News Summary
Newberry College has introduced the Spatula Squad culinary camp, designed for local children to engage in cooking activities during summer while supporting staff retention in the foodservice industry. The camp features hands-on cooking lessons, teaching essential culinary skills through popular dishes. Feedback has been positive, with parents noting their children’s increased enthusiasm for cooking. The initiative also addresses staffing challenges faced by foodservice programs. Metz Culinary Management plans to expand the program in the future, emphasizing community involvement and support for local families.
Newberry, South Carolina – Newberry College has launched a new culinary initiative known as the Spatula Squad culinary camp, aimed at providing engaging summer activities for local children while also supporting staff retention within the foodservice industry. Metz Culinary Management, the organization behind this program, introduced the Spatula Squad to address the dual challenge of keeping young participants occupied during the summer and ensuring its staff remains engaged and motivated.
The Spatula Squad culinary camp features a variety of hands-on cooking activities designed for children, allowing them to explore food preparation in a fun and educational environment. The camp’s menu includes popular dishes such as chicken parmesan sandwiches, pizza bagels, and turkey BLT wraps, alongside delightful desserts including rice crispy treats and chocolate chip cookies. Participants receive essential lessons in cooking safety and basic culinary skills, giving them an opportunity to gain practical experience in the kitchen.
Key to the camp’s successful launch was Assistant General Manager Jasmin Bautista, who organized the inaugural year of the camp. Since its commencement, the camp has received glowing feedback from both students and their parents. Many parents have reported that their children have shown a newfound enthusiasm for cooking and have expressed eagerness to assist in their home kitchens after attending the camp.
In addition to fostering culinary skills among participants, the Spatula Squad camp aims to address staffing challenges faced by foodservice programs, particularly during slower summer months. With a focus on staff engagement, Metz Culinary Management anticipates that the camp will not only benefit local children but also strengthen community ties, serving as a platform for Metz to provide a valuable service to residents.
Looking to the future, Metz has plans to expand the Spatula Squad program. Potential expansions may include the introduction of holiday mini-camps and advanced cooking sessions aimed at older children, thereby enhancing the curriculum and catering to a broader age range. This evolution of the program underscores Metz’s commitment to promoting community involvement while continuing to meet the educational needs of local families.
Founded in 1994 by John C. Metz, Metz Culinary Management remains a family-run business dedicated to providing quality culinary experiences. The Spatula Squad culinary camp aligns with the broader mission of Metz to create engaging, community-oriented programs while also addressing the seasonal staffing shortages that impact the foodservice industry.
In summary, the Spatula Squad culinary camp not only provides a creative outlet for children in Newberry during the summer months but also serves to strengthen the local community ties and improve employee retention within Metz Culinary Management. The initiative is viewed as a mutually beneficial arrangement, providing meaningful experiences for young participants while addressing operational challenges faced by the organization.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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South Carolina State Fair Unveils Exciting New Food Options in Columbia
Additional Resources
- Food Service Director: Spatula Squad Rescues Newberry College’s Dining Team
- Wikipedia: Culinary Arts
- Newberry Observer: Blast Off at the Newberry Opera House
- Google Search: Summer Culinary Programs
- Google Scholar: Foodservice Staff Retention
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
