Nelson County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent collaborated with the Nelson County 4-H Agent, Nelson County Nutrition Education Program Assistant and the Nelson County Homemakers  to offer the Superstar Chef Camp program to 18 youth ages 9-12. As described in the curriculum, "Superstar Chef is a three-day hands-on cooking and nutrition Cooperative Extension program originally created by Dr. Sandra Bastin. The program was designed to empower limited-resource youths with basic cooking skills so they can make the healthy choice the easy choice. Program content primarily focuses on hands-on food preparation skills, kitchen safety and appliance use, food safety procedures, nutrition education, and physical activity."

Seven volunteers worked with students in a hands-on educational setting to teach important life skills. A pre-test/ post test evaluation was conducted to determine learning outcomes. They all indicated increased confidence in safely preparing nutritious food. All agreed or strongly agreed that after participating in the program that they plan to be more physically active, drink more water, eat more fruits and vegetables and plan to try new foods. 

As a result of the program, students gained the following knowledge and skills:

1. 94% identified the right way to hold a knife.
2. 100% identified the right way to guide food when using a knife.
3. 72% identified how germs get transferred to food.
4. 100% identified the four steps to safe food.
5. 100% understood how to read a nutrition labels.
6. 100% identified when to use a meat thermometer.

1. 95% identified how many minutes a day they should be physically active to stay healthy.
2. 100% identified the correct technique for accurately measuring ingredients.
3. 100% identified the safe position for a pot handle while cooking.
4. 89%  recognized the best way to clean fruits and vegetables before eating.

Following the program, students also gained confidence in their food preparation skills:

1. 95%  of students agreed that they could make a meal with fruit.
2. 95% of students agreed that they could make a meal with vegetables.
3. 100 % of students agreed that they could help make a family meal.
4. 100% of students agreed that they could cut up food using a knife.
5. 100% of students agreed that they could measure ingredients correctly.
6. 100% of students agreed that they could follow recipe directions.
7. 100% of students agreed that they could use a recipe with help.
8. 100% of students agreed that they could use a handheld can opener.
9. 100% of students agreed that they could cook eggs on a stove.

In addition, as a result of attending the Superstar Chef Camp program, students plan to make the following behavior changes:

1. 100% can identify healthy foods.
2. 100%  plan to drink more water.
3. 95% plan to drink less soda.
4. 100% plan to be more physically active.
5. 100% plan to eat more fruits.
6. 95% plan to eat more vegetables.
7. 89% plan to try new foods.

Program participants shared:

"I learned a lot of new foods and recipes. I will use these recipes in the future."

"There were nice and kind adults to help me."

"I liked how everybody was super kind."

"I loved it all!" "I loved the food."

"Thank you for sharing your time to teach us more about cooking."