Every Wednesday, 16-year-old Jerzy Coburn joins a small group of young chefs at The Salvation Army Suncoast Citadel in Goderich to sharpen their culinary and leadership skills in the Kids’ Cooking Club.

Jerzy first learned about the club from a friend and decided to check it out, and now, after a couple of years, she feels much more confident in the kitchen. Open to youth aged 12 to 17, the program provides hands-on experience in meal preparation while teaching essential food-handling knowledge and kitchen safety skills.

“I used to be nervous about cooking meat because I didn’t want to undercook it,” she shares. “But after being in the club, I’ve learned how to tell when it’s done properly.”

Each session, led by program coordinator Lisa Walker, features a new theme. Currently, participants are exploring foods of the world.

“Every week, we focus on a different country. Students prepare and cook a meal, and at 5:30 p.m., parents are welcome to join their children for dinner,” Lisa explains.

By mealtime, anywhere between 12 and 18 people gather to enjoy the dishes. Recent menu items include tourtière with mashed potatoes, green bean almondine and cauliflower au gratin, as well as homemade perogies served with kielbasa and sauerkraut.

Beyond improving her cooking skills, Jerzy has gained patience and leadership experience. She even volunteers at a Suncoast Citadel cooking program for younger children, passing along what she’s learned.

“Naturally, they didn’t know how to do most things, so teaching them took a lot of patience,” she recalls. “But it was fun seeing them learn.”

One of Jerzy’s most memorable experiences in the club was making homemade Pop-Tarts.

“I’d never made anything like that before. Some turned out perfect, and others, not so much,” she says. “But it was fun just trying something new.”

While she isn’t planning to become a professional chef, the skills she’s gained will stay with her as she moves toward independence and prepares for post-secondary schooling.

With each session, the Kids’ Cooking Club is serving up more than just meals—it’s nurturing learning, growth, and connection. Your support of The Salvation Army ensures programs like this continue to make a difference in communities across Ontario. Donate today at www.SalvationArmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.