Cupcake Wars camps started two years ago and have been a huge hit. The idea was sparked from the Food Network's hit show, Cupcake Wars.
At the camp, the kids are assigned to teams. Each team chooses a bakery name, designs a logo and learns the basics of cupcake making and designing.
“The educational spin on this camp is really cool,” said Amy Fitzwilliam, SCC project coordinator. “Not only do the kids learn the fundamentals of baking, but they also learn business skills and discover what it would take if they wanted to own their own business one day.”
Kids learn everything from kitchen skills and safety to detailed decorating strategies.
“This class goes way beyond the basics,” said Mercedes Bilow, Cupcake Wars summer camp teacher and SCC adjunct faculty member and culinary instructor. “It's a great opportunity for children to be in an environment where they are free to express their creativity while learning important tools.”
Similar to the show, the last day of the camp is competition day. The campers practice what they were taught throughout the week by creating their team's very own cupcakes.
“I love seeing the kids utilize the skills they have started developing since day one of the camp on the final day of competition,” said Bilow. “As they learn new techniques each day, teams begin discussing what they envision their final cupcake looking like. They really think ahead, and their final products always amaze me.”
At the end of competition day, judges award certificates to teams with the most unique, most colorful and most creative cupcakes.
“Kids who attend Cupcake Wars develop lifelong cooking skills and a love for baking,” said Fitzwilliam. “It's great for kids to know that there are healthier alternatives to baking with box mixes.”
College for All Kids Summer Camps give students the opportunity to explore areas of interest in a fun-filled, educational environment by engaging in hands-on experiences. With more than 70 day camps, there is something for everybody, Fitzwilliam said.
Other camps include Search and Rescue Lego Robotics, Bump, Set, Spike Volleyball, Pop Star Dance, Young Artist Camp and Roald Dahl's Revolting Recipes and Wacky Stories- just to name a few.
The programs are held Monday-Friday, June 3-Aug. 9, for children ages 4-16. The costs range in price from $39-$225. To register or see the camp schedule and pricing, visit www.stchas.edu/learnforlife. For more information, contact SCC's Continuing Education registration office at 636-922-8233.