspires, and empowers campers to thrive, both in the kitchen and beyond.

Daily Fresh Lunch

A favorite feature of our program is that campers prepare their own lunch fresh every morning! From wholesome hot meals to fun, kid-approved dishes, we’ve got lunchtime covered. All you need to pack is a snack or two for their breaks! Our programs are entirely peanut-free and allergy-aware, ensuring a safe and satisfying experience for everyone.

Take-Home Creations

Campers head home with their culinary masterpieces daily to share with loved ones. Parents are encouraged to provide containers for easy transportation of these delicious treats. This part of the camp encourages them to use their new culinary skills to spread joy, showing how food can be a meaningful way to show love and care. Your child will take pride in offering a taste of their efforts, along with the helpful tips and techniques they’ve discovered.

Chef’s Uniform

Every camper receives a professional chef’s uniform, complete with a chef coat, apron, and cut-resistant glove. This uniform enhances the camp experience and serves as a special keepsake of their culinary adventure. These uniforms foster a sense of pride and belonging, empowering our young chefs as they embrace their culinary journey.

Beginner (Ages 5+)

Perfect for young chefs just starting out, these sessions introduce foundational cooking and baking skills in a fun and supportive setting. Campers will explore new foods and flavors, learn vital kitchen safety and hygiene practices, and gain confidence as they work at a pace suited to their age and experience. This group typically includes children aged 5 to 9.

Intermediate (Ages 7+)

For campers ready to build on the basics, this group offers slightly more advanced recipes and techniques while maintaining a supportive environment. Participants will expand their cooking skills, deepen their understanding of nutrition and ingredients, and develop teamwork and kitchen safety habits. These sessions are designed for children aged 7 to 11.

Experienced (Ages 9+)

Tailored for adventurous and skilled young chefs, these sessions provide an immersive experience in advanced culinary and pastry arts. Campers will tackle complex recipes, refine their techniques, and enjoy greater independence in the kitchen. They’ll be encouraged to experiment, innovate, and explore diverse cuisines, making this program ideal for participants aged 9 to 14 with prior cooking or baking experience.

Our Curriculum

At Nini’s Cooking Academy, we pride ourselves on creating a fun and educational environment where young chefs can thrive. Our carefully crafted curriculum is designed to introduce kids to the joy of cooking while teaching valuable skills they can use in and out of the kitchen. Each lesson is designed to be hands-on and interactive, covering a variety of techniques, from knife skills to baking and everything in between. Our classes focus on building confidence, creativity, and a love for food.

Our curriculum, developed by certified teachers and professional chefs, blends fun, education, and inspiration seamlessly. We emphasize creativity in our recipe choices, selecting dishes that spark curiosity and encourage hands-on exploration.

Designed to teach essential cooking techniques and promote nutritional awareness, our menus ensure an engaging and dynamic learning experience. Each recipe is carefully chosen to capture students’ interest, making the culinary journey both enjoyable and rewarding while fostering growth and skill development.

Our Team

Our dedicated team of chefs and instructors are passionate about cooking and working with children. They bring years of experience to the table, ensuring each class is not only educational but also enjoyable and engaging. Our highly qualified team is composed of seasoned chefs and experienced youth workers who work together to create a supportive, inspiring, and educational environment.

Their dedication empowers campers to reach their full potential both inside and outside the kitchen. To ensure a safe and enriching experience, all team members are trained in First Aid and CPR, hold food handler certifications, and have completed police background checks.

Our Class Structure

We structure our sessions to engage, challenge, and inspire students while nurturing both their kitchen skills and personal growth. Our class structure mirrors that of a professional culinary school, incorporating a blend of chef-led demonstrations, recipe reviews, and hands-on practice. This approach caters to diverse learning styles, ensuring every child can thrive.

Each session combines lessons with practical, real-world application, allowing students to work independently while still receiving the guidance they need. Most classes feature a mix of group and individual work, emphasizing the value of teamwork while ensuring every student gains practical experience with all aspects of each recipe. With our small class sizes, we provide personalized attention in a supportive and positive learning environment.

Whether it’s a week-long camp or an after-school program, Nini’s Cooking Academy offers an unforgettable experience designed to empower kids, foster creativity, and instill a lifelong love for cooking.