The Issue:

Many youth today lack basic cooking skills and confidence in the kitchen due to limited exposure to hands-on food preparation at home or school. This gap not only affects their independence but also their understanding of nutrition, food safety, and healthy eating habits. In our community, it became evident that children were eager to learn but needed structured, engaging opportunities to do so.

 Educational Program Response:

To address this need, a 4-H “Campfire Chef” cooking program was offered to youth ages 9–14 at the Christian County Extension Office with a partnership between the Christian County Extension Intern and one of the 4-H Youth Development Agents. This was a hands-on program combined outdoor cooking methods with essential kitchen skills to create a unique, fun, and educational experience. Participants learned proper knife handling, food measuring techniques, nutrition basics, and fire safety.

They prepared a variety of recipes including sheet pan dinners (one in a Dutch oven and another in a conventional oven), peach dump cake cooked over coals in a Dutch oven , triple berry crisp, honey cornbread in a cast iron skillet, mason jar butter, and even homemade ice cream in a bag. Recipes were sent home to encourage continued cooking with their families.

 Participants:
 A total of 16 youth in Christian County ages 9–14 participated in the program. Many reported having little to no prior experience cooking at home and expressed excitement about learning new skills. The program targeted youth who were curious about cooking and provided them with a safe, supportive environment to explore culinary arts, particularly in an outdoor and group setting.

 Impact:
 Post-program surveys were completed by 12 participants and revealed strong positive outcomes:

1. 92% tried a new food during the program.
2. 100% reported learning about kitchen safety and proper food handling techniques.
3. 92% indicated a growing interest in Family and Consumer Sciences as a result of their experience.

Participants left with new skills, increased confidence, and a sense of pride in their culinary creations. Some even stating that their favorite parts were the fire and making their own butter. Many expressed excitement about recreating the recipes at home with their families, helping to strengthen family connections and support lifelong healthy habits. The success of the Campfire Chef program demonstrates the value of engaging youth through interactive, skill-based learning opportunities.