Give your child the confidence and practical skills to cook for a lifetime. The Chopping Block’s Kids & Teens Cooking Camps in Lincoln Square offer a true culinary experience taught by professional chefs in a fun, supportive, and highly interactive environment. Campers don’t just follow recipes—they learn real techniques that help them understand food, try new flavors, and feel empowered in the kitchen.
Each camp includes daily hands-on cooking, guided knife skills (age-appropriate), kitchen safety and sanitation, ingredient exploration, flavor building, and foundational techniques like sautéing, roasting, baking, dough making, and sauce preparation. Students learn how to organize their workspace, work as a team, and develop confidence as they cook complete dishes from scratch every day.
Parents choose The Chopping Block because our curriculum blends creativity with essential life skills. Kids and teens learn where food comes from, how to make balanced meals, and how to approach cooking with curiosity instead of intimidation. They also gain independence, focus, and responsibility—skills that extend far beyond the kitchen. Camps are grouped by age to ensure appropriate instruction and a positive learning environment for beginners and experienced young cooks alike.
With more than 29 years of culinary education experience, The Chopping Block is Chicago’s most trusted resource for teaching young people how to cook. Our chef instructors are patient, engaging, and trained to meet students at every skill level. Campers leave proud of what they’ve achieved, excited to show off new skills at home, and inspired to keep cooking long after summer ends.
If you’re looking for a summer camp that is fun, confidence-building, and truly enriching, The Chopping Block delivers an unforgettable culinary adventure your child or teen will look forward to every single day.
Kids 7-12
Teens 13-17
*Half-day and Full-day options available*
Register today: https://www.thechoppingblock.com/kids-teen-classes
Business Review
"My daughter attended baking camp this past week, and she had a blast. She was excited to learn new techniques and recipes. The camp was well organized for each day, assuring that kids had great participation in what they made. Plus we end up with delicious treats each day. Totally recommend it!" ~Maria W.
"My son loved the teen cooking camp last week! He is already asking to go back next summer. All of the things he made were delicious and we have the recipes now, too!" ~ Emily M.
"Our daughter had the best time in the teen baking camp. Highly recommend!" ~Erin C.
“Kids loved it. Both said they’d like to take more classes at Chopping Block!” ~Linda B.
