From mastering kitchen and food safety to exploring stovetop and baking basics, campers will build confidence in cooking techniques while fostering teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving. Each day includes fun activities like creating personalized cookbooks, experimenting with recipes, and practicing measurement and food prep skills that blend educational enrichment with STEM concepts.
By the end of the week, your child will gain valuable cooking skills and an appreciation for healthy eating habits and teamwork. Designed to inspire lifelong skills, this camp prepares young chefs to take pride in their culinary creations while developing practical knowledge they can share with family and friends. Sign up today and watch your young chef discover the joy of cooking!
Taste Buds Details
Camp Director: Andrea Marshall
Location: USF Tampa
Grade Levels: Rising 3rd - 5th
Time: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Cost: $495
| Dates | Campus |
|---|---|
| June 8th - 12th, 2026 | USF Tampa |
| June 15th - 19th, 2026 | USF Tampa |
What to Expect
Cooking Made Safe and Simple
At Taste Buds Camp, safety comes first! Campers will learn essential kitchen and food safety skills, including proper hand washing, handling utensils safely, and avoiding cross-contamination. With engaging lessons and hands-on practice, your child will gain the confidence to navigate the kitchen responsibly and build healthy habits for life.
Measure, Prep, and Cook with Confidence
Campers will master measuring and food prep skills essential for any recipe. They’ll practice using measuring tools accurately, learning techniques for chopping, mixing, and organizing ingredients. Through fun, hands-on activities, your child will build confidence in preparing meals while reinforcing math and organizational skills.
Crafting Recipes, Creating Memories
Mastering Appliances, Building Kitchen Confidence
They’ll learn to use kitchen appliances, understand cooking temperatures, and practice techniques like sautéing and baking. These hands-on lessons will empower your child to create tasty dishes while building confidence in the kitchen.
At USF Taste Buds Cooking Camp, your child will embark on a flavorful journey, learning essential kitchen skills while building confidence and independence. From mastering food prep and measuring techniques to safely using kitchen appliances, campers will create delicious dishes through hands-on activities. With a focus on safety and creativity, they’ll gain practical cooking knowledge and discover the joy of crafting their own recipes.
By the end of the camp, your child will leave with more than just culinary skills. They’ll take home a personalized cookbook filled with their unique creations and memories to last a lifetime. Give your aspiring chef the opportunity to shine in the kitchen, develop lifelong healthy habits, and explore the exciting world of cooking in a safe and supportive environment!
Useful Information
Registration and Program Details
When does registration open for the USF Taste Buds Cooking Camp?
Registration for all 2026 summer camps will open on February 1, 2026.
What is the capacity of the USF Taste Buds Cooking Camp?
Each session of the USF Taste Buds Cooking Camp has a capacity of 30.
Where is the USF Taste Buds Cooking Camp located?
The USF Taste Buds Cooking Camp will be held on the USF Tampa campus. We will share the exact camp location closer to the start date, and all details will be emailed to you in advance.
After registering for USF Taste Buds Camp, when will I start receiving logistical details including drop-off and pick-up?
You will receive several reminder emails leading up to the camp start date. Emails will be sent 60, 30, 14, 7, and 1 day prior, each containing important information to ensure a successful experience at USF Taste Buds Camp.
Do campers need to pack lunch and snacks?
Yes. Campers should bring a packed lunch, snacks, and a refillable water bottle each day.
Staff & Safety
Who are the USF Faculty/Staff who will be leading USF Taste Buds Camp?
USF Taste Buds Camp is led by USF staff member Jeremy Blythe, a chef, small business owner, and teacher with several years of experience with students. We maintain a 10:1 camper-to-staff ratio, and the two additional staff supporting the program are also certified teachers.
Are staff background-checked and trained?
Yes. All staff undergo Level 2 background checks and complete USF’s youth protection and safety training.
How are medications handled during camp?
We ask families to share any medical information that our staff should be aware of to help keep your child safe. Our team does not hold, offer, or administer medications at any time. If a medical emergency occurs, staff will provide basic support while immediately contacting emergency services (911).
Cancellation & Changes
What is the cancellation, transfer, and refund policy for USF Youth Experiences programs?
If you need to cancel or transfer a camp registration, please email: youthxp@usf.edu.
Cancellations or transfer requests received at least 15 business days prior to the
camp start date will be eligible for a refund or transfer to another available camp,
minus any administrative or processing fees. Cancellations or transfer requests received
within 15 business days of the camp start date are not eligible for a refund or transfer.
No refunds will be issued after a camp has begun, regardless of the number of days
attended or participation level. No refunds will be issued if a participant is dismissed
from camp due to a violation of the camp’s conduct policy or code of behavior.
We make every effort to run all camps exactly as scheduled. In the unlikely event
it becomes necessary to cancel, postpone, or combine camps, or change a camp location,
you will be notified by email or phone. Please ensure your contact information is
up to date. If USF cancels a camp, you will receive a full refund. If USF reschedules
a camp, you will have the option to receive a full refund or transfer to the new session.
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