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Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2018 - Jun 30, 2019


Success StoryCooking Up Confidence and Culture in Henderson County



Cooking Up Confidence and Culture in Henderson County

Author: Alexandria Brasher

Planning Unit: Henderson County CES

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

Plan of Work: Nutrition and Physical Activity

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Henderson County 4-H Empowers Youth with Cooking Skills, Nutrition Knowledge, and Global Awareness

Many youth across Henderson County lack basic knowledge of food safety, nutrition, and cooking—essential life skills for long-term health and independence. Additionally, many have limited exposure to diverse foods and show reluctance to try healthier options.

To address this, Henderson County 4-H hosted two hands-on International Cooking Day Camps for youth ages 9–14. These camps provided a fun, educational opportunity to explore global cuisine while gaining confidence in the kitchen.

Campers learned vital skills including hand washing, recipe reading and adaptation, kitchen and knife safety, accurate measuring, and teamwork. Youth prepared dishes from five countries—Italy, France, China, Mexico, and Greece—creating recipes such as Italian salad with homemade dressing, French cheese bread, Chinese egg rolls, Mexican chicken enchiladas, and Greek chicken gyros. Each group also researched and presented fun facts about their assigned country.

Every camper sampled each dish, and nearly all the food was eaten. Youth were especially surprised at how much they enjoyed the homemade Italian salad—a recipe full of fresh vegetables many had never tried before. The overwhelming favorite, however, was the chicken enchiladas.

Each participant left camp with a recipe book in hand and excitement to recreate the meals at home for their families. In addition to cooking skills, youth gained confidence, practiced teamwork, and learned how to handle mistakes and adapt in real time.

“I didn’t think I’d like salad, but I want to make this one at home!” – youth particpant

This program not only equipped youth with essential life skills—it fostered cultural awareness, curiosity, and open-mindedness in a supportive environment. Through 4-H, youth are becoming more capable, confident, and connected—one recipe at a time.






Stories by Alexandria Brasher


Volunteer Administration Academy

about 5 years ago by Alexandria Brasher

Henderson County Extension, like many extension programs in the state of Kentucky, rely on volunteer... Read More


4-H Cooking Day Camp

about 5 years ago by Alexandria Brasher

According to the American Heart Association, teaching youth how to prepare their own food will give ... Read More


Stories by Henderson County CES


Healthy Choices for EveryBody-2017-18

Healthy Choices for EveryBody-2017-18

about 6 years ago by Rohdene Rollins

Healthy Choices for EveryBody in Henderson CountyRohdene Rollins-SNAP-Ed AssistantThe Christian Outr... Read More


Healthy Cooking Classes

about 5 years ago by Amanda Hardy

Healthy Cooking participants do hands on cooking, get to meet and talk to others about cooking, lear... Read More