Youthage Culinary Program
Youthage Culinary Program, 208 Lake Street, Waukegan, IL 60085
About
Youthage Culinary Program offers virtual and in-person culinary classes, chef programs, engaging workshops, youth camps, and comprehensive restaurant management courses. Students take part in colorful, interactive virtual cooking classes with monthly themes such as Rainbow Foods, Cookie Monsters, and Little Bakers, along with hands-on weekly classes and monthly cooking challenges with rewards. The program also includes health-focused and seasonal classes, global cuisine workshops, recipe competitions with virtual prizes, and hands-on training by culinary experts.
• Ages: 4–18 years old
Youthage Culinary Program includes a school-based and homeschool culinary curriculum, with options for homeschool groups and school enrichment partnerships. Families can choose optional add-ons such as supply kits and virtual guest chef days, as well as family fun nights like Taco Tuesday and Global Dinner Party, Parent Date Night and Couples Date Night cooking sessions, and birthday parties. The program also offers Girl Scout badge experiences, corporate team-building events, virtual events, private sessions, enrichment programs, group workshops, and custom menus.
Most programs are conducted virtually, with select in-person options available seasonally or by request for private classes and events. The program provides a supply list ahead of each class, uses basic kitchen tools typically found at home, and offers optional add-on kits with kid-friendly utensils, aprons, and pre-measured ingredients. Additional features include hands-on fun with themed kits sent ahead, a monthly class bundle subscription, parent-child interactive sessions, a skill-building series such as knife safety and baking basics, a pre-professional cooking curriculum, internship and volunteer opportunities for teens, and newsletter subscriptions with tips and class updates.
Youthage Culinary Program is part of the Youthage Culinary Specialist nonprofit school, founded in 2016 by Chef Robert Collins, who serves as President and Executive Chef. Chef Robert is a retired Navy Veteran and former owner of Rob's Delight Catering, Inc., is a graduate of Robert Morris University, and has 29 years of food service experience in military and civilian sectors. The mission of the program is to educate and empower children with a vast knowledge of culinary arts through training led by experienced chefs, a wide range of recipes, and instruction in kitchen and knife safety, leadership skills, organizational concepts, and the framework for making healthier lifestyle choices.
The program states that it emphasizes educating children on nutrition, culinary techniques, and youth and career development, and offers options for dietary needs including dairy-free, gluten-free, and low-sugar alternatives. It also notes that it values community involvement and includes internship and volunteer opportunities for teens and school enrichment partnerships.
Parent and student testimonials describe Youthage Culinary Program as a meaningful part of childhood, mention learning from Chef Robert and participating in multiple fundraisers, and note his patience and grace with groups of children, including those who are neurodivergent or have ADHD. Testimonials also state that students have learned to cut vegetables, cook chicken, and apply what they learn at home.
Last updated January 9, 2026.
• Ages: 4–18 years old
Youthage Culinary Program includes a school-based and homeschool culinary curriculum, with options for homeschool groups and school enrichment partnerships. Families can choose optional add-ons such as supply kits and virtual guest chef days, as well as family fun nights like Taco Tuesday and Global Dinner Party, Parent Date Night and Couples Date Night cooking sessions, and birthday parties. The program also offers Girl Scout badge experiences, corporate team-building events, virtual events, private sessions, enrichment programs, group workshops, and custom menus.
Most programs are conducted virtually, with select in-person options available seasonally or by request for private classes and events. The program provides a supply list ahead of each class, uses basic kitchen tools typically found at home, and offers optional add-on kits with kid-friendly utensils, aprons, and pre-measured ingredients. Additional features include hands-on fun with themed kits sent ahead, a monthly class bundle subscription, parent-child interactive sessions, a skill-building series such as knife safety and baking basics, a pre-professional cooking curriculum, internship and volunteer opportunities for teens, and newsletter subscriptions with tips and class updates.
Youthage Culinary Program is part of the Youthage Culinary Specialist nonprofit school, founded in 2016 by Chef Robert Collins, who serves as President and Executive Chef. Chef Robert is a retired Navy Veteran and former owner of Rob's Delight Catering, Inc., is a graduate of Robert Morris University, and has 29 years of food service experience in military and civilian sectors. The mission of the program is to educate and empower children with a vast knowledge of culinary arts through training led by experienced chefs, a wide range of recipes, and instruction in kitchen and knife safety, leadership skills, organizational concepts, and the framework for making healthier lifestyle choices.
The program states that it emphasizes educating children on nutrition, culinary techniques, and youth and career development, and offers options for dietary needs including dairy-free, gluten-free, and low-sugar alternatives. It also notes that it values community involvement and includes internship and volunteer opportunities for teens and school enrichment partnerships.
Parent and student testimonials describe Youthage Culinary Program as a meaningful part of childhood, mention learning from Chef Robert and participating in multiple fundraisers, and note his patience and grace with groups of children, including those who are neurodivergent or have ADHD. Testimonials also state that students have learned to cut vegetables, cook chicken, and apply what they learn at home.
Last updated January 9, 2026.
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