The Academy of Etiquette and Protocol is committed to helping the next generation understand the "Art of Southern Hospitality" and good manners.

The academy offers classes for children as young as five years old. Classes are broken up into fun activities that help children understand the importance of proper etiquette and prepare them for their adult years.

Classes cover more than just table manners - though these are covered! Social, business, and dining etiquette are taught. Topics include playing fair (especially for toddlers and young children), sharing, polite words, speaking with confidence, conversational skills, telephone manners, safety and strangers, and party, restaurant, school, and church manners. Teen can also learn the fundamentals of job interview etiquette, dressing for success, stage presence, and guidelines for accepting awards.

Summer Etiquette Camps are also available consists of 15 hours of etiquette education, student workbook, daily snacks, a mid-week tutorial lunch to prepare students for the formal graduation tutorial luncheon on the last day, and award of completion. Almost every manner rule coincides with a fun-interactive role playing activity.

Advance registration is required. Visit the website for camp dates and availability.

This family owned and operated school offers East Orlando families private music instruction, as well as personal assistance in the purchase, rental, and repair of most instruments.

The school provides year-round programs of ongoing one-on-one private music lessons for students ages five and up. Students receive customized lessons and help with both practical and theory as they progress.

Summer Camps: Avalon School and Music Center offers a series of educational and fun Music Camps geared toward students in a variety of age groups. Focus is given to reviewing fundamentals and basics for all students. Camps include Be a Pop Singer, Jazz Band, and Rock Band. Contact the school to register.

The school's Retail/Performance Cafe features an intimate performance area for group lessons, music camps, master classes, recitals, and band rehearsals. The cafe area features tables, hot fresh coffee, and bottled water.

The school also hosts Kindermusik classes. See the website for a full schedule.

Gan Israel is part of the largest and fastest growing network of Jewish day camps in the world. Campers enjoy a wide range of activities and field trips in an exciting atmosphere.

The Kiddie Kamp offers a first summer camp experience for kids ages four to five. Kids are guided in organized activity, play, and social skills by staff who serve year-round as preschool teachers.

General camp programs include beautiful facilities that host a program of sports, games, crafts, dramatics, and other enriching camp activities. Weekly Judaic themes are taught through activities, stories, songs, games, and contests. Campers can also create a number of Judaica projects to take home.

Camp Gan Israel also provides Trip Days a few times a week to many local attractions across Central Florida.

Camp Invention summer day camp programs run for one week, and students rotate between five thematic modules - focused on science, math, history, and the arts - that build upon what was learned the previous day.

Typical programs are for students entering first through sixth grades and run Monday though Friday from 9am to 3:30pm and camps are taught by certified teachers from the community.

Children learn through teamwork, creative problem solving, and inventive thinking in one of two programs - Create and Encounter. During the week in the Create program, children can become automobile engineers, become outer space pioneers, and more. During the week in the Encounter program, children can launch an expedition to the deep sea , and design their own carnival games.

Camps take place across the Central Florida area in cities like Cocoa, Lakeland, Maitland, Mt Dora, Orlando, St. Cloud, and Titusville. Check the website for the closest camp and to register.

Camp Invention summer day camp programs run for one week, and students rotate between five thematic modules - focused on science, math, history, and the arts - that build upon what was learned the previous day.

Typical programs are for students entering first through sixth grades and run Monday though Friday from 9am to 3:30pm and camps are taught by certified teachers from the community.

Children learn through teamwork, creative problem solving, and inventive thinking in one of two programs - Create and Encounter. During the week in the Create program, children can become automobile engineers, become outer space pioneers, and more. During the week in the Encounter program, children can launch an expedition to the deep sea , and design their own carnival games.

Camps take place across the Central Florida area in cities like Cocoa, Lakeland, Maitland, Mt Dora, Orlando, St. Cloud, and Titusville. Check the website for the closest camp and to register.

Lemur, and elephants, and King Cobra, oh my! The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens offers an up close look at some of nature's most interesting animals in a casual atmosphere.


Feeling more like a natural Florida park that contains exotic - and some not so exotic - animals, the zoo is also home to a large number of rare and endangered species like the Bald Eagle, clouded leopards, and Gila Monsters.


Boardwalks and paths meander throughout the zoo, so it's best to pick up a map to make sure you don't miss anything set back in the trees. Popular exhibits include the elephants, cheetahs, and the spider and howler monkeys. There's even a special behind the scenes elephant encounter on both Saturday and Sunday at 2:15pm where guests can meet the animal keepers and witness feedings. Space is limited; inquire at the Information Kiosk when you arrive.


