Winter Break Camp: Cozy Cooking Adventures!
When the weather outside is chilly, there’s no better place for your little chef to be than in the kitchen, creating heartwarming dishes! While the snow falls, our Winter Break Camp will keep junior chefs (ages 5-14) busy and cozy, learning to cook and bake in a fun and supportive environment. It’s one of the most engaging winter cooking activities in Calgary for young food enthusiasts.
What’s Cooking?
- Holiday Treats: Sweet-smelling delights like cookies and festive desserts.
- Comfort Foods: Hearty soups, stews, and warm bakes to enjoy on cold days.
- Creative Projects: Fun baking and decorating activities to spread holiday cheer.
From Scratch to Lunch
Each morning, campers will prepare their own lunches, learning how to create delicious, wholesome meals. From savory dishes to cozy bakes, they’ll gain confidence in the kitchen while enjoying their creations.
Hands-On Learning
With guidance from professional chefs and experienced staff, campers will work on recipes individually and in small groups. This approach ensures they master essential cooking skills while fostering teamwork and creativity.
A Winter to Remember
As the snow falls outside, we’ll be making memories, trying new recipes, and stirring up plenty of fun. Your little chef will leave with new skills, tasty treats, and the joy of culinary exploration!
Join us this holiday season for a warm, delicious winter break adventure!
Chicken Fajita Recipe
This flavourful fajita is a zesty marinade. The creamy avocados finishes this meal beautifully. So goooood!
View Recipex
Recipe:
- 1 Tbsp. minced lime zest
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 4 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
- 3 Tbsp. minced fresh cilantro
- 2 Tbsp. adobo sauce
- 1 Tbsp. minced fresh garlic
- 1 chipotle in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 1 tsp each of ground cumin, ground coriander, dried oregano, and kosher salt
- Add extra seasoning as preferred.
Heat:
- 1 each small red and yellow bell peppers, cut into strips (3 cups)
- 1 small red onion, sliced (1 ½ cups)
- 8 flour or corn tortillas (6-inch), warmed
- 1 avocado, diced
- ½ cup crumbled Cotija
Preparation:
- Combine zest, lime juice, 2 Tbsp. oil, cilantro, adobo sauce, garlic, chipotle, cumin, coriander, oregano, and salt in a shallow bowl and set aside for the marinade. Add chicken, cover, and refrigerate, tossing occasionally, 30 minutes.
- Heat remaining 2 Tbsp. oil in a skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Add bell peppers and onion and cook, stirring, until softened, 4–5 minutes; transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
- Add chicken and marinade in same skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until chicken is cooked through and marinade is reduced, 5–6 minutes.
- Divide chicken among tortillas and top with bell peppers, onion, avocado, and Cotija.
- This should make about 8 tacos and will take approximately 15 mins to prepare. Enjoy!!!
Loaded Meat Lasagna with Caesar Salad
Coconut Chicken Soup (Tom Kha Gai)
Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Homemade Pita and Tomato-Onion Relish
Thai Red Curry with Steamed White Rice
Gnocchi with Bacon-Cream Sauce
Lemon-Poppyseed Loaf with Lemon Glaze
Mini Apple Pies
Chocolate Cupcake Challenge
Glazed Italian Cookies
Raspberry and Cream Sandwich Cookies and Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
Our Winter Camp Sessions
December 29, 2025 – January 2, 2026
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Program with on-site staff team
Ages: 6–13
Baking the Perfect Path to Success
Our Curriculum
At Nini’s Cooking Academy, we pride ourselves on creating a fun and educational environment where young chefs can thrive. Our carefully crafted curriculum is designed to introduce kids to the joy of cooking while teaching valuable skills they can use in and out of the kitchen. Each lesson is designed to be hands-on and interactive, covering a variety of techniques, from knife skills to baking and everything in between. Our classes focus on building confidence, creativity, and a love for food.
Our curriculum, developed by certified teachers and professional chefs, blends fun, education, and inspiration seamlessly. We emphasize creativity in our recipe choices, selecting dishes that spark curiosity and encourage hands-on exploration.
Designed to teach essential cooking techniques and promote nutritional awareness, our menus ensure an engaging and dynamic learning experience. Each recipe is carefully chosen to capture students’ interest, making the culinary journey both enjoyable and rewarding while fostering growth and skill development.
Our Staff
Our dedicated team of chefs and instructors are passionate about cooking and working with children. They bring years of experience to the table, ensuring each class is not only educational but also enjoyable and engaging.
