The Washington County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent, and the Nutrition Education Program Assistant collaborated to offer the Super Star Chef Day Camp program to 13 students.  The program included education in handwashing, knife skills, safe use of the oven and stove, MyPlate food groups, food safety, the nutrition facts panel, and accurate measuring.  Students practiced their skills by preparing fruit and yogurt parfait, roasted potatoes, scrambled eggs with chopped vegetables, spaghetti with meat sauce, and salsa.  

As a result of attending Super Star Chef, students plan to make the following behavior changes:

• 92% plan to eat more fruits
• 76% plan to eat more vegetables
• 100% plan to try new foods
• 100% plan to be more physically active
• 85% plan to drink more water

In an evaluation, 100% of students reported confidence in their ability to make a meal with fruits, cut up food using a knife, use a recipe with help, use a handheld can opener, and cook eggs on a stove. Students also visibly demonstrated skill development throughout the program.  For example, one participant went from being afraid to use a knife to successfully cutting up an onion with a chef knife.  The Washington County Extension Office will continue to support the development of nutrition knowledge and practical cooking skills for youth.