Fond du Lac County 4-H’s 2025 Foodie Camp welcomed 11 youth for a three-day culinary journey rooted in experiential learning. The camp, held in June, blended hands-on cooking with lessons in food safety, nutrition, and teamwork—led by a dedicated team of a Youth Leader, Adult Volunteer, 4-H Summer Intern, and 4-H Program Educator.
Participants engaged in a wide variety of cooking projects, including pasta-making, baking, preserving, and preparing full meals. Youth took turns in every aspect of the kitchen, from recipe prep and cooking to clean-up. They explored techniques ranging from roasting chickpeas to crafting delicate macarons.
Evaluation results affirm the program’s success:
- Nearly three-quarters “loved” the experience and another 18% said it was “fun.”
- 100% of participants reported learning something new or increasing their interest in cooking.
- Favorites included Tanghulu, churros, pasta-making, frozen grapes, and fruit gummies.
Through team-based cooking, structured reflection, and opportunities for creativity, Foodie Camp delivered on its goals: building culinary confidence, engaging youth in learning, and sparking new interests. The program exemplifies 4-H’s commitment to positive youth development and brings the Wisconsin Idea to life by cultivating real-world skills and meaningful experiences.Check out other Summer Day Camps 4-H is offering: https://fonddulac.extension.wisc.edu/events-activities/
