The Rising Tigers Camp Begins

Submitted by Brainfood intern, Greer McBeth

The summer is off to a great start here at Brainfood.  The Summer Institute program and Box Project are in their second week after enjoying a long 4th of July weekend, but the Rising Tigers summer camp in Takoma Park, MD is in full swing at the end of its third week!  Though it’s only brainfood’s second year at the camp, this year’s group of 11 to 14 year olds is as eager and experienced in the kitchen as ever.

The camp kicked off the first week with a baking day which included granola bars, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, apple oatmeal muffins, and some fresh herb lemonade to top it all off.  Naturally, this was a very popular week.  Week two introduced the rising tigers to quick healthy snack ideas as the class period was cut a little bit short so campers could have the fourth of July off to celebrate.   This entailed some popcorn trail mix with nuts, chocolate, and dried fruit as well as quesadilla making and a fresh fruit salad.  

The campers most recently tried out three different quick, easy breakfast recipes while offering some great insight on the importance of eating a good breakfast every morning.  These recipes included a delicious frittata baked in a muffin tin to make portable portions, a breakfast burrito, and two fruit and greens smoothies that included different combinations of bananas, oranges, peaches, and kale.  While all three were popular among the campers, the breakfast burrito seemed to be a favorite to cook as well as enjoy.  

As an intern, it’s really fun to watch many of the same faces come back for the third consecutive week and bring a different kind of energy each day as they learn new techniques and have figured out the routine.  As always some of us need to be reminded to do our dishes, but the campers are always excited about being in the kitchen which is incredibly rewarding and fun for everyone!