Cooking clubs offer students hands-on learning, cultural exploration | Education

BRATTLEBORO — Brattleboro Area Middle School (BAMS) is launching its first BEAMS (Brattleboro Enrichment Activities for Middle School) session of the 2025–2026 school year, running from Sept. 15 to Oct. 24. Among a variety of enrichment offerings, food-related clubs continue to be a favorite among students and educators alike, BAMS explains in a news release.

According to Adelaide Petrov-Yoo, Farm to School Coach, food education is a valuable way to connect students with their health, communities, and environment:

“When students learn about food, they can make informed choices that affect our bodies, our land, our economy, and our communities. A fun way to learn about food is through cooking and eating it,” Petrov-Yoo said in a statement.

BEAMS food clubs provide exactly that opportunity, offering experiences like Ms. Gao’s Chinese Cooking Club, Ms. Goodhue’s Cooking Club, Grilling Club, and even themed options like Harry Potter Cooking. These programs are said to give students the chance to explore culture, creativity, and lifelong skills through food.

“Cooking classes tend to be the most popular club choices. Students love them, many joining repeatedly over the course of the year! Ms. Gao’s Chinese Cooking Club and Ms. Goodhue’s Cooking Club always fill up fast, so sign up early,” said Petrov-Yoo.

In addition to building community, these clubs offer students the chance to explore career interests. One former student participated in nearly every cooking club offered and eventually began contributing recipes and ideas to club leaders. That same student is now pursuing an internship and kitchen work with The Vermont Table.

Other offerings in the fall lineup include the Holiday Cookie Swap, Ramen Cooking, Pizza Friday, and Tea Talks, a relaxed club where students can decompress and build community over a cup of tea.

With food as the common thread, students not only learn how to cook but also tap into creativity, explore culture, and grow in confidence.

“Cooking is truly a lifelong skill. Students hone these skills in BEAMS, and then recreate these dishes at home and throughout their lives,” added Petrov-Yoo.

BEAMS food-related clubs meet on different days of the week, allowing families to find a session that fits their schedule.