Life skill development is a benchmark for the 4-H program.  Cooking is one of those needed life skills.  Russell Co. 4-H offered a series of cooking classes to youth ages 9-13 in the fall of 2024.  The youth learned basic cooking skills such as reading recipes, measuring wet and dry ingredients, proper mixing techniques, proper use of kitchen utensils, correct use of a stove top and oven, as well as kitchen safety. Teaching youth to cook not only instills basic skills for living, it also promotes responsibility, healthy eating habits, and self-sufficiency.  

Throughout the program, the youth gained confidence and demonstrated enhanced skills with each consecutive meeting.  Over 90% of the youth felt their confidence in the kitchen and cooking skills had increased.  All of the youth indicated that they helped from time to time with food preparation at home.

At the final meeting, the youth made a traditional chocolate chip cookie recipe as well as brought an item that they helped prepare for the cookie exchange.  Before the cookie exchange, the youth practiced their communication skills by telling each other how to prepare their recipe.  Additionally, the youth brought a copy of their recipe to share with the group.

The cookies that the youth made at the last meeting were shared as a service project with the Russell Co. Sherrif’s Office, Jamestown Police Department, and Russell Springs Police Department.  This cooking program not only developed life skills, but also helped the youth with sharing, collaboration, public speaking, and community service.