About Our Company
Summer Culinary launched in 2002 when one of the founder's took his daughters to 'cooking camp', only to discover that meant putting red sauce, cheese and pre-made toppings on a pre-made crust, they put it in the over and get sent to the playground. After their pizza, they took pre-made cookie dough, rolled out some cookies, and back to the playground. We said: There must be a better way. We launched our program with the following drivers and intentions: 1. Safe. 2. Fun. 3. Learning will occur. First things first, safety is our top priority: 1. Respect yourself 2. Respect Others 3. Respect the Kitchen 4. Follow The Chef's Instructions. Our students leave the program empowered to go home and make complete meals for the family, including cleaning behind themselves as they go. We do not simply teach the students how to cook; we provide instruction that allows each student to grow into being s chef, ontologically see themselves as BEING A CHEF. And everything that goes along with being a chef. Personal development and growth is underneath everything we do. We are out to grow each and every student in these areas of life: self-esteem, confidence, the power of voice, leadership, making new friends, with no one left behind.
What Families Are Saying
“My favorite thing that I made while making it was the ravioli but my favorite thing that I ate that I made was the Thai basil chicken.”
“All in all this was an AMAZING experience for my daughter, Jessie! She and her roommate are in contact daily and she can't stop speaking about her experience in the kitchen and in NYC. Thank you for solidifying her passion for culinary arts!”
“It was genuinely one of the best weeks of my entire life!! I learned so much from the chefs and the entire environment was super inspiring and amazing.”
“We are so happy to have taken the step to send Ben here. He attended a couple of years back and is attending twice this summer. Once he completes high school next year he is hoping to attend the institute. He loves culinary, the camp and the city. It would be a perfect fit.”
“Every year without fail, the people I meet and the dishes I make become a part of me and my week in New York becomes one of my favorite memories.”
“The chefs were of course key to the camp, however, I hadn't expected the other students to be so gracious and welcoming. My introvert son was one of the young 12 year olds and scared of being the youngest, the least skilled, not knowing anyone. At the competition, when the judges said the plum-ade was perfect, an older student gave Duncan a silent fist bump — in a way that acknowledged he'd done well without the attention he hates. Duncan's already planning to do two weeks next summer.”
“It was amazing, trying so much new and fresh food, and being able to contribute to the meal.”
“My son had an amazing experience at CampusNYC! From the staff to the kitchen program, we thought the experience was top notch. For a 13 year old boy to come home and spend the rest of the summer saying how much he missed camp and his friends from camp is a huge win.”
“You'll make great food and meet great people!”
“My son had an AMAZING experience with CampusNYC culinary camp. Not only did he improve his cooking skills, but he also had opportunities to develop his independence and team working skills and he created memories I'm sure will last a lifetime. On his last day he was already planning for next summer.”
“(The chef instructors) were so good; they were able to explain the steps really well and were always happy to help if we had a question — they were just amazing.”
“Thank you for creating this camp — it is really special for young people who love food and food prep and don't want a traditional camp experience.”
“My favorite part was going on the ferry to the shopping mall because we had free rein and the ferry was awesome!”
“We appreciate how you all took care of our child while with your TEAM. God Bless you guys and all that you do.”
“I liked the Broadway show because it was a unique New York experience and rogue squad because we got to choose.”
“We loved tuning into the Top Chef style competition on the last day.”
“I loved getting coffee on the way to the kitchens and the dorms every day.”
“The food that came out of the camp was stellar. My son loved the experience and all that he learned. Winning first place really helped him.”
“I loved how we are in a professional kitchen and we have so much freedom.”
“Every year without fail, the people I meet and the dishes I make become a part of me and my week in New York becomes one of my favorite memories.”
“I loved how everyone would be together in the dorms hanging out and eating food after we baked all day!”
“You will never regret choosing Summer Culinary.”