2024 Summer

Baking is FUN

Once school is out for the summer most students like to learn new skills, this past summer nine youth tried out some baking skills.  What a perfect reason to attend Summer Baking FUN at Rowan County City Park with the FCS/4-H   Agent.  On the first day the nine youths divided into small groups and emphasis was on learning basic baking techniques, ingredients, kitchen safety, and creative expression through baking. Youth also learn how to turn on an oven, stove and how to clean their kitchen area. 

 Our first adventure was baking cookies. Baking cookies teaches precision and attention to detail, as you need to measure ingredients properly. Youth will also learn how to work with different types of dough and incorporate various ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or oats. Cookie choices were chocolate chips, oatmeal raisin, sugar, and peanut butter cookies.

Our second adventure was baking quick breads.  Quick bread is made without yeast, using leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda. This makes them faster to prepare than traditional breads. Examples of quick breads include banana bread, zucchini bread, muffins, and scones.

Both activities help youth understand the science behind baking, including how ingredients interact, as well as provide an opportunity to practice patience and follow instructions carefully.  All products were shared with their families at home.

Youth was encouraged to make cookies and quick bread at home to compete as a State Fair Project.

100% of the youth learned new skills and knowledge about baking

100% of the youth learned that some cookies have better nutritional value than others 

100% of the youth learned that Baking is FUN