Kentucky Youth rank among the 10 highest for obesity in the US.  In fact, in 2010 21.1% of children ages 2-4 were identified as obese in Carter County. Involving children in food preparation has been proven to successfully increase the consumption of nutritious food in children.The Carter County Extension Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H Agents had multiple requests for cooking classes for children.  To address this need they developed “Kids Can Cook Camp” for youth.

The three-day program was sponsored by Carter County 4-H and Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) programs and presented by staff and both 4-H and FCS volunteers.Twenty-eight youth participated ranging from ages 5-11.  Activities and lessons were used from Professor Popcorn, Myplate.gov, Super Star Chef, Get Moving Kentucky, Rethink Your Drink, SPARK, and the UK Nutrition Education curriculums.  The Family and Consumer Sciences Agent taught lessons on handwashing, food safety, measuring, recipe reading, kitchen basics, knife skills, kitchen equipment, and serving sizes.  The FCS agent also demonstrated and led the preparation of the recipes for pumpkin apple bread, homemade vegetable pizza, homemade cookies, and fruit salsa.  The 4-H agent taught lessons on food groups, fruit and vegetable consumption, plant and animal based foods, physical activity safety, and led 30 minutes of physical activity each session.

The program was evaluated by observation and a 6-month follow-up evaluation.One-hundred percent of the participants were able to interpret and prepare a recipe and demonstrated measuring dry ingredients and safe handling of foods. Eighty percent of the participants demonstrated proper knife skills.  One-hundred percent of those surveyed reported applying their knowledge after the program and preparing at-least one of the recipes at home with their family.  All parents reported that their child is more involved with food preparation and consumes more a of variety of healthy foods. Seventy-seven percent of those surveyed prepared all six recipes at home.  One hundred percent of youth reported that their self-confidence has increased, and they feel more comfortable making their own snacks because of this program.

Ninety-six percent of the youth enjoyed participating in the physical activities where they practiced listening skills, cooperation, and agility.  By the end of the week students demonstrated mastery by leading the activities themselves.  

A parent from two of the participants reported, " My daughter now cooks on her own by following recipe/directions. She even measures everything independently which was a new skill she learned at camp.  My girls have made all of the recipes at home and our family has enjoyed trying new foods.  We even purchased the safety knives for children, so they can assist with food preparation more often and practice their knife skills."

The Carter County Extension Service has continued to receive requests for similar programs and there are plans for additional “Kids Can Cook” programs.