This year marks the 10th year that I’ve published The Summer Book: A Guide to Houston Day Camps and Classes for Kids and Teens, my handy-dandy guide that helps parents all over Houston plan a summer full of fun and variety. This year I was able to find a whopping 204 camps, many of which are geared towards teaching healthy habits and exploring the joys of cooking

In addition to the much-enjoyed cooking school at Central Market, which offers “Little Chefs” classes year round, here are six other programs that will stimulate your child’s appetite for learning and doing. Contact the organizations for specific dates, age ranges and fees.

THE HEALTH MUSEUM

www.thehealthmuseum.org 1515 Hermann Dr., 713-521-1515

The Health Museum offers several programs, including the “Lil’ Chef’s Academy,” in which kids make kid-friendly foods, such as smoothies and pizza, while learning about the basics of good nutrition. The “Kitchen Chemistry” camp explores the science of cooking – kids will play around with crazy chemical concoctions and learn about mold that actually tastes good, flowers that are safe to eat and what cool chemical reactions happen as they cook. They’ll also get to explore cuisine from other countries and grow their own food, plus there’s an optional bug-tasting activity (yum!). Note: This class is not recommended for children with food allergies or food sensitivities.

ITALIAN CULTURAL & COMMUNITY CENTER

www.iccchouston.com 1101 Milford, 713-524-4222 x4

Students are immersed in the richness and beauty of the Italian language and culture as soon as they enter “la casa” at the ICCC. Students will assume an Italian name for the week and attend not only daily scoperte or “discoveries” but also a plethora of diverse cultural activities, including cooking Italian food.

EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER

www.erjcchouston.org 5601 S. Braeswood, 713-729-3200

The ERJCC cooking camps – there are separate camps for younger kids and for teens – meet at the ERJCC and travel to Rice Epicurean Market where campers create menus, learn cooking techniques and create delicious entrees. In the afternoon campers will return to the ERJCC for recreational swimming in their outdoor pool. Lunch is included and will be made by the campers at Rice Epicurean Markets each day.

THE KINKAID SCHOOL

www.kinkaid.org 201 Kinkaid School Dr., 713-782-1640

The Kinkaid School offers an EPI“CURRY”OUS camp where kids learn to prepare meals from start to finish while learning about manners and etiquette along the way. They’ll also get to discover how to create an appropriate menu, be a sous chef and have fun with their friends preparing the treats each day. An added bonus is they get to eat what they cook while using manners that matter. A recipe book of ideas and manner reminders comes home with the campers on Friday.

NIA MOVES

www.niamoves.com 508 Pecore, 713-864-4260

During the first week of the “Whole Kids Camp” at this yoga/Pilates/dance studio, campers get lots of movement, arts and crafts, “Daily Club Genius” and “Food for Life” lessons. In “Daily Club Genius,” kids will get to know themselves through art, play, role-playing and drama, creative visualization, guided meditation, body movement and awareness. Children are exposed to the great taste and health benefits of eating a plant-based diet in “Food for Life.”

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS FOUNDATION

www.recipe4success.org 4400 Yupon, 713-520-0443

Recipe for Success Foundation’s “Eat This! Summer Camp” prepares campers to become savvy food consumers. Campers cook (photo above), garden and learn how food is developed and marketed. They culminate the week by turning their summer bounty into a healthy and marketable food product. Camp fee includes daily lunch and snacks, RFS kitchen apron and Recipe Journal to keep, and all supplies and materials.

The Summer Book: A Guide to Houston Day Camps and Classes for Kids and Teens (www.thesummerbook.com) is published by Gish Creative and retails for $12.95. You can purchase it at stores all over Houston or online at www.thesummerbook.com.