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Future Chefs Camps

Come ready to learn, cook, eat and have fun! At Brightwater Future Chefs Food Camps, children ages 9-17 will learn new techniques, try new foods and make new friends! 

Cost per camp is $475. Registering multiple children or signing up your child for multiple weeks? Bundle and save 10%! Email FutureChefs@nwacc.edu to get the promo code. 

Read further to learn more about the week-long day camps, schedule and registration process. 

 

2026 Culinary Camps

In Future Chefs culinary week-long day camps, children will learn basic cooking and baking techniques and make their own lunch and snacks.

At the week’s end, they will have the opportunity to show off their new skills for their parents at the parent party! They will come away with a collection of tasty recipes focused on using local, healthy ingredients. Other weekly camp activities will include spending time in the Brightwater garden and taking field trips around 8th Street Market.

Register

Welcome to Europe!  | June 8-12 | Ages 9-12

 

Get ready for a hands-on journey across Europe in this exciting week-long culinary adventure! Each day, campers will “travel” to a new country, exploring its culture, traditions, and of course—its food.

From the sunny shores of Greece to the cozy kitchens of Germany, campers will learn how to prepare classic European dishes completely from scratch. Along the way, they’ll make favorites like Greek souvlaki, Spanish empanadas, Italian meatballs, delicate French crêpes, and soft German pretzels.

But this camp is about more than just cooking—it’s about building confidence and creativity in the kitchen. Campers will practice essential culinary skills such as measuring, mixing, chopping (age-appropriate and supervised), and following recipes, all while working as a team in a fun and supportive environment.

Each session also introduces fun cultural facts, helping kids connect what they’re cooking to the people and places it comes from. By the end of the week, your child will not only have a collection of tasty recipes to recreate at home, but also a deeper appreciation for global flavors and traditions.

Perfect for beginners and budding chefs alike, this camp is a flavorful way to learn, create, and explore the world—one dish at a time!

Register

International Comfort Foods | June 22-26 | Ages 13-17

 

Favorite foods have a special way of bringing comfort—whether you’re feeling homesick, under the weather, or just in need of something warm and familiar. In this deliciously global camp, join Chef Leah as we explore comforting dishes from cultures around the world.

Campers will discover how different countries create their own versions of “comfort food” while learning new cooking techniques along the way. Our culinary journey includes the Philippines, where we’ll make soothing arroz caldo and refreshing halo-halo; Australia, with its hearty meat pies and light, sweet pavlova; India, featuring flavorful chicken curry and freshly made naan; Hungary, with rich beef stew and savory pogácsa; and the United States, where we’ll experiment with creative variations of macaroni and cheese.

Perfect for curious cooks and adventurous eaters, this camp is all about sharing stories, flavors, and the universal joy of comfort food.

Register

The Modern Bistro: Classic Roots & Contemporary Plates | July 6-10 | Ages 13-17

 

Step into the professional kitchen and master the art of the bistro—a style of cooking that balances soulful, rustic flavors with refined, modern presentation. In this intensive camp, teens will explore the evolution of the bistro, from the timeless techniques of the French countryside to the "bistronomy" movement seen in top kitchens today. We will focus on creating iconic dishes like steak frites with compound butters, handmade pasta, and perfectly roasted seasonal vegetables, all while emphasizing the high-level skills needed to succeed in a professional environment.
 
The curriculum is designed to challenge the aspiring chef's technical ability and artistic eye. Students won't just learn to follow a recipe; they will learn to manage a "station," control heat for perfect textures, and understand the chemistry of a great pan sauce. The week ends with a focus on "modernizing" these classics, using contemporary plating aesthetics to transform traditional comfort food into stunning, restaurant-quality presentations.

Register

Global Snack-athon: A World of Flavor in Every Bite | July 13-17 | Ages 9-12

 

Pack your bags and sharpen your knives for a week-long culinary expedition! In the Global Snack-athon, young chefs (ages 9–12) will travel across continents without ever leaving the Brightwater kitchens. This high-energy camp focuses on the art of the "small bite," teaching students how different cultures create big flavors in portable packages. From the bustling night markets of Thailand to the vibrant street stalls of Mexico, students will master the essential techniques—like dough-folding, sauce-emulsifying, and balanced seasoning—that make international street food so iconic.
 
Beyond just cooking, our "Future Chefs" will develop a deeper understanding of global ingredients and the traditions behind them. Each day is a hands-on exploration of texture and taste, designed to build kitchen confidence and expand adventurous palates. By the end of the week, students will have a personalized "Culinary Passport" filled with recipes and skills they can use to host their own international snack party at home!

Register

Let's Celebrate! | July 20-24 | Ages 9-12

 

Nothing brings people together quite like food at a party! In this fun-filled, hands-on camp, join Chef Leah as we cook our way through life’s most joyful celebrations and special occasions.
 
Campers will learn how to prepare delicious dishes for a variety of festive moments—from making pizza and cupcakes for the perfect birthday party to creating crowd-pleasing favorites for a family barbecue. We’ll spice things up with a vibrant fiesta and slow things down with an elegant Mother’s Day afternoon tea, exploring both savory and sweet treats along the way.
 
