For the past two summers, the SNAP-Ed assistant and the Family and Consumer Sciences program assistant have partnered together to conduct a nutrition camp entitled ‘Let’s Make Pizza’ using the Teen Cuisine curriculum. Each year a different area of the county is chosen since transportation is an issue for some of the children to come to the Extension office. 

This year’s summer nutrition camp was held at the Bent Branch Community Park located in the Johns Creek area. The three (3) day nutrition camp targeted children 9-12 years of age. Seven children enrolled; six female and one male.

During the first day of camp, the youth learned proper handwashing techniques, food safety, how to use a mixer and the importance of breakfast and dairy. Each participant made his or her own individual breakfast pizza.  To prepare for the second day, the group discussed their favorite fruits and fruits they had never tried.

Nutrition topics covered during the second day included the following:  knife safety, how to read a recipe, and the importance of fruits and grains. Each participant sliced and chopped their own fruit for his or her individual fruit pizza. Participants also tasted fruits they had never tried before.

The last day of nutrition camp included a lesson about the importance of consuming vegetables and proteins. A lesson on Think Your Drink was also included. Each participant made his or her own individual pizza using a variety of meats and vegetables.

By the end of camp, 100% of the participants improved in diet quality and safe food handling practices. Fifty-seven percent (57%) improved in their knowledge of physical activity practices.