Starkville School Hosts GrOW Cooking Camps for Young Chefs

Children cooking in a classroom setting with St. Patrick's Day decor.

News Summary

Starkville’s Jacket Thrive Intersession camps kicked off with the GrOW Cooking Camps, where 3rd-5th graders engaged in culinary skills with a St. Patrick’s Day theme. Under the guidance of an instructor, the students created Irish Stew and fun desserts, fostering teamwork and healthy eating habits. The program, backed by a significant grant, also emphasizes wellness education and farm-to-table learning, encouraging kids to appreciate the food they grow and prepare. This initiative not only teaches cooking but also cultivates lasting memories in a fun, interactive environment.

Starkville Brings the Fun and Flavor with GrOW Cooking Camps!

Welcome to Starkville, where the smell of cooking and the spirit of togetherness are filling the air! Today marked an exciting kickoff for the Jacket Thrive Intersession camps, particularly the delightful and educational GrOW Cooking Camps. With a festive St. Patrick’s Day theme, students are not just having fun, but they are learning valuable skills that will last a lifetime!

Cooking up a Storm

The spotlight in the GrOW classroom was on Home Dumas, the instructor at Partnership Middle School, who led the way in getting these eager 3rd-5th graders cooking in a mobile kitchen. Isn’t that cool? The campers had their green aprons on and turned into little chefs, creating several delectable green-themed dishes that were both fun and meaningful to learn about various ingredients.

Yummy Recipes and Sweet Memories

Students rolled up their sleeves and got right into the culinary experience by preparing a traditional Irish Stew. What a superb recipe to kick off the St. Patrick’s Day celebration! And the best part? They not only cooked it but also got to taste-test their culinary creation right there in the classroom. Reports indicate that the Irish Stew was a hit! Who wouldn’t love a hearty stew made with care and teamwork?

If that wasn’t enough to tickle their taste buds, they also crafted an amusing dessert called “Green Flop Jell-O”. Now that sounds like a fun twist! Imagine the giggles while mixing up something that wobbles and jiggles with excitement.

Recipe Books for Family!

Each participant is compiling their very own recipe book throughout the week. This book will house all the delicious recipes they’ve made, allowing them to share their newfound cooking skills with their families. What a lovely way to bring everyone together around the dinner table!

The camp has some classroom rules that emphasize trying each dish they prepare. It helps expand their taste horizons while teaching valuable lessons about food appreciation and healthy eating habits.

GrOW Classroom: A Garden of Learning

The GrOW classroom isn’t just about cooking; it’s also a space for wellness education. Established with a generous $900,000 grant from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of Mississippi in 2020, this innovative program aims to enhance the learning experience for students. It includes amazing features like mobile kitchens and outdoor gardens, connecting students to food right from the ground up.

Speaking of gardens, did you know that GrOW students also engage in farm-to-table learning? They don’t just cook; they grow their own ingredients too! From tending to seedlings to harvesting, these kids are getting a hands-on approach to understanding where their food comes from, promoting a sense of responsibility and appreciation for nature.

GrOW Beyond the Basics

For those in 6th grade, there’s an exciting opportunity with a 9-week rotation in the GrOW program. And for 7th graders, there’s also the option to take the GrOW course as a semester class. It’s all part of the district’s mission to emphasize excellence through nurturing each student’s passion and potential, ensuring that every child can thrive.

Community Spirit and Healthy Eating

The GrOW Cooking Camps are not just about cooking; they celebrate community spirit and the importance of healthy eating in a fun and interactive way. With every pot stirred and every dish served, students are learning the basics of nutrition and the joys of sharing food with others. And with St. Patrick’s Day as a backdrop, who could ask for a more festive introduction to culinary arts?

So here’s to Starkville, where kids are not just learning to cook—they’re cultivating memories that will last a lifetime!