OKCC is a two week immersive cooking camp for queer and at-risk teens.

In 2023, OKCC took place at Noisette Pastry Kitchen in Downtown Eugene

and the end of camp dinner was held at Jasper House Farm in Pleasant Hill!

We received a $3,000 grant from Lane County Youth Empowerment Program for this camp! This grant allows us to offer the camp for free to all participants!

Over the course of two weeks, campers will learn cooking fundamentals, basic knife skills, and cooking techniques. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to learn about specific cultural cooking techniques from guest chefs in the community, who will share their expertise and answer questions about their culinary careers.

During the first week of camp all campers will receive a knife roll, a set of kitchen knives and tools and an apron. They will all get their food handlers cards and learn foundational cooking skills utilizing fresh ingredients that they will purchase from the Lane County Farmers Market. One hour of every afternoon during camp will be spent on resume development and interview practice.

The camp will culminate in a  catered dinner where the teens will be responsible for planning the menu and executing front of house and back of house service. This experience will not only allow them to showcase their new skills but also develop their resume and confidence in interviewing for restaurant service jobs.

After completing OKCC, all campers will be able to apply to be on staff as a part of the Marigold Cooking Collective catering team! The mission of OKCC is to provide campers with an inclusive and inspiring curriculum and environment that will prepare them to enter the food industry and help them build confidence and life skills to help them nourish themselves and their community.

This camp is specifically for underserved teens.

In this case, that means teens who are queer, transgender, BIPOC, neuro-diverse or from a low income household.