Iowa State Launches Cyclone Kitchen Summer Cooking Camps

By Andi Anderson

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering two new summer cooking camps designed to help youth learn practical kitchen skills while having fun and building confidence.

The Cyclone Kitchen Summer Camps will take place in June on the Iowa State University campus.

The camps are designed for students entering fourth through seventh grade and are offered through Human Sciences Extension and Outreach in partnership with Iowa 4-H Youth Development.

Each camp provides hands on learning in a real teaching kitchen while promoting healthy living creativity and teamwork.

The first camp experience, Restaurant Week, runs from June 8 through June 12. During this camp, youth will work together to design and operate a mock restaurant.

Campers will take part in menu planning ingredient preparation and cooking. The week will end with a special lunch service prepared by campers for invited guests.

The second experience, Inspired Flavors Week, will be held June 15 through June 19. This camp introduces students to foods and ingredients from Iowa and around the world.

Youth will explore global and local food traditions through cooking, tasting and creative activities designed to expand their understanding of food cultures.

In both camps, participants will cook and learn in Iowa State University’s teaching kitchen. Each session also includes food science experiments art projects games and physical activities. The program encourages children to explore healthy choices while developing problem solving skills and creativity.

“We’re thrilled to launch this camp, an experience designed to help young people try new foods, get creative, and build confidence in the kitchen. We can’t wait to see what they’ll create!” said Sarah Francis, food science and human nutrition professor.

“Cooking isn’t just about following a recipe — it’s about having fun, trying new things and building confidence along the way,” said Tom Keinert, health and human sciences educator with ISU Extension and Outreach. “We love seeing kids light up when they realize, ‘Hey, I made this!’”

Registration is open to all youth in grades four through seven. Each camp costs $250 and runs daily from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Activities will be held at the ISU Food Science Building in Ames. Space is limited, and families are encouraged to register early.

For more information, families may contact Tom Keinert or visit Iowa State University Extension and Iowa 4-H Youth Development resources.

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