The club met monthly from October through March, bringing together youth ages 8–18 for interactive cooking experiences at Immanuel Lutheran in Dixon. Throughout the program, members explored the fundamentals of cooking while gaining practical skills they can use at home and beyond.
During each session, members took part in a variety of engaging activities, including:
• Cooking Basics: Learning foundational cooking techniques and practicing proper food safety.
• Kitchen Tools and Appliances: Gaining hands-on experience with mixers, blenders, measuring tools, and other common kitchen equipment.
• Creative Recipes: Experimenting with new ingredients and preparing a variety of dishes.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Working together to plan, prepare, and share meals in a supportive group setting.
“The goal of Kids in the Kitchen is to equip youth with the skills they need to confidently navigate the kitchen while building teamwork and independence,” said Katie Baker, 4-H Program Coordinator. “It’s been rewarding to watch participants grow in confidence, try new foods, and take pride in what they created.”
Kids in the Kitchen provided a fun, welcoming environment where youth could learn by doing, ask questions, and support one another. The program emphasized not only cooking skills, but also communication, responsibility, and cooperation, important life skills that extend beyond the kitchen.
Lee County 4-H would like to thank the families and volunteers who helped make this year’s club a success. SPIN Clubs like Kids in the Kitchen continue to highlight 4-H’s commitment to positive youth development through hands-on learning.
If you are interested in starting or supporting a Special Interest Club in Lee County, contact the University of Illinois Extension Office to learn more about opportunities to get involved.
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and is administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.
About Extension: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for the University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.
For Further Information, Contact:
Katie Baker, Lee County 4-H Program Coordinator
(815) 857-3525
Kmcbr2@illinois.edu
