The aroma of brunch and sounds of children’s chatter and giggles filled the air last week as the VeryVera Cooking Camp kicked off its first week of activities.
How to cook eggs (including watching one fry in a cast iron skillet under the scorching sun), make French toast rolls and customize yogurt cups were among the culinary skills the young campers learned.
Camp counselors Lucas Blouin and Max Jaremski helped the children learn how to cook eggs three ways– boiled, fried and scrambled. Blouin also showed the children different ways they could cook bacon.
“I have a feeling this is going be good,” said 7-year-old Payton Swann as she scrambled eggs for the meal.
Founded by local culinary expert Vera Stewart, the camp began its 19th year this summer. It consists of a six-week period during the summer, alternating between different ages and groups each week. The kids follow a menu of recipes, acquiring new skills each day and presenting what they learned in a banquet at the end of the week.
Elementary school-aged children participated in the first week of camp.
Stewart herself greeted each of the campers who wore shirts with the phrase “coming in hot” before posing for group photos and checking in to see how things were going in the kitchen.
Donna Nail, the culinary director of VeryVera Cooking Camp, said the children enjoy “anything that’s hands-on.” When the kids are physically participating, they tend to take away a memorable experience.
Nail said many of the counselors have been campers in previous years. She said that not only should they be knowledgeable about culinary skills, but they should be well mannered and show positive leadership.
As the morning progressed, the young campers became eager to continue participating in the day’s activities. They made items and then sampled the end-product.
“Our rule is they have to try one bite of everything they make,” said Nail.
In addition to cooking, the campers participated in an etiquette lesson including napkin folding and learning how to set a proper table.
“I hope they keep their table etiquette,” said Reece Whatley, the camp’s education counselor, who is glad when the children finally understand the techniques they learn.
Campers get excited about learning those skills and showing their parents at the end of the camp week, and that excitement spills over to their counselors.
“My favorite thing about camp is seeing how excited these kids get,” said Lillie McGowan, who is in her second year as a counselor.
Maddie Miller, who is in her first summer directing VeryVera Cooking Camp, is another person who has grown up and gone through the ranks — first as camper, then as counselor and now as director.
One thing she loves about it is its unique focus, and she’s thankful to have other seasoned staffers working with her.
“There’s nothing like this in Augusta,” she said. “There’s so many different skills within this camp.”
Miller said that not only does the camp influence children to be creative, but it helps them grow outside of their comfort zone.
“This is a great confidence booster,” she said. “It’s a great place for kids to come and just be kids.”
For more information on upcoming sessions, visit veryveracamp.com.
