JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- Children at Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA)-Lackland, Texas, learned safe and healthy cooking techniques last week, thanks to Air Force Services Activity’s Healthy Cooking Camp for Kids.
Fourteen children registered for the week-long camp, which targeted children ages 9-18 and included instruction on full meal preparation, basic nutrition and kitchen safety.
“It helps teach children that they can prepare healthy food at home and it doesn’t have to take a lot of time,” said Jonathan Grammer, AFSVA Programs director.
Chef-K, the company contracted to lead the training, combined traditional classroom learning with hands-on kitchen activities. Children earned wristbands throughout the course in recognition of their mastery of particular lessons.
The recipes selected for the course were Lauri Zerga’s, founder Chef-K, family favorites. The focus during each three-hour class was on the preparation of a nutritious, balanced family meal, such as rosemary chicken, roasted potatoes, broccoli, carrots and fresh fruit.
“I’ve always been a foodie,” said Zerga, who led the JBSA-Lackland course. “In 2002, my daughters wanted to find a cooking camp, but we couldn’t find one that was kid-friendly. What is now Chef-K started out as a fun activity for my kids and their friends, then it grew to supporting youth organizations. The entire concept was created ‘by kids, for kids.’ It helps them (children) realize that there are healthy meal options that they can cook on their own at home.”
The camp ended with a “celebration day,” where students received certificates of completion and parents were invited to attend and sample the finished products.
Parents appreciated the hands-on event and the Air Force’s focus on healthier living.
“It was a great opportunity to expose my son to cooking and have him focus on something other than video games,” said Staff Sgt. Ashley White.
The children at the JBSA-Lackland camp were in agreement – one of the highlights was eating the meal they all prepared together.
“The best part is that we get to cook and then we get to eat!” said Elijah, one of the students in the class.
JBSA-Lackland was the ninth stop in the 10-installation initiative, which kicked off in July and included visits to installations in Texas, North Dakota and South Dakota.
JBSA-Randolph, Texas, is the final stop, with a class planned for Nov. 13-17. For more information on the camp, contact AFSVA at 210-395-1822.