Through the stroke of a paintbrush or the whisking of ingredients, area kids on summer break have opportunity to nurture their creativity at Brenda Smith’s day camps held at Benedum Civic Center and sponsored by Bridgeport Parks and Recreation.  

 

Young Chefs Summer Camp runs in two sessions: June 13 to June 16 and July 11 to July 14. Children age 8 and older can participate. The kid-friendly recipes include crescent cinnamon twists and razzle-berry hand pies.

 

The camp debuted in the summer of 2016 and was quite popular.

 

“The first baking camp filled up within a couple of weeks after the brochures went to the schools so we decided to add another for overflow,” Smith said.

 

At last year’s camp, the young chefs created made-from-scratch cinnamon rolls. Throughout the week, they learned various cooking and baking techniques and baked old-fashioned, made-from-scratch desserts in a fun, hands-on interactive learning environment.

 

“The young chefs measured, mixed, rolled and baked with their own ingredients,” Smith said. “They learned to make homemade yeast dough, cinnamon rolls and pie dough and also baked cakes and decorated them.”

 

Smith received much good feedback.

 

“We did a gingerbread baking class in the fall and some of the kids said to please let them know when we set another summer baking camp,” Smith said.

 

At this summer’s camps, Smith decided to blend literature with baking.

 

“We’re going to be doing Harry Potter treacle tarts and Anne of Green Gables’ raspberry tarts,” Smith said. “We’re also going to be doing razzle-berry hand pies, which are individual pies. Each kid will make his or her own using a pie press.”

 

The popular cinnamon rolls are back for 2017.

 

“It’s just more of a kid version,” Smith said.

 

On the final day of the camp series, participants will take a field trip to Domino’s on Main Street, where they were make their own pizza creations.

 

There is room for 12 young baking enthusiasts in each session. The cost per baker is $150.

 

This summer’s Let’s Paint camp runs June 27 to June 30 during which participating kids will create artworks revolving around a Troll theme. Activities include acrylic painting and craft projects in various mediums, including canvas, wood, slate and glass. Snacks are provided daily and the final day will feature an art exhibit so the young artists can show their projects to family members.

 

“We’ll be doing canvas paintings and we’ll be making stepping stones and a glass block nightlight and other things,” Smith said. “All of the activities involve painting.”

 

Among canvas creations will be everyone’s favorite Trolls, Poppy and Branch.

 

The camp is suitable for children in second grade and up and the session costs $130.

 

Last year’s paint camp featured Minions.

 

“I always try to pick something popular with the kids,” Smith said.

 

Register for either or both day camps at the Benedum Civic Center. Call 304-842-8240 for more information.