CARD Cooking and Baking Club

CARD Cooking and Baking Club for Homeschoolers

A group of children in a kitchen with bowls of ingredients, suggesting a cooking or baking activity.

Young chefs and bakers, it’s time to whip up some fun! Join the CARD Cooking & Baking Clubs for Homeschoolers at the renovated Dorothy F. Johnson Center kitchen, where we’ll create a mix of savory dishes and sweet treats each week using a variety of ingredients, techniques, and palates. From hands-on cooking projects to mixing, measuring, and baking delicious desserts, participants will explore both culinary worlds in a fun and supportive environment.

In the Cooking Club, we’ll dive into flavorful dishes and kitchen skills, while the Baking Club will focus on cookies, cupcakes, muffins, breads, and seasonal favorites that build confidence and creativity in every step.

Along the way, participants will develop essential kitchen skills, learn teamwork, and build friendships through engaging games, crafts, and shared experiences. Each session is designed to spark curiosity, encourage independence, and make learning in the kitchen exciting and accessible for all skill levels.

CARD Cooking Club Example Schedule: A Taste of Fun Awaits!

  • 15 minutes – Welcome & Free Play: Start off with a splash of fun! Dive into free play and get settled in with friends as we prepare for a culinary adventure.
  • 15 minutes – Icebreaker Game: Let’s break the ice with a high-energy game to get everyone smiling and ready to cook!
  • 60 minutes – Cooking with Group A / Games & Crafts for Group B: Group A will jump into cooking, mixing, and tasting while Group B gets creative with a hands-on craft or a fun organized game.
  • 60 minutes – Cooking with Group B / Games & Crafts for Group A: It’s Group B’s turn in the kitchen! While they’re cooking up something delicious, Group A will have a blast with a new game or activity.
  • 30 minutes – Eat, Share, & Free Play: Time to enjoy the dishes everyone has created! We’ll end with free play as families pick up their happy chefs.
  • Questions about the program? Email Kati at  kcrane@chicorec.gov

The program will remain open until all spots are filled or the registration deadline is reached, whichever comes first.

Fall Program Registration

Ages: 5-10

Location: Dorothy F. Johnson Center, 775 East 16th St

Wed | Baking Club | 9/16-12/9 (no program 11/25) | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM | $359 (12 weeks)  Register Online

Thu | Cooking Club | 9/17-12/10 (no program 11/26) | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM | $359 (12 weeks)  Register Online

Winter Program Registration

Ages: 5-10

Location: Dorothy F. Johnson Center, 775 East 16th St

Wed | Baking Club | 1/20-3/10 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM | $239 (8 weeks)  Register Online

Thu | Cooking Club | 1/21-3/11 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM | $239 (8 weeks)  Register Online

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Homeschool POs and CARD registration forms must be received by the CARD Office by 2/9/26. 

How to Pay