According to 2024 data from the State of Obesity website, the most recent obesity rate for children ages 10-17 in Kentucky is 24%. This places Kentucky at second highest in the nation for childhood obesity rates in this age group. In addition, the Marshall County Extension Council identified childhood obesity as a grassroots issue facing the community. Recent research has indicated that teaching cooking skills to children encourages healthier food choices, which can lower obesity rates. In an effort to address this problem, the Marshall County Family Consumer Sciences agent instructed students ages nine through twelve in a day camp setting to teach kitchen safety, food safety, nutrition concepts, and physical activity. In addition, the students practiced food preparation skills with supervision.

Overall, pre- and post-test comparisons of total participants show that the camp experience enhanced understanding of the concepts taught by the program. In addition, 100% of the participating students agreed or strongly agreed that they could identify healthy foods and 90% stated they plan to be more physically active and prepare more meals at home.  Also, participants’ cooking self-efficacy increased from pre-test to post-test. Parents have commented on how much their kids enjoy coming to the camp and reported their children had prepared some of the recipes at home for their families. One parent said, “Our daughter couldn't wait to make fruit salad for our family." Knife skills were taught and students demonstrated a better understanding of which knife is appropriate for various uses in the kitchen.