An interactive, innovative cooking school for kids and teens is slated to open in Yardley/Lower Makefield Township during this October at 301 Oxford Valley Road, Ste. 804.
"Our class curriculum at Young Chefs Academy immerses youths in a world of culinary creativity and discovery, and goes beyond most kids’ cooking programs to teach real culinary and life skills,” says Yardley resident Anne Moyer, who's opening the academy with her husband, Matt Moyer.
Anne and Matt, parents of youths 17, 13 and 7 years old, indicate they researched children's enrichment-based concepts and businesses for a year before settling on YCA, known as the nation's top culinary school for youths.
"As Sunday School teachers and coaches of sports teams, we both value teaching kids new lessons and rooting them on," Anne explains.
YCA classes incorporate unique monthly themes. Anne adds each session's skills build upon previous ones so students advance into more complex food preparation and presentation.
With classes grouped to meet kids at their level of experience and comfort in the kitchen, YCA members will be a part of the school’s KinderCooks, JuniorChefs or SeniorChefs program. Members, who are 5 years old through teenagers, can progress through the curriculum, earn badges for new knowledge, and attain the elite item that signifies individual mastery: a black chef coat.
“At every step, cooking dishes of varying complexity will build kids’ confidence in and out of the kitchen. They’ll also pick up valuable lessons about where food comes from, nutrition and the value of teamwork,” Anne adds.
Cooking is a recipe for improving reading skills, too. Anne, a former preschool teacher and Afton Elementary Book Fair chair, says cooking helps with reading in that following recipes boosts comprehension skills; new culinary terms expand vocabulary; hands-on learning makes words remembered; visual aids enhance understanding and problem-solving hones critical thinking.
This program was developed to also assist youths in practicing and honing decision-making skills, which builds self-esteem. Anne says the experience also can be an excellent social outlet for teens, who will carry lessons learned into their soon-to-be independent living.
The YCA team also will offer birthday parties and summer camps, as well as holiday workshops, private group events and special opportunities for families and adults.
215.835.8448
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