Program Info
The Curriculum
A week-long deep dive into professional cooking — built for curious, ambitious teens who want to cook at the highest level.
What We Teach
Core Curriculum Areas
Every session covers all six areas — building a complete foundation in professional cooking over the course of one week.
Knife Skills & Kitchen Fundamentals
Every great chef starts here. Campers master proper knife grip, blade control, and the foundational cuts used in professional kitchens — julienne, brunoise, chiffonade, and more.
Heat & Cooking Methods
Sauté, braise, roast, poach, steam, and grill. Students learn when and why to use each method — and how heat transforms ingredients at a molecular level.
Seasonal & Local Sourcing
We visit farmers markets and local purveyors in every city. Campers learn to shop like a chef — reading quality, understanding seasonality, and building menus around what's fresh.
Recipe Development & Flavor Theory
Beyond following recipes — students learn to taste critically, balance flavors, and develop their own dishes from scratch using the five basic tastes and flavor pairing principles.
Plating & Presentation
Food is visual before it is tasted. Campers learn the visual language of professional plating — negative space, height, sauce work, and garnish — used in Michelin-starred kitchens.
Baking & Pastry Techniques
From laminated doughs to soufflés, the pastry kitchen demands precision. Students explore the science of baking — gluten development, emulsification, and sugar work.
A Day in the Life
Daily Schedule
Morning Kitchen Session
The day starts in the professional kitchen. Campers cook from the very first hour — chef instructors lead hands-on technique workshops covering knife work, sauce-making, protein cookery, or baking.
Family Meal
Campers cook and eat lunch together — a tradition borrowed from real restaurant kitchens. It's a daily ritual that builds community and reinforces the morning's techniques.
Afternoon Recipe Sessions
Afternoons are dedicated to cooking a large variety of recipes. Campers work through multiple dishes — exploring different cuisines, techniques, and flavor profiles. Students are in the kitchen cooking most of the day.
Family Dinner
Every day ends with a fully plated and presented family dinner — all students and staff sit down together to enjoy the dishes made that day. It's a proud moment that mirrors the real restaurant experience.
Evening City Experience
We take the city on together. Campers and staff head out for curated evening excursions — exploring local neighborhoods, food scenes, and iconic spots until around 10pm.
Dorm Time
Back at the dorms, campers wind down for the night. We have a doors-shut policy so everyone gets their space — but no lights-out, so night owls can keep the energy going.
All Skill Levels
Built for Every Cook
No experience needed. Whether your teen has never cooked or dreams of culinary school, Summer Culinary meets them exactly where they are.
First-Time Cooks Welcome
Never held a chef's knife? No experience needed — and no problem. Our instructors meet every camper where they are. Beginners build confidence fast in a supportive, encouraging kitchen environment.
Build on What You Know
Already comfortable in the kitchen? Our curriculum pushes intermediate cooks into new territory — advanced techniques, unfamiliar cuisines, and more complex flavor work.
Cook Like a Pro
Experienced home cooks and aspiring culinary students get access to restaurant-level challenges and the chance to lead their own kitchen station.
Ready to Cook at the Highest Level?
Summer 2026 sessions are filling fast. Secure your teen's spot today.