RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Summer camp activities this year at the Randolph Youth Center have a unique flavor.
One of several school-age programs at the Randolph youth center are cooking classes for both teens and pre-teens, who are tasked with a variety of functions before they sit down and enjoy their meal.
"They select the recipes they want to use and we put together a list of ingredients," said Katy Taylor, a school-age program assistant who works primarily with teenagers at the center. "They usually have a $40 budget to work with so they also learn to deal with managing money."
A recent session included about 15 pre-teens, who worked under the guidance of a handful of school-age program assistants to prepare breakfast. Children sat together and did prep work before taking turns using a frying pan and griddle to cook food.
"They like to do things on their own and they are usually more controlled when we do activities like this," said Allison Przybyslawksi, a Texas A&M student working here as a summer program assistant.
Aside from the weekday children taking part, the cooking classes routinely feature Saturday morning groups with kids who do not regularly attend the center's weekday summer camp.
"A lot of places like YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs, or local churches will have similar summer programs that might include cooking," said Tyler Betts, a student at Stephen F. Austin University and school-age program assistant here. "We show them how to put the meals together, then they learn by doing it themselves."
Katy Ortman, a ninth-grader at Randolph High School, is one of a handful of volunteers at the youth center. Ortman is a multi-tasker at the center but devotes a portion of her time to helping kids pull off their food projects.
"I started volunteering here in June and we do something with cooking every other week, at least," Ms. Ortman said. "The kids really enjoy cooking."
Preparing foods can prepare children to take care of themselves when parents are away, particularly in times after school or while they might be looking after younger siblings. One key ingredient in the cooking class is an emphasis on safety.
"We learn to work with sharp things and how to properly prepare raw foods," said 12-year-old Shaitia Martin.
While not all-inclusive with broccoli, salads and fat-free items, the menu is planned with a somewhat health-conscious angle.
"I learned to cook eggs here and I do that at home sometimes," said Freddie Larry, a 12-year-old middle-schooler. "I don't like junk food. Maybe some of what we make here might be junk food, but most of it isn't."
Eggs, grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, homemade ice cream and even egg foo-yong have been some of the dishes created in the sessions. Nearly all the children agree, the most enjoyable part of the process is being able to consume the food.
"We learn about measurements and how to prepare a lot of different kinds of food," said 9-year-old Kylie Nugent. "Then we all get to eat what we make."
Ms. Taylor said cooking gives children a more diversified background and understanding of the world around them.
"We go through all the cultures, with French food, Mexican and various others," she said. "We usually make an entrée and a dessert."
The summer camp program runs from mid-May to the end of summer, when schools in the Randolph Independent School district and others off-base let back in for the fall semester. During non-summer months, the center offers children after-school options and a variety of nightly classes for karate, tap-dancing, gymnastics and other activities.
For more information on the program, or other school-age programs offered at the youth center, call 652-3298.