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Sold Out – Global Flavors Cooking Camp
Join our 5-day youth cooking class! Explore Italian, Asian, American, and Mexican cuisines while mastering knife skills and hands-on global recipes.
About the Camp
Explore Italian, Asian, American, and Mexican Cuisine!
Ready to take your taste buds on a world tour? In this exciting 5-day cooking class designed for youth, we’ll explore delicious dishes and bold flavors from four rich and diverse food cultures: Italy, Asia, the U.S., and Mexico. Each week focuses on hands-on cooking, new techniques, and learning about the ingredients and traditions that make each cuisine unique.
Day 1: Knife Skills and Sanitation
Led by Chef Gerardo, kids will be introduced to basic knife techniques using age-appropriate tools and safety gear. Through guided practice, students will learn how to slice, dice, and chop with focus and care—all while having fun! Young chefs will also learn about kitchen sanitation, an essential skill for anyone preparing food. While learning these important skills, the campers will be preparing various salsas to go with the delicious quesadillas they will eat.
Day 2: Italian Classics
Learn the art of fresh pasta, homemade sauces, and more! We’ll talk about flavor layering, herbs like basil and oregano, and how simple ingredients can create unforgettable meals.
Day 3: Asian-Inspired Dishes
From stir-fries to rice bowls and dipping sauces, this class introduces new flavors like ginger, sesame, and soy. Youth will practice knife skills, sautéing, and building balanced meals.
Day 4: American Comfort Food
Gumbo, corn bread – American favorites get a fresh twist. We’ll dive into presentation, seasoning basics, and fun plating techniques to elevate everyday dishes.
Day 5: Masa Fiesta
This class will focus on various delicious ways to cook with masa, including pupusas, tamales, and sopes. This flavorful finale focuses on chicken mole, salsas, and traditional spices like cumin and chili. Students will practice working with tortillas, preparing toppings, and bringing it all together for a final group meal celebration.
Every class encourages confidence, creativity, and cultural appreciation through food.
This camp is perfect for youth who are curious about cooking, eager to try new things, and excited to create delicious meals they can share with their families.
Camps at the Center
Our summer camps provide hands-on learning experiences that foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Engaging in artistic activities allows children to express themselves in unique ways, boosting their confidence and emotional intelligence. Our experienced instructors offer a supportive and engaging space where all children can discover their passions, build lifelong friendships, and develop a sense of belonging. Not to mention, our summer camps are fun!
What to bring
- A water bottle or other beverage each day
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Their curiosity
What we provide
- A lunch cooked during the camp
- Snacks & Water each day
- All supplies & Materials
- A safe learning environment
Optional Early Drop-Off
We are offering parents the option to drop their children off for camp at 9 AM rather than 10 AM.
You will be asked if you are interested during the registration check-out.
Early Drop-off is an additional $25 charge for the week of camps.
We will accept your payment in person on the Monday the same week as camp.
About your Instructor
Gerardo Diaz
Gerardo Diaz is a passionate individual with a love for the great outdoors, culinary arts, and family connections. Born and raised in Mazatlan Sinaloa Gerardo’s affinity for nature was fostered from a young age. His earliest memories are filled with the sights and sounds of the ocean waves sparking a lifelong passion for exploration and adventure.
Beyond his love for fishing, Gerardo is also a skilled culinary enthusiast. He delights in the art of cooking, using fresh ingredients and innovative techniques to create mouthwatering dishes that tantalize the taste buds. From sizzling seafood caught on his own fishing excursions to hearty meals prepared with love for his family, Gerardo’s kitchen is always brimming with creativity and flavor.
Above all else, Gerardo treasures time spent with his family. Whether they’re gathered around the dinner table sharing stories and laughter or embarking on outdoor escapades together, the bond they share is unbreakable. He believes that family is the cornerstone of happiness and finds true joy in nurturing those relationships through shared experiences and cherished moments.
Membership has its benefits
All Silver Memberships and above receive 10% off the registration cost for any class purchase over $40.
Materials fees are not discounted.
Become a member today and find community, connection, and creativity.
Class FAQ
We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds, due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class.
Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee (minus the payment processing and services fee), or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.
All credits must be used within 1 year.
You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.
The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at [email protected] so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.
Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at [email protected] to request a late addition.
We are always looking for new instructors. You can fill out the form directly here.
Sold Out – Global Flavors Cooking Camp
Join our 5-day youth cooking class! Explore Italian, Asian, American, and Mexican cuisines while mastering knife skills and hands-on global recipes.
Schedule
Monday, June 22 – Friday, June 26, 2026
10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Optional:
9 AM Early Drop-off available. Learn More.
This Session
Monday, June 22, 2026 from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm
Location
Experience Level
All-Levels, Beginning, Intermediate and AdvancedAge(s)
10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15Registration
Registration Cost
$275
