USF Taste Buds Cooking Camp (Grades 3-5)

This camp offers 3rd-5th graders the opportunity to develop independence and essential life skills through hands-on kitchen experiences.

From mastering kitchen and food safety to exploring stovetop and baking basics, campers will build confidence in cooking techniques while fostering teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving. Each day includes fun activities like creating personalized cookbooks, experimenting with recipes, and practicing measurement and food prep skills that blend educational enrichment with STEM concepts.

By the end of the week, your child will gain valuable cooking skills and an appreciation for healthy eating habits and teamwork. Designed to inspire lifelong skills, this camp prepares young chefs to take pride in their culinary creations while developing practical knowledge they can share with family and friends. Sign up today and watch your young chef discover the joy of cooking!

USF Taste Buds Cooking Camp Details

Camp Director: Andrea Marshall

Location: USF Tampa

Grade Levels: Entering 3rd - 5th

Dates: June 2nd - 6th, 2025

Time: 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Cost: TBD

What to Expect

Cooking Made Safe and Simple

At Taste Buds Camp, safety comes first! Campers will learn essential kitchen and food safety skills, including proper handwashing, handling utensils safely, and avoiding cross-contamination. With engaging lessons and hands-on practice, your child will gain the confidence to navigate the kitchen responsibly and build healthy habits for life.

Measure, Prep, and Cook with Confidence

Campers will master measuring and food prep skills essential for any recipe. They’ll practice using measuring tools accurately, learning techniques for chopping, mixing, and organizing ingredients. Through fun, hands-on activities, your child will build confidence in preparing meals while reinforcing math and organizational skills.

Crafting Recipes, Creating Memories

Camper creativity shines with recipe and cookbook creation! Experiment with flavors, customize their own recipes, and document their culinary adventures in personalized cookbooks. By the end of camp, your camper will have a keepsake full of delicious ideas to share and the skills to bring them to life.

Mastering Appliances, Building Kitchen Confidence

They’ll learn to use kitchen appliances, understand cooking temperatures, and practice techniques like sautéing and baking. These hands-on lessons will empower your child to create tasty dishes while building confidence in the kitchen.

At USF Taste Buds Cooking Camp, your child will embark on a flavorful journey, learning essential kitchen skills while building confidence and independence. From mastering food prep and measuring techniques to safely using kitchen appliances, campers will create delicious dishes through hands-on activities. With a focus on safety and creativity, they’ll gain practical cooking knowledge and discover the joy of crafting their own recipes.

By the end of the camp, your child will leave with more than just culinary skills—they’ll take home a personalized cookbook filled with their unique creations and memories to last a lifetime. Give your aspiring chef the opportunity to shine in the kitchen, develop lifelong healthy habits, and explore the exciting world of cooking in a safe and supportive environment!

Campers at USF Taste Buds Cooking Camp

Useful Information

When does registration open for the USF Taste Buds Cooking Camp?

Each session of the USF Taste Buds Cooking Camp has a capacity of 30.

What is the capacity of the USF Taste Buds Cooking Camp?

Each session of the USF Taste Buds Cooking Camp has a capacity of 30.

What is the refund/cancellation policy?

USF reserves the right to cancel camps, in which case registration fees are fully refunded. If it becomes necessary for USF to cancel, postpone or combine camps, or change a camp location, you will be notified by email or phone. It is important that we have your current contact information. If a camp is cancelled, you will receive a full refund. If a registration is received after the enrollment limit has been reached, a full refund will be issued.

If you need to cancel a camp registration, please email USF Youth Experiences. If the cancellation occurs 10 days prior to camp start date a full refund will be received with the exception of administration fees. However, if the cancellation is received within 10 business days of the camp start date, no refund will be given. No refunds will be issued after the start date of the camp.

Where is the USF Taste Buds Cooking Camp located?

The USF Taste Buds Cooking Camp will be held at the USF Tampa campus. We are in the process of finalizing the exact location and will update you as soon as it's confirmed.

What time is the drop-off and pick-up for the USF Taste Buds Cooking Camp?

Our staff will be ready to welcome your child for drop-off at 8:50 AM in front of the yet to be determined camp location, with pick-up starting at 4:00 PM. If you are running late for drop-off or pick-up, please call our office at (813) 974-3355 to let us know.

After registering for the USF Taste Buds Cooking Camp, when will I start receiving logistical details, including drop-off and pick-up times?

You will receive several reminder emails leading up to the camp start date. Emails will be sent 60, 30, 14, 7, and 1 day prior, each containing important information to ensure a successful experience at the USF Taste Buds Cooking Camp.

Discover the fun activities at USF Taste Buds Cooking Camp!

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