Teens Learn to Cook at the YMCA
For 11 area teenagers, a recent cooking class at the Mary Free Bed YMCA was an eye-opening experience.
Over an approximately three-hour period, the 7th- to 12-graders worked together to mix and make dough, grate cheese, dice onions, create a sauce from scratch and much, much more before enjoying the fruits of their labor and eating what they had created.
The students came from across West Michigan – Holland, Zeeland, Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Rockford and Middleville – but what they had in common was very little familiarity with the tricks of the culinary trade and an appetite to learn.
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services Community & Partnerships Manager, Erica Chapin, coordinated the Teen Club event, with financial support provided by Quota International Grand Rapids, an organization that also serves people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
“After talking with teens, we found that many of them were interested in learning more about cooking,” she says, “so we decided that a cooking class would be a perfect Teen Club event. We want to equip the teens with basic knowledge so that when they become independent, they are able to make healthy choices at home and enjoy making those healthy choices. We also want them to explore different interests and see if something like culinary arts is something they want to pursue as a career or even as a hobby.”
She notes that the D&HHS Teen Club provides opportunities for Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing students to build skills, learn and socialize outside of school, adding that the 11 teens who attended the recent event all really enjoyed the experience and that afterward many said they were excited to try to cook more at home. Both outcomes fit in well with the goals D&HHS has for Teen Club.
Working with great partners on Teen Club events is also a highlight for any event.
“We truly appreciate the support we receive from Quota,” adds Chapin, “and all the work they did in helping us to set up this event. The YMCA staff was kind and helpful and made the experience great for our teens!”
YMCA chef Stacey Brander echoed Chapin.
“Preparing and cooking homemade food with others is a great way to bring people together,” she says. “Everyone involved in the event seemed eager to learn, try new things and willing to work together which made it a really great experience.”
