Sweet Skills Studio - Baking Mini-Camp

Instructor: Alyssa Heidtke, Single Thread

Whisk, mix, and create in the Sweet Skills Studio!  Young bakers will learn the basics of measuring, mixing, decorating, and kitchen safety while making delicious treats from scratch. Each day brings hands-on recipes, creative decorating challenges, and plenty of sweet fun as campers build confidence and discover the joy of baking. Whether they’re brand new to the kitchen or already love to bake, this mini-camp is the perfect recipe for a fun and flavorful summer experience!

The Sweet Skills Studio Mini Camp runs from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm with hands-on instruction in the kitchen for 2.5 hours every day. Campers are provided with breakfast and lunch and will join in The Zones' summer camp activities including art, sports, games, STEM activities and other scheduled programming outside of kitchen time daily. 

Baking Mini-Camp Schedule 

Day 1: Chocolate Chip Cookie Creations
Focus: Measuring & Ratios

• Kitchen safety + baking basics
• Learn how to measure dry and wet ingredients correctly
• Understand ratios and how they affect texture
• Make classic chocolate chip cookies
• Taste test + cookie decorating fun

Day 2: Piping Like a Pro
Focus: Piping Techniques

• Intro to piping bags and tips
• Practice piping with frosting
• Decorate cupcakes using different techniques
• Creativity challenge: design your own cupcake

Day 3: Bread Baking Basics
Focus: Mixing, Kneading & Yeast

• Learn how yeast works
• Practice kneading and shaping dough
• Make and bake fresh bread
• Take-home bread to share

Day 4: Strawberry Shortcake Day
Focus: Whipping & Fruit Compote

• Make homemade strawberry compote
• Learn how to whip cream to soft and stiff peaks
• Bake shortcake biscuits
• Assemble strawberry shortcakes
• Presentation and plating activity

Day 5: Cake Decorating Finale
Focus: Decorating Skills & Creativity

• Frosting and layering a cake
• Learn decorating techniques (borders, writing, designs)
• Create a personalized mini cake
• Showcase + celebration
• Take-home treats and recipe packet