The Reptile House houses a good number of creepy and crawlies, but getting through can sometimes be a problem since people pack into the facility like a busy elevator.


On hot days, be sure to bring towels and swimsuits and plan a stop at the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground. The watery playground offers visitors a cool oasis in the form of fountains, sprays, and "raining" trees, along with playful animal features.


If you're hungry, there is a small snack bar, but you can also bring your own lunch and enjoy the picnic areas. Strollers are also available to rent. Just outside the zoo, kids can enjoy a ride around the grounds on Champ the Train or take a turn on the Animal Carousel - both an additional cost.


The Central Florida Zoo is dedicated to educational programs for the whole family. From a backstage safari tour to grade appropriate workshops, the zoo is a great resource center for wildlife and conservation education. See the website for a list of programs by grade. Overnight programs and scout programs are also offered.


ZOOper Birthday Parties: Numerous party packages are available and include admission for up to 21 guests, use of the party area for one-and-a-half hours, birthday hats and party favors, beverages, ice cream, paper products, and more. You will need to bring your own cake, but all set-up and clean-up is taken care of. Packages start at $226 and upgraded parties with food items like hot dogs and pizza are also available. For a really special treat, include an animal encounter in the celebration. Choose from a snake, turtle, or rabbit for an additional $25.


Summer Camps: Summer programs include half and full day camps for kids ages six to 12, and special parent and child classes for children ages two to five. Kids can choose from a number of different topics, including Build a Zoo Workshop where kids observe zoo operations and create their own zoo, and the Cub Club for parents and kids that includes games, stories, crafts, and live animal encounters. Spaces fill quickly; contact the zoo at 407.323.4450, ext. 123 to reserve a spot.

The City of Kissimmee Parks and Recreation Deptartment oversees recreation programs, park facilities, and a variety of classes for kids of all ages.

The Parks Division manages more than 30 parks, ball fields, 16 tennis courts, playgrounds, 3/4 of a mile of lakefront property, a greenhouse, a nursery, 160 acres of open space, a cemetery, and recreation facilities. The Recreation team oversees Aquatics programs and Community Center facilities, along with recreation, athletic programs, and special events.

Classes: The department offers a number of classes, including special classes for preschoolers, school aged children, youth athletics, and home school programs. Some of the highlights include Kiddie Korner and Kiddie Art, social interaction classes filled with games, music, singing, art projects, and more for kids ages three to five. Youth Gymnastics, Twirl and Pom-Pon, track and field, basketball, in-line hockey, and tennis classes are also offered.

The city also offers recreation classes and gatherings for children with special needs. Programs include open play time, specially designed games for children, movies, and more. All special needs children - including those with autism, cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, TMH, EMH, visual or physical impairments - are welcome. Parents must attend with their children and pre-registration is required.

Camps: Kids won't have to worry about being bored with the City of Kissimmee's sports camps, full day summer camps, specialty camps, and school vacation day camps. Camps are available for both city residents and non-residents.

Sports camps include preschool morning camps in basketball, soccer, and general coordination. School aged children can participate in softball, volleyball, cheerleading, football, baseball, and more.

Specialty camps include Paintball Camp, Chef Camp, a television inspired Crime Scene Investigation Camp, Fishing Camp, and more.

Advance registration is required. Call to reserve your space as far in advance as possible.

The City of Orlando Families, Parks & Recreation Department includes the Parks Division, Recreation Division, Harry P. Leu Gardens, After-School All-Stars Orlando, Dubsdread Golf Course, Mennello Museum of American Art, and more.

The After-School All-Stars Orlando offers structured before and after-school programs at area middle schools, and a seven-week summer camp program for elementary and middle school age children. The summer camps, held at recreation and neighborhood centers across Orlando, offer diverse activities including swimming, crafts, outdoor activities, nature programs, field trips, computer labs, cultural arts, puppets, game room activities, music, dance, and more. Register online at cityoforlando.net or by calling 407.246.4081.

Disney Youth Education Series (Y.E.S.) takes students inside and behind-the-scenes of Walt Disney World Theme Parks - including the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, and Animal Kingdom - to showcase textbook principles.

The program's field studies allow students to see how principles they learn in the classroom make exciting things happen every day in and behind the scenes of all Disney Theme Parks and the Downtown Disney area.

