The Todd County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences Education partnered with the Todd County Family Resource and Youth Service Centers (FRYSC) to offer two different Super Star Chef Camps.  A total of 25 youth attended the three-day camps.  The Todd County Extension FCS Agent delivered the instruction and the FRYSC provided funding for supplies, cookbooks for each student, three high school students to assist with teaching, and two day trips.

Pre-tests and post-test were administered to all students attending Super Star Chef Camps. Comparisons of participant responses to the assessment instrument showed that the program enhanced participant understanding of the nutrition concepts covered in the program.  

The post-test also included seven self- assessment of participants’ intentions to make health nutrition choices and be more physically active.  The average total score of elementary school students on the test increased from 8.88 in the pre-test to 11.75 in the post-test, out of a maximum of 13, with a gain score of 4.88 (statistically significant).   The average total score of middle school students on the test increased from 8.00 in the pre-test to 11.00 in the post-test, out of a maximum of 13, with a gain score of 3.00.   

The pre-posttest also included seven items that measured participants’ cooking self-efficacy. Responses to these seven items were summed to create a cooking self-efficacy score. Pre-post analysis showed a statistical significant increase in elementary school student’ cooking self-efficacy from 28.43 in the pre-test to 33.38 in the post-test, out of a maximum of 36.  Pre-post analysis showed that middle school students’ cooking self-efficacy increased from 31.85 in the pre-test to 35.29 in the post-test, out of a maximum of 36.

After participating in the Super Star Chef program, all of the respondents (100%) reported that they plan to drink less soda and eat more fruits.  Additionally, 100% of the elementary school youth reported they can identify healthy foods, and they plan to try new foods; 100% of the middle school students plan to drink more water every day, and eat more vegetables.