COOKSMART: Parent Interview with Yunjae Jung

Watch our Parent interview with Yunjae Jung to hear firsthand what children experience and how they grow at COOKSMART.

Transcript of the interview

What’s unique about COOKSMART camp?

One thing I really like about COOKSMART is that the kids have a chance to cook with the food, with the vegetables. In general, she's been a picky eater, especially when it comes to vegetables. So they get to choose different colours, like rainbow colours, right? The teacher makes the experience really fun.

One day my daughter was talking about, "Oh, today I had a kale chip." Kale chip? Which I was not aware of, right? So we did the same recipe. We made the kale chips at home too, and they taste good, you know? Of course, it's good for kids to try different types of food, and when they make it, they eat it because they did make it, you know?

How did you know that COOKSMART camp was the right fit?

She started talking about nutrition. So when she mentioned, "Okay, this is good because it has vitamin B and C and then D. And then what can I eat?" It increased her awareness and interest.

That also encouraged me as well. So it's not only her change in nutrition, but the whole family, you know, because when there is a kid's interest to eat healthier food, then the parents get encouraged too. I think it's really helpful for the kids in general, and fun too.

Was there any noticeable personal growth in your child after time at COOKSMART?

It expanded the group of foods that she's eating. When kids are picky eaters, they have a hard time with the whole movement, you know? And since then, I don't have to worry because it's so good.

How can a parent support their child to get the most out of COOKSMART camps?

I think, most importantly, setting the atmosphere. For example, "What did you learn today?" Or, "You learned something cool today, but I didn't learn, so can you teach me? Can you teach me how to bake cookies? Can you teach me how to make kale chips? Can you teach me how to make tacos?"

Simple things, but they do it again, you know, if they're willing to. And then if the parents are willing to learn, I think that helps a lot.

What does your child say about COOKSMART camp?

She went to summer camp, but she kept asking, "Do they have winter camp too? Do they have spring camp too?" They just show how excited she is. And sometimes she asked me, "Do not pick me up too early," because she does have fun.

Any final thoughts on COOKSMART camp?

I'm just happy that I found this program. This is the best thing I ever tried this year.

It was really good. And we are going to take a PA Day camp soon, too. I'm really expecting to send her to spring camp as well.

Interviews with parents, participants, and alum

COOKSMART: Parent Interview with Karen

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Verified written reviews of COOKSMART