The week wraps up with the ultimate celebration: a classic holiday feast! Campers will work together to prepare a full meal featuring turkey, tasty sides, and a selection of pies.
 
This camp is perfect for young chefs who love to cook, celebrate, and share great food with others!

Register

 

2026 Baking Camps

In Future Chefs baking week-long day camps, kids will explore the art of baking and learn kitchen basics and techniques required to make sweet and savory breads, pastries and other baked goods.

Kids will also make their own lunch and snacks throughout the week. At the week’s end, they will have the opportunity to show off their new skills for their parents at the Parent Party! They will come away with a collection of tasty recipes focused on using local, healthy ingredients. Other weekly camp activities will include spending time in the Brightwater garden and taking field trips around 8th Street Market.

Register

Whisk Without Wheat: Gluten-Free Treats & Eats | June 15 - 19 | Ages 9-17

Five days. Endless recipes. Zero gluten. In this fun and beginner-friendly camp, campers will discover how delicious gluten-free baking can truly be. Designed for beginners and curious cooks alike, this camp builds confidence in the kitchen while introducing the essentials of gluten-free techniques and ingredients.
 
Throughout the week, campers will bake a wide variety of cookies, breads, and sweet treats—learning how to work with alternative flours, balance textures, and create baked goods that are just as satisfying as traditional favorites. From soft, chewy cookies to tender quick breads and crowd-pleasing desserts, every recipe is crafted to prove that gluten-free can be seriously delicious.
 
Along the way, campers will:
 
• Learn the basics of gluten-free baking and ingredient swaps
• Explore different gluten-free flours and blends
• Practice measuring, mixing, and baking techniques
• Build confidence through hands-on, from-scratch recipes
 
By the end of the week, campers will have a collection of go-to gluten-free recipes and the skills to recreate them at home—no experience required.
 
So good, nobody will believe it’s gluten-free!

Register

Cookies Around the World | July 6-10 | Ages 9-12

 

Get ready to pack your apron and travel the globe—one cookie at a time! In this fun, hands-on baking camp, young bakers will explore delicious cookies from around the world while building real skills in the kitchen.
 
Each day features a new country or region, giving campers the chance to bake and taste a wide variety of treats by the end of the week. From classic American chocolate chip cookies to delicate French madeleines, crunchy Italian biscotti, Mexican wedding cookies, and jam-filled European favorites, every session is a new baking adventure.
 
Along the way, campers will:
 
• Learn how to measure and mix like real bakers
• Practice cookie-making techniques from different cultures
• Shape, decorate, and fill a variety of cookies
• Build teamwork and creativity in the kitchen
 
Campers will also create their own “cookie passport,” tracking their culinary journey as they explore new flavors and traditions from around the world.
 
By the end of the week, young bakers will feel more confident in the kitchen and head home with a collection of delicious treats to share.
 
No experience needed. Just bring your curiosity—and a sweet tooth!

Register

Pâtisserie Mastery Lab | July 13 - 17 | Ages 13-17

 

Ready to take your baking to the next level? In this intensive 5-day camp, campers will move beyond the basics and step into the world of advanced pastry techniques. Designed for those with some kitchen experience, this camp challenges students to refine their skills while creating elegant, bakery-quality desserts.
 
Throughout the week, campers will tackle laminated doughs, master delicate pâtisserie, and build stunning multi-component desserts that combine layers, textures, and flavors. Along the way, they’ll learn the science behind baking, practice precision techniques, and develop a deeper understanding of timing, temperature, and presentation.
 
This camp emphasizes creativity and craftsmanship, encouraging students to experiment while honing professional-level skills. By the end of the week, campers will have completed a portfolio of impressive desserts—and gained the confidence to take on ambitious baking projects at home.

Register

Farm to Oven Baking Camp | July 20-24 | Ages 13-17

 

Celebrate the flavors of summer in this hands-on baking experience! In Farm to Oven, campers will discover how fresh, seasonal ingredients go from field to finished treat, transforming simple harvests into delicious baked goods.
 
Using fruits, vegetables, and honey at their peak, campers will learn to create both sweet and savory recipes from scratch. Each day focuses on building real baking skills while exploring how local ingredients enhance flavor, texture, and creativity in the kitchen. From fruit-filled pastries and rustic pies to savory breads, vegetable tarts, and naturally sweetened desserts, every bake highlights the best of the season.
 
Throughout the week, campers will:
 
• Work with fresh, seasonal produce
• Bake with honey and other natural sweeteners
• Develop foundational skills in bread and pastry making
• Gain a deeper appreciation for local farms and ingredients
 
Perfect for teens who love to bake (or want to learn!), this camp welcomes all skill levels and encourages curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the kitchen. By the end of the week, campers will have a collection of beautiful, seasonal baked goods—and the skills to recreate them at home.
 
All skill levels welcome. Come experience the journey from farm to oven!

Register