Our highly qualified team is composed of seasoned chefs and experienced youth workers who work together to create a supportive, inspiring, and educational environment. Their dedication empowers campers to reach their full potential both inside and outside the kitchen.
To ensure a safe and enriching experience, all team members are trained in First Aid and CPR, hold food handler certifications, and have completed police background checks.
Our Class Structure
We structure our sessions to engage, challenge, and inspire students while nurturing both their kitchen skills and personal growth. Our class structure mirrors that of a professional culinary school, incorporating a blend of chef-led demonstrations, recipe reviews, and hands-on practice. This approach caters to diverse learning styles, ensuring every child can thrive.
Each session combines lessons with practical, real-world application, allowing students to work independently while still receiving the guidance they need. Most classes feature a mix of group and individual work, emphasizing the value of teamwork while ensuring every student gains practical experience with all aspects of each recipe. With our small class sizes, we provide personalized attention in a supportive and positive learning environment.
Whether it’s a week-long camp or an after-school program, Nini’s Cooking Academy offers an unforgettable experience designed to empower kids, foster creativity, and instill a lifelong love for cooking.
Our Program
We combine the excitement of a professional culinary school with the fun and energy of summer camp! Here’s what sets our program apart:
- ✅ 5-day experience: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm.
- ✅ Chef-Led Demonstrations: Every recipe begins with a guided demonstration from our chefs, ensuring campers of all learning styles are equipped to succeed.
- ✅ Interactive Learning: Campers work in groups of four, giving each participant plenty of opportunities to get hands-on and build their culinary skills.
- ✅ Culinary Creations Every Day: Campers prepare 3–5 recipes from scratch daily! Morning creations become satisfying lunches, while afternoon dishes are packaged to take home and share with loved ones.
- ✅ A Balanced Experience: We mix cooking with outdoor activities, camp-style games, and crafts, making sure campers enjoy a blend of learning and fun throughout the day.
Join us for an unforgettable experience where campers build confidence, skills, and friendships while discovering the joy of cooking!
Polar Bear Cupcakes
Delight in the charm of Polar Bear Cupcakes, an adorable winter-inspired treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. These cupcakes feature a fluffy vanilla base topped with creamy white frosting and decorated to resemble cute polar bear faces using marshmallows and candy accents. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy snow days, these sweet creations are a whimsical blend of flavor and fun. Irresistibly cute and delicious, they’re sure to warm hearts even on the coldest days!
See the Winter Camp Fun! ❄️🎉
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What information do I need before registering for a winter break cooking camp?
We recommend reviewing the daily schedule, age requirements (6–14 years), and packing guidelines. Each camper is provided with cooking tools, ingredients, and a uniform. Bringing a labeled water bottle and indoor shoes is advised.
How do I know if proper supervision is provided during the program?
We ensure that all campers are closely supervised throughout the day. Our instructors are trained professionals with experience in both culinary education and child safety. Group sizes are kept small for personal attention and guidance.
What level of participation is typically expected from children in each session?
Campers take part in every stage of meal preparation, including chopping, mixing, cooking, and decorating. We design each session to be fully hands-on and guided, so participation is both active and supported.
What kind of recipes are usually taught in a winter break camp?
Our seasonal camps generally include recipes that reflect festive or winter-themed dishes—such as soups, stews, cookies, and baked goods. These are selected to teach practical techniques in a fun and age-appropriate way.
How are food allergies or dietary concerns addressed during camp?
We ask families to notify us in advance about any allergies or dietary needs. Our team takes careful steps to adjust ingredients where possible and follows strict safety protocols to minimize risk.
What outcomes are common for children who attend a winter cooking camp?
Most campers leave with increased confidence in the kitchen, an improved understanding of culinary skills, and digital access to the recipes used. Many also enjoy sharing their homemade meals and treats with family at the end of each day.
What should I understand about skill levels required for participation?
Prior cooking experience is not necessary. We design all activities to be accessible for beginners while still offering new challenges for those with some experience. Our instructors adjust their support based on individual needs.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policy must be made 90 days prior to the schedule camp to receive a full refund. No refunds will be issued due to illness or missed classes. Please note that Nini’s Cooking Class reserves the right to cancel a class due to a lack of participants. We have limited space for participants. We will make every effort possible to accommodate our students.
Let the Culinary Adventure Begin!
From parties to programs, we spark creativity and confidence through hands-on cooking fun. Contact us today to learn more or reserve your spot!