Cooking Up a Successful Science Behind Cooking Camp

Genesis: Pathways to Success is “Baking the World a Better Place” through The Science Behind Cooking Camp. From flipping pancakes to learning the science behind viscosity in smoothies, every minute of the 4 day camp was filled with fun, science, and baking up a storm.

Incoming 7th grader Grant Wanstrath said, “I’m having so much fun learning about all the different food, but the best part is getting to eat it all after!”

The first day of the camp was filled with cooking breakfast foods like eggs, bacon, and pancakes topped with chocolate chips and blueberries. The following day helped the students learn some food history while topping it off with getting to make their own personal oven-fired pizzas. They learned about what makes dough rise, followed with making their own dough and cheese.

By the third day of camp, everyone was eager for something sweet after the numerous savory meals the days prior. What was on the menu for dessert? Homemade soft-serve ice cream served with a side of science viscosity within smoothies! The final day of camp was a celebration of a great week of work with a guest visit from Professional Chef, David VanArtsdalen, owner of the Hassmer House Tavern + Inn located in Versailles, IN. The students were taught to make the Hassmer House’s signature Mac-n-Cheese, followed with a trivia jeopardy game! Did you know that the first ever Hawaiian pizza was created in Canada?

The Genesis: Pathways to Success Director, Clarice Patterson, said, “The real reward is always getting to see just how far the students come from day one to the end of the week. They came eager to learn and left wanting to apply their skills into their own lives or in this case…kitchens!”

Every child left the camp with new found knowledge, but also Family Meal Bags. Each bag was filled with all of the ingredients needed to replicate the recipes learned at camp and apply them in their own kitchens for the family and friends. This was made possible through the charitable donation from the Ripley County Court Services.

One thing is for sure: everyone loved digging into their own creations after the long days of learning and baking. Thanks to the generous help from our volunteers and South Ripley High School for lending the space for the camp, Genesis was able to cook up a successful week. This camp will return again in 2023.