Greenup County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent collaborated with Greenup County 4-H Youth Development Agent to offer the 2nd week of the Superstar Chef Camp program to 11 students. 1 volunteer 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.

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

•             45% more youth identified the right way to hold a knife.

•             55% more youth identified the right way to guide food when using a knife.

•             27% more youth identified how germs get transferred to food.

•             64% more youth identified the four steps to safe food.

•             73% more youth identified when to use a meat thermometer.

•             18% more youth identified the correct technique for accurately measuring ingredients.

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

•             55% more students agreed that they could make a meal with fruit.

•             36% more students agreed that they could make a meal with vegetables.

•             36% more students agreed that they could help make a family meal.

•             27% more students agreed that they could measure ingredients correctly.

•             27% more 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:

•             100% can identify healthy foods.

•             100% plan to drink more water.

•             80% plan to drink less soda.

•             100% plan to be more physically active.

•             90% plan to eat more fruits.

•             80% plan to eat more vegetables.

•             80% plan to try new foods.

We have heard from a few parents from youth that participated in the program that youth are helping or cooking dinner almost every night for their family and want to be involved in shopping for ingredients that they are comfortable using. We also had one parent state their child has tried to cook several new food item since attending the camp because she felt confident enough to expand her skills.