This is a truly unique camp like no other...a well-kept secret. Located at Four Stairs Farm, circa 1730, nestled in the heart of Great Falls, Virginia. It is the oldest structure appearing on the original survey of the land grant to Lord Fairfax. The historic restoration, undertaken in 2002, took three years to complete with loving attention to detail, and has won numerous architectural awards. Four Stairs Farm is listed on the National Register of Historic places and with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources.
Ms. Ali has enjoyed 14 years with FCPS teaching first, second, and third grades. She is a professionally trained chef from the French Culinary Institute/ALMA (studying and working in New York and Parma, Italy). There she was introduced to the "slow food movement" and "farm to table". Growing and making GOOD food with fun is her passion. She has a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction with endorsements in ESOL, Early Childhood, Gifted, and Special Education and is experienced with all elementary/middle school grades. Her assistants include teachers, coaches, former campers and wonderful college/high school counselors.
A unique T-shirt, chef kit (apron, hat, towel, utensils) recipe book, reference texts, FSF Tote, Water Bottle, individualized instruction, mystery box competitions, finale family dinner and amazing surprise bling! Any proceeds from our camps will be donated to SHARE (our local food bank in McLean, Virginia that services the McLean and Great Falls zip codes).
Not only do campers learn about culinary fundamentals, they also explore gardening, interact with our farm animals, and enjoy team building games daily. This unique experience allows campers to understand and appreciate what farm to table truly means.
Our cooking classes may be inside or outdoors depending on what is being featured. Students are taught to safely work in kitchen areas, respect others, collaborate as a team, keep their work spaces and hands clean and to follow recipes in a thoughtful manner.
Snacks and lunches are provided.
Once your camper is registered, you will receive a confirmation email. Two weeks before camp starts we will contact you with camp details! If summer plans change and it is necessary to switch weeks or cancel, please reach out to Ali.
(Refunds are possible 60 days before camp begins
minus $200.00 non-refundable registration fee. We begin planning, customizing and provisioning for this camp season several months before its start to make each week special for our campers. Much though and attention to detail goes into our sessions for both campers and families.)
June 17-21, 2024 9:00am-4:00pm
Sail to the Mediterranean with us and learn about Greek Culture. Make flavorful Greek foods including: Baklava, Koulourakia (Butter Cookies), Spanakopita (Spinach Pie), Rizogalo (Rice Pudding),Tzatziki (Cucumber Yogurt Dip), Stuffed Peppers, Branzino (Fish baked under a castle of salt), Lamb Moussaka Burgers, Grilled Octopus Salad, Hummus (non-Greek but often found with Greek foods), Dolmades (Stuffed Grape Leaves), Lamb Chops, Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna), Gyros, Grilled Chicken and a Greek Salad. Make your very own take home kitchen herb garden. Learn about Greek Mythology, participate in water/land Olympics, enjoy olive/olive oil tastings, perform in a play, and learn a traditional Greek Dance. Complete the week by presenting your family with a “Greek Feast of the Gods” here at our farm.
June 24-28, 2024 9:00a.m-4:00pm
Join a French Kitchen Brigade! Experience being part of a well-oiled culinary machine. Learn about the Five French Mother Sauces. Discover Julia Childs and the Art of French Cooking. Make Beef Bourguignon, Coq A Vin, Duck a L'Orange Orange, Quiche Lorraine, Ratatouille and Salade Nicoise. Enjoy a French cheese tasting. Build a platter of gorgeous desserts/pastries while learning how to make Baguettes, Profiteroles, Palmiers, Madeleines, Canapes, Crepes, Cream Brûlée, Croissants and Tart Tatin. Practice etiquette, French and social graces. As our grand finale, invite your families to a formal dinner at our charming "French Bistro" here at the farm. What would Jacque Pepin do in the kitchen? Find out! Bon Appetite Chez FourStairs!
July 1-3, 2024 9:00am-6:00pm
During this condensed week, campers will learn about the regional influences on the wonderful Italian cuisine. Chefs will learn to make pasta and pizza dough efficiently and from scratch. They will also prepare Focaccia, Pot Bread, Grissini, Giardiniera, Mozzarella alla Caprese, Pappardelle alla Bolognese, 24-Layer Lasagna, Stuffed Meatballs, Margherita Pizza, Risotto alla Milanese, Grilled Swordfish, Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe, Penne all Vecchia Bettola, Caponata, Gelato, Tiramisu and a few other surprises. On the last day of camp, our Iron Chefs will share a multi-course dinner with parents to bid ARRIVEDERCI to our action-packed week. Our Italian 10-course family feast served with wine pairings will be on Wednesday, both created and presented by our future Michelin chefs. Stamina is required!
July 8-12, 2024 9:00am-4:00pm
Learn about "Pura Vida" or pure living. What does it mean to be relaxed with no worries, no fuss and no stress? Learn this week! Chill with morning yoga and create a healthy, simple breakfast each day including Granola, Yogurt, Fruit Tarts, Omelet, Banana Bread, and/or Buttermilk Pancakes. Then branch off into stations to learn about garden care, Spanish, foraging, beekeeping, honey extraction, products made from the hive, and composting. Make Smoothies, Ceviche, Chicken Burritos, Tacos, Pico de Gallo, Plantains and Guacamole. Learn to grill Kabobs, Skirt Steak, and Chicken. Discover the wonders of the cocoa bean and create chocolate desserts: Cupcakes, Brownies, and Cookies. Get down and dirty… explore the coops and pens while learning about farming and caring for animals. TACO BOUT DELICIOUS, at the end of the week take home a HUGE Tico Platter of food and astound your family with a wonderful meal and a wealth of Costa Rican knowledge!
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840 Leigh Mill Road, Great Falls, Virginia 22066, United States