by Ebony L. Morman

Summer break will be here before you know it, which means it’s time to start planning activities for your kids. Whether they already have experience in the kitchen and are chefs in the making or they’re new to cooking and baking, one of these camps or classes might be just what they need to take their skills to the next level this summer. 

Note: These camps and classes tend to fill up quickly, so be sure to get your registrations in early.

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Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen, LoSo 
Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen will offer teen foundation classes this summer. Ages 13-20. Each class is $75. 

The kitchen staples class focuses on knife skills, cooking eggs, making sauces, and more. Teens will learn to make salads with local vegetables and white balsamic vinaigrette, meatballs with marinara sauce, and more. June 23 from 6-9 p.m. Reserve a spot online. 

The Tex-Mex grilling class focuses on marinating, grilling, beef temperature, rice cooking, and more. On the menu is chili-lime-marinated skirt steak with chimichurri, grilled corn salad, cilantro rice and black beans, and more. July 2 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Make a reservation online. 

In the Asian flair class, teens will learn knife skills, balancing flavors, and an introduction to Asian staple ingredients. The menu includes lo mein, fresh spring rolls, and beef and broccoli stir fry. July 21 from 6-9 p.m. Make a reservation online. 

Flour Power Cooking Studio, Rea Farms  
The studio is offering a variety of half- to four-day camps for kids ages five to 14.5, including cook like a rockstar, where guests will learn to make their favorite rockstars’ favorite food, and a viral bites cooking camp where campers will create trending recipes like unicorn toast. $55+. Enroll in classes online. 

The Foodie School, Fort Mill 
In the summer camp ages 7-9, teens will learn to make classic dishes from France, Greece, Mexico, Italy, and the United States. Homemade hummus, arepas, spaghetti and meatballs, and more are on the menu. $350. June 16-20 from 1-3 p.m. Make a reservation online. 

In the summer camp ages 10-12, guests will recreate recipes inspired by famous restaurants and cafés. One the menu is cheese and French onion tart, tropical summer rolls, strawberry cheesecake, and more. $375. July 7-11 from 12:30-3 p.m. Reserve a spot online. 

In the summer camp ages 13-18, campers will make couscous salad, pineapple fried rice, sweet empanadas, garlic bread, and more. $375. Aug. 4-8 from 12:30-3 p.m. Make a reservation online. 

Idea Lab, Ballantyne 
In the once-upon-a-time camp, students will learn to make mini tacos, homemade pasta, and more as they explore dishes inspired by children’s books. $410. Ages 4-8. June 2-6 from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot online. 

In the Jr. Baker’s Workshop II, campers will learn various skills, such as measuring, kitchen safety, food culture, and more. They’ll also create baked donuts, lemon bars, and international desserts. $245. Ages 4-8. June 23-27 from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot online. 

The delicious summer camp is where students will create dishes like pizza skewers, sweet potato bites, cake pops, and more. $410. Ages 7-13. June 9-13 from 9-3:30 p.m. Register online. 

Johnson & Wales University, Fourth Ward 
JWU will offer two four-day camps that’ll teach students baking and cooking basics, specific techniques, safety and sanitation guidelines, and more. $595 per week. Ages 10-17. Session 1 is June 16-19 and session 2 is June 23-26. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Register online. 

Sweet Spot Studio, Oakhurst  
The teen baking camp offers students the chance to learn cooking skills and techniques while creating cream puffs, French macarons, and croissants. They’ll also learn how to decorate cookies and cake. $400. Ages 13-18. July 7-11 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Reserve a spot online. 

In the youth baking and pastry arts summer camp, students will learn cooking and cake decorating skills and more. $375. Rising fourth through seventh graders. Aug. 4-8 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Reserve a spot online.