Comprehensive virtual culinary Experience
Youthage Culinary Adventures
Where Every Age Can Stir Up Success in the Kitchen!
Led by President & Executive Chef Robert Collins
Turning curious cooks into confident chefsβone class, one meal, one experience at a time.
Explore Our Diverse Culinary Training Programs
Discover the art of culinary excellence with our tailored chef programs, engaging workshops, youth camps, and comprehensive restaurant management courses, all designed to ignite your passion and enhance your skills.
Welcome to Youthage Culinary Specialist
Our Mission
Our mission is to educate and empower children with a vast knowledge of culinary arts. Our culinary program is designed to give students of all ages and abilities the opportunity for culinary training led by experienced chefs. We offer a wide range of recipes to expose our students to different cooking styles, techniques, and ingredients. In addition to kitchen and knife safety, students will build leadership skills, learn organizational concepts, and begin creating the framework for making healthier lifestyle choices
Robert Collins
President & Executive Chef
Founded in 2016 by Chef Robert Collins, the Youthage Culinary Specialist nonprofit school opened in Mundelein, Illinois. Chef Robert is a retired Navy Veteran and former owner of Rob's Delight Catering, Inc. He graduated from Robert Morris University and has 29 years of Food Service experience in the Military and Civilian sectors. After witnessing the direct link between diet, how it affects one's health and diabetes management, he knew it was his calling to help the youths in his community learn the importance of healthy ingredients and how to cook them! The vision was to provide students of all ages and abilities the opportunity for hands-on training by culinary experts. Creating a fun, yet unique culinary experience with an emphasis on educating children on nutrition, culinary techniques, and youth and career development. Students have the opportunity to build leadership skills, learn organizational concepts, and begin creating the framework for making healthier lifestyle choices.
Explore Our Culinary Courses
&
Professional Training Programs
Tiny Chefs: Colorful, interactive virtual cooking classes, Parent participation encouraged, Monthly themes (Rainbow Foods, Cookie Monsters, Little Bakers)
Junior Chefs: Hands-on weekly classes, Build culinary confidence with recipe mastery, Monthly cooking challenges with rewards
Senior Chefs: We offer options for all dietary needs, including dairy-free, gluten-free, and low-sugar alternatives.
Enrichment: School-based & homeschool culinary curriculum, Aligned with educational standards, Optional add-ons: supply kits, virtual guest chef days
Adults: Family fun nights (Taco Tuesday, Global Dinner Party), Couples Date Night cooking workshops, Health-focused & seasonal classes
Testimonials
Youthage was one of my favorite parts of my childhood. I met so many people working with Chef Rob and I'm glad to have learned so much from him. The whole organization is so nice, accepting, and caring and it was an honor to be a student and help support them in multiple fundraisers.
Llennoc54
We discovered Youthage Culinary Specialists when my daughter's girl scout troop took a class with him. He taught ten 7-8 year olds how to cut veggies and cook chicken. I am impressed with his patience and grace with the kids. My son is neurodivergent and loves the classes too. This non-profit is raising a generation of children who will know how to safely prepare nutritious foods.
Aerossey
Chef Robert has been very encouraging for my daughter. She has ADHD and has a very difficult time focusing. He meets her where she is at and makes it a positive experience. She has learned a lot and has even critiqued my cooking skills now!
Katie345
Join the Kitchen Club That Cooks with Purpose
Tiny Chefs
Ages 4-8 Yrs Old
Fun in the Kitchen for Our Littlest Foodies
Hands-on fun with themed kits (sent ahead)
Monthly class bundle subscription
Parent-child interactive sessions
Junior Chefs
Ages 9-14 Yrs Old
Letβs Get RealβSkills That Stick and Meals Theyβll Love
Skill-building series (knife safety, baking basics)
Monthly Junior Chef Club
Recipe competitions (virtual prizes)
Senior Chefs
Ages 15-18 Yrs Old
From After-School to Apprenticeship
Pre-professional cooking curriculum
Career talks with Chef Collins
Internship opportunities available
Enrichment Program
Feed Minds, Fill Hearts
School-based & homeschool culinary curriculum
Aligned with educational standards
Optional add-ons: supply kits, virtual guest chef days
Adults, Families
Cook Together. Connect Forever.
Family Cook Nights π½οΈ
Parent Date Night cooking sessions
Global cuisine workshops
Private Parties
Make It a Party, Chef-Style
Birthday parties, homeschool groups, Girl Scout badges
Corporate team-building or virtual events
Custom menus and hands-on instruction
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What age groups do you offer classes for?
We offer virtual and in-person culinary classes for a wide range of age groups:
π©βπ³ Tiny Chefs (Ages 4β8)
π¨βπ³ Junior Chefs (Ages 9β14)
π§βπ³ Senior Chefs (Ages 15β18)
π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ Adults & Families We also offer private sessions, enrichment programs, and group workshops.
2. Are the classes virtual or in person?
We currently offer both! Most of our programs are conducted virtually for convenience, with select in-person options available seasonally or by request for private classes and events.
3. Do participants need prior cooking experience?
Not at all! Our classes are designed for all skill levels. Whether your child is brand new to the kitchen or already loves to cook, we tailor our lessons to be engaging, age-appropriate, and confidence-building.
4. What materials or tools are needed for virtual classes?
We provide a supply list ahead of each class. Most tools are basic kitchen items found at home. We also offer optional add-on kits that include kid-friendly utensils, aprons, and pre-measured ingredients.
5. How can I get involved beyond the classes?
We love community involvement! We offer:
π Gift cards for special occasions
π Newsletter subscriptions with tips and class updates
π©βπ³ Internship & volunteer opportunities for teens
π§βπ« School enrichment partnerships
Location
208 Lake Street
Waukegan, Il. 60085
Call
Email:
Site: www.youthageculinary.com
Copyright Youthage Culinary Program INC. 2025. All rights reserved.
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