Disney Professionals teach the educational programs and any student group of ten or more can participate. School groups (including home schools), religious organizations, academic clubs, social groups, leadership programs, scout groups, and child care facilities are encouraged to enjoy Disney Y.E.S. programs.

First United Methodist Church of Winter Park (FUMC) provides Christian education ministries for all ages and also offers a number of excellent programs for children and families.

Hi-Tech Tutoring Center offers afterschool, computer-assited tutoring in all academic subjects and for all levels.

The center was founded by an instructor and public education administrator with more than 30 years of experience. The center runs on the same calandar as Orange County Schools and transportation from some area schools is also provided.

The center also operates an eight week "School's Out" Summer Camp with field trips, recreation, and academic instruction in basic skills.

Call to set up an appointment.

High Touch-High Tech offers totally hands-on, totally participatory, in-school science "field-trips" for students in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Volusia, and Brevard Counties. Scientists come directly to the classroom for 90 minutes and present real, relevant science in a fun manner. Programs are geared for preschool and elementary school up to 5th grade.

Afterschool programs are conducted monthly at area schools. They last for 90 minutes and can run from September to May. Like the other programs in High Touch-High Tech's lineup, the students conduct hands-on exercises and receive take home items where applicable. The team also offers birthday parties.

These programs are designed for whole classes, so would need to be arranged with the teachers.

Summer camps: All programs are, again, totally hands-on and are geared for preschoolers through sixth grade child. Each program lasts 90 minutes and many provide take home materials a science certificate. Call 407.282.3400 for this summer's programming schedule and camp structure.

i-Brick Academy offers robotics engineering camps for elementary and middle-school students, as well as camps just for girls.

Participants create Lego-based robots, program them, and explore the possibilities of robotics. Camps are taught by the "Brick Master," James Jones and include snacks.

Pre-registration is required; call for availability.

For anyone who has ever studied the stars, or for those who simply watched the movie Space Camp, you'll find the Kennedy Space Center a perfect full-day experience.

Just 45 minutes from Orlando, the center offers a behind the scenes view of the past, present and future of America's space program.

There's a great deal to do and see at KSC, from live shows and exhibits to IMAX films and backstage tours.

Kids will love the Mad Mission to Mars 2025, a stage show using animation and spectacular theatrical effects, to transform viewers into "astronaut trainees." Another favorite is the huge IMAX theater featuring footage that was actually shot in space by NASA Astronauts. The films immerse you in the experience, making you feel like you're an astronaut yourself.

KSC's newest attraction, Shuttle Launch Experience, takes visitors step-by-step through the launch sequence - complete with authentic sights, sounds, and sensations - and offers a breathtaking view of Earth from an orbiting shuttle. A team of astronauts and NASA experts helped to design the $60 million attraction, which is considered to be the most realistic launch simulation ever created.

The absolute "must do" at the Visitor Complex is the Space Center Tour. This bus tour takes you all over the Kennedy Space Center. You'll see the Space Shuttle launch pads, the building where the Space Shuttles are put together for launches, and the Apollo/Saturn V Center which focuses on the quest to land on the moon.

The Rocket Garden is a popular destination that houses huge rockets from the past. Kids will also enjoy the full size Space Shuttle replica that makes you feel like you're just a few rocket boosters away from really being in space.

For a unique experience, participate in the Astronaut Encounter, a half-hour meet and greet program with a real astronaut that lets kids and adults ask their burning questions about NASA and what it is really like in space.

There are plenty of places to eat, like the creatively titled Planetary Pizza and Milky Way, and you can pick up a space themed gifts and souvenirs at The Space Shop. Strollers are also available for complimentary rental inside the main entrance.

Special Programs: The center offers a number of special tours and programs. Visit the website or contact KSC for a full list and see our favorites below:

Lunch With an Astronaut: Eat a three-course lunch with an actual astronaut and ask questions about your astronaut host's experience at this once-in-a-lifetime meal. You'll have your photos taken with the astronaut, and you will also receive a souvenir autographed by the featured astronaut. Adults are $19.99. Children (3-11) are $9.99. Seating is limited, so make a reservation prior to your visit.

Camp Kennedy Space Center: The center offers week-long Summer Day Camps that are, well, out of this world. Campers run Space Shuttle mission simulations, take tours of Kennedy Space Center, and get to work hands-on with plenty of space related experiments. Camps are designed for kids from eight 8 to 14 years old.

