About our camp...
Four Stairs Farm
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.
"From Scratch" culinary experience...
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.
Each Session Includes...
A unique T-shirt, chef kit (apron, hat, towel, utensils) recipe book, reference texts, FSF Tote, Water Bottle, individualized instruction, 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 90 days before camp begins minus a $600 non-refundable registration fee per session. We begin planning, customizing, hiring staff, and provisioning for this camp season several months before its start to make each week special for our campers. Much thought and attention to detail goes into our sessions for both campers and families.)
Session 1: It's All Greek To Me
June 2-6, 2025 9:00am-4:00pm
Sail to the Mediterranean with us and learn about Greek Culture. Make flavorful Greek foods including: Baklava, Kourabiedas (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), Rosemary Lamb Chops, Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna), and a Greek Salad. Make your very own take home kitchen herb garden. Learn about Greek Mythology, build forts and hunt for treasure. Participate in water/land Olympics, enjoy olive/olive oil tastings, perform mystery box challenges. Spartans vs. the Trojans...who will win? Complete the week by presenting your family with a “Greek Feast of the Gods” here at our farm.
Session 2: Ooh La La Yummy
June 16-20, 2025 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 Au Vin, Escargot, Sole Meuniere, Summer Salmon, Quiche Lorraine, Ratatouille and Salade Nicoise. Enjoy a French cheese tasting. