Kids learn to cook healthy at Diman

FALL RIVER – Some kids go to camp to climb trees and learn to swim.

And others camp out in the kitchen where they learn to make tasty (and nutritious) treats that just might stir them toward a long and healthy lifestyle.

About a dozen kids, ages 7 to 13, participated in Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School's Culinary Wellness Camp last week. Kids can still join for additional weekly sessions for the next two weeks.

"They learn to make healthier snacks," said Diman culinary instructor and chef Meredith Guilbeault-Rose. "Today, we're making pizza."

As the children rolled out their dough balls and assembled their favorite ingredients, Rose said the kids also learned to make chocolate hummus, fruit pizza, peanut butter protein balls, guacamole, salsa, chips, and healthier cupcakes made with apple sauce instead of oil.

They were also making a recipe book to take home at the end of the session with a certificate of completion. And, they got to eat.

"I like it," said Emelin Borges, 8, while she shaped her own pizza crust. "It's fun. We get to make stuff. She shows us the kitchen too."

Borges said she enjoys cooking at home with her mom and grandma (Mena).

"I help Mena," Borges said. "Once we made apple pie."

When it comes to pizza though, Borges is a fan of cheese-only-please.

"I don't like cooked onions, or cooked peppers or cooked pineapples," Borges said.

Mya Canuel, 12, said she likes to cook "if my mom lets me." And, she likes healthy food because "it gives you more energy."

Sadie Krauzyk and her friend Jadyn Silva, both 13, said they both want to attend Diman's culinary arts program in high school, and perhaps be head chefs in a restaurant one day.

"I love it. I just like cooking," Krauzyk said.

Rose said she tries to teach the kids to eat different foods because they typically like things that are sweet. And some kids are picky eaters.

As they all sipped a strawberry smoothie, Rose told them: "Everything doesn't always have to be sweet. Some things can be light."

They seemed to enjoy the smoothie, sweetened only with honey.

Rose said there are "too many children with diabetes, or obese, too many children going to fast food" too often.

Cooking, she said, gives kids "basic skills. Food is time with family. You can give people love with food."