Family Astronaut Training Experience: Though expensive, there might not be a better parent-child science bonding experience than this interactive two-day program that immerses families into the world of astronaut training. Participants ride simulators, build and launch a model rocket, and meet a NASA astronaut. Families train and work together to perform a shuttle mission to the International Space Station in a full-scale shuttle mock-up and mission control facility. The program also includes an overnight stay in an area hotel, a t-shirt, and more. Children must be between the ages of eight and 14; see the website for other requirements.

A 22-acre natural oasis just east of downtown Orlando, Langford Park offers plenty of shaded space (from beautiful large, old oak trees) for kids to run around.

The swinging bridge over the creek and the playground are popular destinations for families with children and the paved trails are a great place to wander away an afternoon. Covered pavilions, picnic tables, drinking fountains, and restrooms are also available.

The park's neighorbood center offers summer nature and art camps, nature classes, and special events.

The Lisa Maile School provides instruction in the areas of on-camera Acting, Modeling, and Image for children as young as four.

Classes help build confidence in kids, and teach the skills necessary to be successful in the competitive industries of Acting and Modeling.

Programs and Summer Camps: Programs of study include Children's Acting - which focuses on the areas of film, commercials, TV and print, and includes instruction on auditions and gives kids the chance to perform on-camera weekly - and Children's Modeling - a course that introduces young students to all aspects of the modeling industry concentrating on interview skills, runway, and confidence building. Students also visit a professional photography studio for a headshot photo shoot. Children's classes include a free parenting seminar with Lisa Maile, who talks about headshots, resumes, getting an agent for your child, model searches, and more.

Teens can take part in Acting Classes (including Improv, Intro to Comedy, TV Commerical Acting, and more), a 14-week Professional Modeling seminar (covering all aspects of runway, TV, print, informal, and commercial auditioning), and classes in Image and Confidence Development and Pageant Preparation.

Additional summer camp programs are also held at The Mall at Millenia.

Mad Science is a leading provider of hands-on science experiences for kids throughout all of Brevard County.

These entertainers offer birthday parties at your choice of location, science shows, after school programs, summer camps, corporate events, science booths, and in-class workshops. The Mad Scientist's goal is to spark imaginative science learning by providing fun and engaging science activities.

Mad Science serves all of Brevard County.

Mad Science is a leading provider of hands-on science experiences for kids.

These entertainers offer birthday parties at your choice of location, science shows, after school programs, summer camps, corporate events, science booths, and in-class workshops. The Mad Scientist's goal is to spark imaginative science learning by providing fun and engaging science activities.

An outdoor gem set back from the traffic and activity of Winter Park, Mead Garden is a true sanctuary for parents looking to reconnect with nature.

Canopies of trees cover the entire 55-acre park and families can enjoy nature trails, boardwalks, a bike trail, creeks, and ponds. This is the perfect place to introduce toddlers to natural Florida, with flowers sprouting all over the area and a popular butterfly garden to explore.

Mead Garden also offers picnic tables and a pavilion available for parties. A beautiful and intimate outdoor amphitheater surrounded by lush trees and flowers is popular for weddings and other special events. Plus, the amphitheater's stage, benches, and decorations make it a great place for tiny thespians to put on their own impromptu production.

Summer Camp: The Winter Park Nature Summer Camp is a unique, hands-on learning experience for children ages six to 12 held at Mead Garden. Campers investigate plant and wildlife, develop basic outdoor skills, participate in crafts and games, and meet with guest speakers. Advance registration is required; call 407.628.0995.

The park is also home to the Winter Park Garden Club, which offers additional rental facilities.

A "hands-on" science and technology center, the Orlando Science Center offers something for everyone with some of the most creative displays and exhibits around.

Starting with the youngest family members, the Curiosity Corner is a hands-on area dedicated to pre-school children and KidsTown gives parents and kids the chance to crawl underground and turn oranges into orange juice.

Exhibits focused on dinosaurs and the Florida ecosystem, as well as the body and health, offer a wealth of learning opportunities. A 3-D Movie takes visitors on a journey through the circulatory system from the point of view of a red blood cell. The Healthy Living exhibit features the Oxygen Cycle and learning kiosks.

Located within the TechWorks section, want-to-be Einsteins and mad scientists alike can participate in live, hands-on experiments at Dr. Dare's Laboratory.

The Science Center's Darden Theatre is home to the Gramercy Theatre Company, a professional theater troupe specializing in family-oriented productions.

The center also boasts an Iwerks giant screen domed theater and Digistar II planetarium, as well as the Crosby Observatory, Florida's largest publicly accessible refractor telescope. Observatory viewings are on Friday and Saturday nights.

