[Image: L to R: Sabrina Burkey, volunteer Shelby Mitchell, Madison Luke and Sami Walters]The LSU AgCenter hosted a three day “Kids Chef Nutrition Camp” at the NSU Department of Family and Consumer Science food lab during the thanksgiving holidays. The camp, led by LSU AgCenter intern Kacy Brown and Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent Gwen Fontenot, was open to youth ages 9-12 in Natchitoches & Sabine Parishes. During the three days youth participated in lots of hands on activities including kitchen utensils and knife lessons; peeling, chopping and grating labs; and food and kitchen safety. Everyday the class prepared healthy snacks such as Banana Sushi, Peanut Butter Granola, and Food Group Funny Face. On the last day a special lunch was prepared and students learned how to properly set the table. It consisted of Manly Meatloaf, Corn Casserole, Apple Sauce Muffins, Mashed Potatoes, and Tossed Green Salad. During breaks students engaged in food and nut[Image: Deja Monae' Vercher shows off her super cheesy homemade pizzas!]rition games “Meal or No Meal” and “Food Pyramid Bingo.” Kitchen math and reading nutrition label lessons also were taught to the youth. Kacy Brown, a senior at NSU majoring in Family and Consumer Science with a concentration in Nutrition and Food Systems Management, took on the camp as her senior internship project. “I was really excited to conduct the camp! The youth enjoyed every aspect, particularly cooking in the food lab,” stated Kacy. Volunteers in the community also helped make the camp a huge success. Camp volunteers included high school students Missy Hennigan and Shelby Mit[Image: Leneigh Hennigan checks the internal temperature of the "Manly Meatloaf Muffins."]chell, LSU AgCenter employees Valerie Mitchell and Juanice Moses and Natchitoches Parish Regional Center Dietitian Amanda Roberts. For more information on food and nutrition youth programs through the LSU AgCenter please contact Gwen Fontenot at (318) 357-2224 or at gfontenot@lsuagcenter.net.