Salvation Army Summer Camp Teaches Children How to Cook

For children approaching their teenage years, cooking is an important life skill they can learn. The Salvation Army in Truro, N.S., recognizes this and operates an annual summer camp focused on teaching how to prepare meals.

A hands-on experience

Cooking Camp is a four-day program for children aged nine to 12. Participants enjoy hands-on cooking activities that build confidence in the kitchen, learn new recipes and make new friends.

According to Shannon Skafte, community and family services worker, the idea for the initiative came from conversations with clients at the food bank.

“On a few occasions while talking to clients, I would suggest certain items on our shelves. But sometimes if they didn’t know how to cook it, they wouldn’t take it,” Shannon shares.

Many families who come to the food bank are busy balancing schedules while trying to provide. Shannon realized many parents don’t have the time or opportunity to teach basic cooking skills. This inspired the creation of a program that helps children become more comfortable in the kitchen.

Learning practical meals

This is the camp’s second year. In 2025, participants learned simple recipes and lessons such as cooking eggs, making pizza and safely handling kitchen tools.

This year, children will learn to prepare complete meals using affordable and accessible ingredients.

“We will cook things the children can actually make at home,” Shannon adds.

Fun along the way

While this camp focuses on learning practical skills, it also incorporates fun activities. Participants take part in food-themed games such as bingo and charades. They also create their own recipe book to take home, giving them a resource they can use long after the camp ends.

Victoria Fraser, a summer intern, will lead Cooking Camp this year. One of her main priorities is to ensure that participants understand the importance of safety above all else.

“Many of the kids might be home alone when they put their cooking skills to the test. So it is important for us to start with kitchen safety lessons,” Victoria says.

Although this will be her second year running the program, this is Victoria’s first time leading it. She is excited for the opportunity to teach.

“I think it’s great for participants to learn and realize that they can cook and handle kitchen tools. It grows their confidence,” she adds.

Making a difference at home

The impact of the program has already been seen through feedback from parents who enrolled their children last year.

“One mom told us that before joining the camp, her daughter was a very picky eater. But since we try a bite of everything here, she is now eating better at home and even helping her mother to cook,” Shannon says.

This summer camp is free and prioritizes registration for families using The Salvation Army’s food bank.

Looking ahead, Shannon would like to expand this program to include cooking opportunities for adults as well.

By Juan Romero