Cooking With Kids: How Do You Make it a Successful Class?

[ChefBeckyD]

For those who have done this successfully -

1. What ages have you specified for the kids?

2. How many kids have you had at one time?

3. How much have you charged for the class? What kind of products have you given to the kids?

 

[DebbieSAChef]

SearchIf you go to the top section tited Search a box will drop down and if you type in Kid Cooking Class. There will be several past threads that will pop up that will probably answer all your questions.

Like this one:
http://www.chefsuccess.com/f6/kids-cooking-class-38446/

Debbie

 

[ChefBeckyD]

If you go to the top section tited Search a box will drop down and if you type in Kid Cooking Class. There will be several past threads that will pop up that will probably answer all your questions.Like this one:
http://www.chefsuccess.com/f6/kids-cooking-class-38446/Debbie

Actually, they didn't. I looked through some of those threads - but there was too much to read, and I couldn't find these answers...and I am doing up my brochure right now, and trying to decide on some of these things....Want to send the brochure out tomorrow.I read several that talked about what they were going to do - but I would rather know what has really been done successfully.

 

[DebbieSAChef]

OkOk well here is what is working for me. This is how my summer classes are set up. Right now in my June class I have 14 kids signed up.
1. What ages have you specified for the kids? 6+ I homeschool so the ages vary greatly. The youngest kid in my class is 6 the oldest is 14.

2. How many kids have you had at one time? I have 14 right now, my max is 15.

3. How much have you charged for the class? What kind of products have you given to the kids? $30 each month per kid for four classes (every Thursday for 90 min.) This month I gave the kids a mini spatula (outlet) and small spreader. July they will get two prep bowls each only. August they will get the small batter bowl because we are going to make doll cakes and soccer cakes (from cake mixes).
Just to give you an idea the last recipe we did was called Pepperoni n cheese crescents. The total for all the food divided by 14 kids was $1.75 per kid in cost to make two of the crescents each. They loved them. Last recipe was Ice cream tacos cost per kid was about $1.00 or so. I can't remember the price of the M&M's off the top of my head but my hubby has it on a receipt.
Hope this helps!
Debbie

 

[pampchefsarah]

Have you ever had a parent book a show because of the cooking classes?

 

[Chef Bobby]

I do kids shows for Girl Scouts. They only furnish the food. The kids don't get anything free, but they get to earn badges.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Have you ever had a parent book a show because of the cooking classes?

HEY! That was my next question!

 

[DebbieSAChef]

Yes!!

HEY! That was my next question!

Oh yes of course! A few and loyal PC customers. I am their PC lady. So of course I got orders at Christmas time, from their mothers, from their friends, etc...

I think it's a great way to get new customers because not all the kids in my class are people I knew personally before the class. I left flyers at a kid's resale shop and I got a call from several mothers wanting to sign up in July and August. So it's a great way to get your name out there. The kids love the class, they love me and my kiddos, and they love the cool tools! Boys eyes light up when they use the food chopper and the EAD! :love:

Debbie

 

[ChefBeckyD]

One More Kids Cooking Question.....Okay, maybe actually 2!:blushing:

First - for the product that is given to the kids - do you order this stuff as a large individual order, or do you make a show out of it?

And - Do you have them prepay, or do you have them pay at the workshop?

 

[DebbieSAChef]

Pre-pay

Okay, maybe actually 2!:blushing:

First - for the product that is given to the kids - do you order this stuff as a large individual order, or do you make a show out of it?

And - Do you have them prepay, or do you have them pay at the workshop?

I have them pre-pay by a certain deadline to allow at least 10 days for the items to ship. Although I had some last minute tag alongs (cousins, friends, etc..) who joined the day of my first class since I was not officially full yet and that was ok. I always order a few extra just in case.

I make a show out of it. I usually have customer orders I can tag on and since the moms know me as the PC lady I can encourage them to give me some orders before the deadline. When they do they are entered in the Mystery Host raffle. The winner gets the benefits! It's my second time doing this and I usually submit at least a $300-$400 show. $40-$60 in FREE products is a good motivator for collecting orders! Especially to frugal homeschooling moms!

And it's a cooking show because I usually bring a PC dish to a mom's get together or a park day to advertise about my kid's class, the Mystery Host raffle and I show catalogs.

Debbie