General Information
The “See Ya Later” Foundation’s “Go Be Great Culinary Camp” is designed to be an engaging and educational experience that combines both fun and hands-on culinary skills development. The camp will ignite a passion for food while teaching important aspects of cooking, but the core focus is on providing a well-rounded understanding of kitchen practices and food safety. Here’s a deeper look at what the camp entails:
1. Passion for Food & Quality Ingredients
At the heart of the camp is an appreciation for food. The camp will encourage participants to explore high-quality ingredients, emphasizing the importance of sourcing fresh, seasonal products. The goal is not only to learn to cook but also to understand why ingredient quality matters.
2. Food Safety & Proper Food Handling
A major component of the camp is food safety. Young chefs will be taught the essential guidelines of handling food safely to prevent contamination and illness. They’ll learn about temperature control, storage, expiration dates, and safe food preparation practices.
3. Sanitation & Kitchen Safety
Keeping a clean kitchen is a top priority. The camp will emphasize sanitation standards, such as how to properly wash hands, sanitize surfaces, and use cleaning tools. Kitchen safety will also be covered, including the proper way to handle hot equipment, avoid burns, and ensure that tools and appliances are safely used.
4. Knife Skills & Techniques
One of the more exciting aspects will be teaching campers proper knife skills. They will learn how to chop, slice, and dice with precision and safety, an essential skill for any aspiring cook. With a focus on technique, campers will also explore advanced cooking methods such as sautéing, roasting, grilling, and more.
5. Herb & Spice Identification
Participants will be introduced to a wide variety of herbs and spices, learning how they enhance flavor and elevate dishes. Understanding the different tastes, textures, and uses of herbs and spices will help campers develop a refined palate.
6. Understanding Recipes & Cooking Techniques
The camp will take a deep dive into recipe reading and understanding. Campers will learn how to interpret recipes, make adjustments based on available ingredients, and understand different cooking techniques, from basic to advanced. They will be encouraged to follow recipes while also using their creativity to experiment.
7. Time Management & Creativity
Cooking in a kitchen requires time management, especially when juggling multiple tasks at once. Campers will be taught how to stay organized, plan meals efficiently, and think on their feet. This will be balanced with an emphasis on creativity—whether they’re plating dishes or inventing their own, the camp will foster originality and self-expression.
8. Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association Training & Food Handlers Card
As part of the camp, each participant will take part in the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association’s food safety training program. By completing this training, each camper will earn their Oregon State Food Handlers card, a certification that is an important credential for anyone pursuing work in the food industry. The certification process will require the campers to bring their school-issued (or personal) laptops to complete the online training.
9. Skills That Last a Lifetime
The camp is designed not just for future chefs, but for any camper who wants to leave with life skills. Whether or not participants pursue a culinary career, the tools they’ll learn—how to cook, handle food safely, work in a kitchen, and use creativity in the kitchen—will benefit them for years to come.
The “Go Be Great Culinary Camp” offers a unique opportunity for young chefs to explore the culinary world in a structured yet creative environment. The combination of learning practical skills and having fun will create a memorable experience that builds confidence, teamwork, and lifelong skills.
