What is the age range for the Baking Basics Camp?

The camp is designed for children aged 6 to 12 years old.

Do campers need previous baking experience?

No prior experience is necessary; camps are structured for beginners and young learners.

Are parents allowed to stay during the camp?

Parents are welcome to drop off their children but camp sessions are designed for kids to participate independently.

What do campers take home from the camp?

Each camper brings home the baked goods they make each day, along with recipe cards for at-home baking.

Is the camp safe for children with food allergies?

Please notify The Kitchen Table in advance regarding any food allergies so accommodations can be arranged.

Can campers sign up for multiple weeks?

Yes, each week features different recipes, and families can mix and match sessions without needing a specific order.

Baking Basics Camp in West Chicago with The Kitchen Table | Food Tour

West Chicago, Illinois, may be better known for its outdoor trails and prairie preserves, but summer here offers an unexpected, hands-on adventure behind the kitchen counter at The Kitchen Table’s Baking Basics Camp. Designed for young culinary enthusiasts aged 6 to 12, this four-day, afternoon camp transforms novices into confident bakers by diving into a different baking category each day. From quick breads to yeast breads and cakes, campers directly engage with ingredients and techniques, learning practical skills that reveal the science, math, and art behind baking.

The Kitchen Table is a standout in the local scene for combining education with fun, located in a bustling community that appreciates enriching activities beyond the outdoors. While families might come to West Chicago for trails at Blackwell Forest Preserve or to stroll downtown, The Kitchen Table brings a fresh dimension to local summer programming by teaching children real skills they can bring home, along with a batch of their own delicious creations.

Each week offers a rotating menu of recipes—from blueberry muffins and French bread loaves to garlic breadsticks and layered cakes—allowing repeat campers to sample new challenges and flavors. The camp’s hands-on approach means every child measures, mixes, and manipulates dough and batter under guided instruction, building both practical knowledge and kitchen confidence.

This camp is more than just a cooking class; it’s a place where kids learn responsibility through clean-up routines, creativity by decorating their own cakes, and critical thinking through recipe reading and ingredient functions. Being in West Chicago, close to Chicago’s larger urban setting but with a distinct community feel, The Kitchen Table’s Baking Camp uniquely enriches the summer calendar by providing a culinary adventure that’s as much about learning and growth as it is about tasty treats.

About The Kitchen Table

The Kitchen Table in West Chicago, Illinois offers hands-on culinary classes and private events for children, teens, families, scouts, and adults.

The Kitchen Table provides structured programs including Jr. Chefs (ages 3–9), Young Chefs (ages 8–14), summer Baking Basics camps, scout-focused two-hour experiences, adult Cook & Dine sessions, and private custom classes.

Classes emphasize practical skills, kitchen safety, nutrition, teamwork, and creative recipe work. Students learn techniques such as mixing, measuring, simple baking, pasta making, and international recipes while sampling and taking home their finished dishes. Birthday party packages combine instruction and celebration with aprons provided and flexible options like pizza making, cinnamon rolls, cupcake competitions, and themed challenges.

Private classes can be tailored to group needs, with options for a 60-minute session or extended classes, and a private dining room available for Cook & Dine events where guests may bring beverages and sides. Scouts can earn badges through focused two-hour sessions that cover culinary skills and nutrition. Chef Aaron leads adult and date-night classes, guiding participants through hands-on recipes in a collaborative setting.

Flexible class credits, small-group instruction, and a welcoming environment support skill development and confidence. The Kitchen Table operates with clear safety and sanitation practices appropriate for children and adults. Located in West Chicago, the business serves local families and groups seeking experiential cooking education and memorable private events. Class schedules and booking options are available online, with flexible timing and private booking to fit group needs and dietary accommodations.