HONOLULU — Weed & Seed Hawaii celebrates 20 years of hosting its annual Culinary Arts Summer Program.

The program immerses students from James Campbell High School into a team kitchen setting to learn kitchen, sanitation, and organizational skills.

Students also gain hands-on experience in meal prep and learn about local ethnic dishes.

What You Need To Know

  • Weed & Seed Hawaii hosts a six-week-long Culinary Arts Summer Program for James Campbell High School students to gain hands-on experience in kitchen, sanitation and organizational skills in a team setting

  • The intent is to build each child’s self-esteem and provide acknowledgement for their ability to work together

  • Students will hold an Appreciation Luncheon on July 13 after the course

The six-week-long program started in 2003 and is held twice a week from June 5 through July 13 at the high school.

“Since the program launched in the summer of 2003, the program has seen great success providing our young people with an entry point and valuable skills into the culinary world,” said Weed & Seed Hawaii’s executive director Gale Braceros in a news release.

Students will hold an Appreciation Luncheon on July 13 after the course. Separating into teams, the students will prepare a family-style meal for guests.

Staff will review and grade each meal based on taste, presentation, preparation and demonstration of cooking, teamwork and safety skills.

The intent is to build each child’s self-esteem and provide acknowledgement for their ability to work together and follow rules, according to the release.

“The program has inspired me to further pursue the culinary arts pathway. I have learned a lot of new dishes and techniques that have helped me to hone my culinary skills,” said Ridge Sasaki, a second-year student from James Campbell High School.

“I hope to get into the Culinary Institute of America. This awesome experience has taught me many creative lessons that will help me in my future culinary endeavors,” he said.

Weed & Seed Hawaii is an Oahu nonprofit organization working to reduce crime in neighborhoods and create safe and vibrant communities for future generations to raise their families.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.