Samford University's Wellness Kitchen welcomed aspiring young chefs for the 2026 Summer Teen Cooking Camp in June.
The camp marked the first teen cooking camp held in the Wellness Kitchen since its recent renovation, which transformed the space into a modern teaching kitchen designed to support nutrition education, culinary instruction and community engagement.
"The cooking camps provide a fun environment for teens to practice hands-on cooking skills, try new foods and learn the important role that food plays in cultures around the world," said Clara Darling, Wellness Kitchen director and instructor.
The Teen Cooking Camp is being offered in two weeklong sessions, June 8-12 and June 22-26. Participants cook alongside registered dietitian-nutritionists while learning how to build nutritious meals and snacks. The camp explores culinary traditions from around the world through recipes inspired by Mediterranean, Asian, Latin American, African and Southern American cuisines.
In addition to strengthening their cooking skills, students gain an introductory understanding of nutrition, healthy cooking techniques, recipe interpretation and food systems. Participants also plant their own herbs and discuss sustainability and food production.
“The goal is to help young people develop a positive relationship with food and cooking while building confidence in the kitchen,” said Darling.
Offered each summer since 2019, the Teen Cooking Camp encourages creativity, confidence and healthy habits while introducing young people to new foods and culinary experiences.
"The Teen Cooking Camp is truly an awesome experience for the young members of our community, with hands-on culinary skills development featuring recipes from around the world," said Dean Suresh Mathews.
