This summer, local students will get an opportunity to hone their culinary skills through a series of 4-H Day Camps geared toward cooking.

Carter County 4-H will host three days of “Day Camps” later this month to help students work on their cooking skills while learning about food safety and nutrition.

“There is a lot of learning focused around a fun activity,” said 4-H Agent Emily Barton with the Carter County UT Extension Office.

On Tuesday, June 26, day campers will focus on outdoor cooking with Grilling At Roan Mountain State Park.

“We will be teaching charcoal grilling skills from beginning to end, from how much charcoal to put in, to how to safely dispose of it after you are done,” Barton said.

This class will also focus on fire safety and food safety in addition to grilling skills.

“The recipes we’re going to be focusing on for the grilling are all the healthier food groups, like fresh vegetables and lean meats,” Barton said. “A lot of kids don’t know you can actually grill vegetables. They are used to hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill.”

While at the park, Barton said the day campers will also take a short hike if the weather permits.

The Grilling day camp also ties in with one of the 4-H competitions. In the fall, 4-H members compete in a Grilling Competition that is held at the Appalachian Fairgrounds.

“We get a lot of kids who try it out in day camp and decide to stick with it and compete,” Barton said.

On Wednesday, June 27, day campers can try their hands at Cupcake Decorating in one of two sessions held that day at the UT Extension Office on East Elk Avenue. The first session will be held from 10 a.m. until noon. Session two will take place from 1 to 3 p.m.

Barton said the same class will be taught during each session.

4-H Volunteer Megan Shelton will teach the Cupcake Decorating day camp, which will focus on piping skills, the use of different decorator tips, and the creation of decorations such as flowers.

“It’s for beginners through those who have some experience but want to improve their skills,” Barton said. “There is something for everyone in this class.”

On Thursday, June 28, the day campers will learn about Quick And Healthy Snacks. This session will take place at the UT Extension Office located on East Elk Avenue from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

“We will be focusing on recipes related to the healthy food groups,” Barton said.

The day campers will get the opportunity to create their own healthy snacks such as taco pizza, kale chips, and smoothies.

“The cool thing about the grilling and healthy snacks day camps is the kids will actually be cooking their lunch for the day,” Barton said.

The cost to attend one of the Day Camps is $10 per day or students can attend all three sessions for $25.

The Day Camps are open to students who have finished 4th Grade through those who just graduated high school this year.

Advanced registration is required by June 22. Those interested in signing up a student for a Day Camp session can call the UT Extension Office at 423-542-1818. If anyone has concerns regarding food allergies and what foods may be used in any of the three Day Camp programs, they can also contact the UT Extension Office to receive more information.