Mission Statement

At The Kitchen Academy NYC, presented by Young Chef Leaders ©, we strive to ignite a lifelong passion for food and nourishment in every child. We believe that cooking is not just a skill but a gateway to cultivating confidence, creativity, and critical thinking. Through hands-on experiences, children learn essential life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and mathematics, all while having fun in the kitchen. We are dedicated to fostering meaningful mentorship and lasting relationships, empowering young chefs to explore flavors, embrace healthy choices, and develop a deeper connection with the world around them. Together, let’s inspire the next generation to savor the joy of cooking!

Meet Violet, who studied under Chef Celeste & Chef Paige and eventually assisted with camp classes empowering kids to learn the skills to “just do it!”

Meet Muluk, who also studied under Chef Celeste & Chef Paige and eventually assisted with camp classes. His experience helped him get jobs and paid internships at restaurants like Bombera in Oakland, CA.

Testimonials from Former Students

Typical Sample Camp Day/ Week Schedule

  • 8:45 - 9:00 | Kids arrive

    9:00 - 12:30 | Instruction and cooking

    Noon | Snack (provided by Kitchen Academy)

    12:30pm - 1:00pm | Plating Lunch

    1:00pm - 2:00pm | Eat lunch and relax

    2:00pm - 2:45pm | Kids/ Staff clean up 

    2:45pm - 3:00pm | Dismissal

  • 8:45am - 9:00am | Kids arrive

    9:00am - 12:00pm | Kids cooking for parents/ friends/ family

    11:45am | Parents/ Friends/ Family arrive

    12:00pm - 12:30pm | Intro/ Kids explain what they have made.

    12:30pm - 1:45pm | Eat lunch and relax and talk and take pics.

    1:45pm - 2:45pm | Kids/ Staff clean up 

    2:45pm - 3:00pm | Dismissal

FAQs

  • Please wear: Closed toed shoes, loose fitting pants and shirt/ tops you are comfortable getting dirty.

    Please bring a water bottle!

    Please do NOT wear: SHORTS above the knee or TANK TOPS due to safety while cooking.

    You may wear small closed hoop or stud earrings and watches.

    Please do not wear/ bring necklaces, long dangly earrings or rings for safety and to avoid damage, loss or theft.

  • Expect to be working with your hands, using knives and cooking equipment.

    We will be standing for 3 hours while working. If your child has special needs and cannot stand for a prolonged amount of time, please let us know so we can accommodate

  • We are located in the heart of FiDi @ 16 Beaver Street, FL 3. 

    We have elevator access, but there are 3 steps up to enter the building.

    • When you arrive, you will come to a building that has “16” on it, (next door to Burger King- Google maps will tell you the door is in the alley, it’s not)

    • At the building look for SelfUp on the buzzer pad. 

    • Buzz ‘Self Up’ #3 and you’ll be buzzed into the building.

    • Head up to the 3rd floor.

    Closest Trains

    • 1 @ Rector or South Ferry

    • 2 /3 @ Whitehall

    • 4 /5 @ Bowling Green

    • J/Z @ Broad Street

    • R/W @ Rector

  • We are a NO NUT facility and do not allow any tree nut or peanuts in any recipes or to be brought from outside sources.

    We are NOT a kosher kitchen, but can accommodate for kosher needs with products and single use plates/ cutlery, however can not accommodate equipment used to cook or store food.

    If your child has any other dietary restrictions such as shellfish, gluten , dairy or vegetarian, The Kitchen Academy can fully accommodate those needs.

    Please let us know if your child has any other allergies at least 1 week prior to the start of their camp session.