Strollers are available and there are diaper-changing tables in all of the restrooms. A casual restaurant is also on-site.

Classes and Camps: The Orlando Science Center offers a wide range of classes, day camps, and summer camps for children ages three and up. In Fall, 2008, OSC opened a full-day preschool for kids ages 3-5. School Break Camps are held year-round during select school holidays with topics including everything from dinosaurs to slime (that's right - slime). Camps fill quickly, so visit the website or contact the center to pre-register.

Parties: The center offers a variety of themes and different packages to customize a birthday party. Every package includes all-day admission, unlimited ice cream, unlimited lemonade, a commemorative t-shirt for the birthday child, paper and serving products (plates, napkins, cups & forks), and the selection of an exciting birthday theme including tea parties and Harry Potter themed celebrations. Visit the website for package prices and breakdowns.

Once a side-trip for visiting families, SeaWorld has become a full-fledged destination of its own for tourists and area residents. The original, and still best reason, to visit the park is to meet Shamu, the world's most famous killer whale. With amazing acrobatics worthy of applause for 3000 pound+ entertainers, be ready to really experience the show if you're sitting in the first few rows (you're definitely going to get wet)!

Believe, Shamu's heart-touching production, gives the trainers a few minutes in the spotlight as they tell the audience how much these creatures mean to them - and to the world. But the kids will only really care when the killer whales start jumping into the air, and it really is a site to behold (those who have been paying attention to the story will probably want mom and dad to buy them a Believe necklace, though).

The park's black-and-white stars are also showcased in Shamu Rocks, a rock 'n' roll-inspired multimedia show featuring awesome visual effects and music mixes by Savage Garden, Jennifer Lopez, Rascal Flatts, Shakira, and others.

Other popular attractions include Shamu's Happy Harbor, a huge kids' play area with rides geared toward younger guests (height restrictions do apply) and a great place for parents to recover in the shade; Wild Arctic, home to polar bears, walruses, and seals in a very un-Florida like fifty degree environment; the open-air, dangling-feet Kraken roller coaster; and the 400-foot tall landmark, The Sky Tower, where you can see downtown Orlando and the other area theme parks.

SeaWorld is also quickly becoming known for its myriad of stage shows including Odyssea, a Cirque du Soleil-like circus with acrobatics, great music and a fantastic set and the new Blue Horizons show that features dolphins, a rainbow of exotic birds and a cast of divers that plunge into the pools.

Take advantage of the park's special ticket offers, which frequently include "two-days for the price of one" deals that let you spread out your fun. Florida residents can receive unlimited entry to the park for the price of one day's admission.

Arrive as early as you can, both to the park and any of the animal shows. Seats fill fast! And, if you have an autograph hound and don't mind tripping over little feet, Shamu & Crew characters are usually found near the front gate before lunch.

Strollers and lockers are available for rental. Diaper-changing and nursing areas are also located within the park. The Baby Care Center is located in Shamu's Happy Harbor.

Special Programs and Camps: SeaWorld offers a number of different Day Camps and Resident Camps for kids from five to 18. Up Close Tours, Sleepovers, Birthday Parties and even a Beluga Whale swim and feed make up some of the unique opportunities at the park. Visit the website or contact the park for additional information or to make reservations.

Show Me Entertainment offers performing arts clinics and camps for girls ages four to 14.

Programs introduce all aspects of dance, theater, voice, fashion, etiquette, and more to girls that want to showcase their individuality.

Camps and clinics are divided by age groups. Many can be adapted as birthday parties.

Princess Programs (ages four to six), Superstar Programs (ages seven to ten), and Diva Programs (ages 11-14) include Diva Training Camps - a week-long camp filled with training in all aspects of the performing arts including dance technique, vocal training, theatre games, yoga and stretching, etiquette, nutrition, and hair and makeup fun; and Weekend Beauty Bootcamps designed to provide some training in the performing arts while getting the girls comfortable with group activities and creative expression.

Younger girls can also participate in Princess Parties that can also be adapted as birthday parties. The six-hour clinic is hosted by a Princess Ballerina, where girls make a costume, eat dinner after an etiquette lesson, and have hair and makeup hour with pictures.

Visit the website for a schedule of events, or call to reserve a space.

Stetson University's main DeLand campus - 25 miles from Daytona Beach and 35 miles from Orlando - offers programs in Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, and Music.

The campus features the renovated and expanded Lynn Business Center, Florida's first Green building certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Stetson University is a member of the NCAA Division I Atlantic Sun Conference and offers a variety of intercollegiate sports, including men's baseball, women's softball, as well as men and women's basketball, tennis, golf, crew, cross country, and soccer. The athletic department sponsors several summer camps and Excellence in Sports youth clinics in a variety of sports. The main sports facility, the J. Ollie Edmunds Center, is also home to many special events throughout the year.

The University also offers a number of special programs, summer camps, and workshops for kids.

The High Achieving Talented Students (HATS) Program offers a variety of hands-on programs designed to challenge some of Florida's brightest young minds during various sessions throughout the summer, and the Destination Science Summer Camp offers a variety of interactive science programs that challenge kids to engage in critical thinking, problem solving and team building while learning about science.

Stetson University's main DeLand campus - 25 miles from Daytona Beach and 35 miles from Orlando - offers programs in Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, and Music.

The campus features the renovated and expanded Lynn Business Center, Florida's first Green building certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Stetson University is a member of the NCAA Division I Atlantic Sun Conference and offers a variety of intercollegiate sports, including men's baseball, women's softball, as well as men and women's basketball, tennis, golf, crew, cross country, and soccer. The athletic department sponsors several summer camps and Excellence in Sports youth clinics in a variety of sports. The main sports facility, the J. Ollie Edmunds Center, is also home to many special events throughout the year.

The University also offers a number of special programs, summer camps, and workshops for kids.

The High Achieving Talented Students (HATS) Program offers a variety of hands-on programs designed to challenge some of Florida's brightest young minds during various sessions throughout the summer, and the Destination Science Summer Camp offers a variety of interactive science programs that challenge kids to engage in critical thinking, problem solving and team building while learning about science.

TecKids Learning Center offers science and technology afterschool programs, school holiday camps, summer camps, and half day PreK.

Programs are designed to educate children on Robotics, Electronics, Computer Software, Aviation, Architecture, and more. Register in advance; limited spaces are available for programs.

Vision Catchers is a summer program for young teenage entrepreneurs.

Focusing on leadership, teamwork, and business planning, the eight-week camp's mission is to help Central Florida youth become well-rounded individuals by teaching them how to set positive goals, think outside the box, create and implement action plans, and more.

Advance registration is required. Call for more details or to reserve a spot.

Young Chefs Academy is a cooking school created just for kids, where children learn cooking and baking techniques, proper food handling, food preparation, and presentation, as well as kitchen safety, table setting, and manners. The Academy offers a variety of hands-on cooking classes, including mini-camps and field trips.

The atmosphere is kid-friendly, with colorful cabinets, counters, cutting boards, and bathrooms (to encourage cleanliness!) inviting even the youngest kids to get busy in the kitchen. Parents are welcome to stay and observe, and even taste the end product of their children's efforts.

Instructors follow concise, clever lesson plans and have to know the two C's: cooking, and children - and be good with both. During classes, kids are encouraged to ask questions, express their likes and dislikes, and get confident about cooking skills. Each session's recipes are provided to students, with places to make comments on the back (what they might change next time, how highly they rate the taste) and those who sign up for a class series get their own recipe binder, chefs hat and apron to continue their gastronomic explorations at home.

Birthday parties are one and a half hours long, and guests participate in real hands-on cooking activities. There are two birthday packages to choose from; contact the Academy to determine offerings and current pricing.

Camp-Can-I-Cook is offered every summer, for young chefs ages five through 15. Sessions combine art, cooking, and exercise. Mini-holiday and school break camps are also offered.

A retail section in the location offers chef accessories, t-shirts, and cooking-themed gifts to go along with gift certificates, which are available for purchase and are location-specific.

Young Chefs Academy is a cooking school created just for kids, where children learn cooking and baking techniques, proper food handling, food preparation, and presentation, as well as kitchen safety, table setting, and manners. The Academy offers a variety of hands-on cooking classes, including mini-camps and field trips.

The atmosphere is kid-friendly, with colorful cabinets, counters, cutting boards, and bathrooms (to encourage cleanliness!) inviting even the youngest kids to get busy in the kitchen. Parents are welcome to stay and observe, and even taste the end product of their children's efforts.

Instructors follow concise, clever lesson plans and have to know the two C's: cooking, and children - and be good with both. During classes, kids are encouraged to ask questions, express their likes and dislikes, and get confident about cooking skills. Each session's recipes are provided to students, with places to make comments on the back (what they might change next time, how