Cooking and baking are essential life skills that build confidence, encourage creativity, and promote healthy eating habits. In an effort to equip youth with these skills, the McCracken County 4-H program hosted an eight-session baking class for twelve youth participants, led by a dedicated 4-H volunteer.

Throughout the program, youth engaged in hands-on baking experiences, learning key concepts such as kitchen safety, measuring ingredients accurately, proper mixing techniques, and the science behind baking. Each session focused on a different baked good, including cookies, bread, muffins, and pastries. As the youth progressed, they became more comfortable following recipes, understanding ingredient substitutions, and working independently in the kitchen.

As the participants gained confidence in their skills, many began applying what they learned at home, helping to ease the burden on their parents. Parents shared that their children were baking on their own, preparing snacks, and even helping with meal preparation. One mother expressed her gratitude, saying, "I used to worry about my child using the oven alone, but after this class, I feel confident that they understand kitchen safety and can bake independently. It has been such a help!" The ability to safely and effectively contribute in the kitchen not only strengthened the youths’ skills but also built trust between them and their families.

The impact of this class extended beyond the kitchen. The 4-H volunteer noted the growth in teamwork and problem-solving skills as participants worked together to troubleshoot challenges, such as adjusting baking times and correcting measurement errors.

By the end of the program, 100% of participants demonstrated increased competency in reading and following recipes, and 90% expressed an interest in continuing to bake at home. The success of this class highlights the importance of hands-on learning and the role 4-H plays in developing valuable life skills.

Encouraged by the enthusiasm and progress of the participants, McCracken County 4-H plans to expand its culinary offerings to include advanced baking and cooking classes in the future. Through programs like this, 4-H continues to empower youth with skills they can use for a lifetime.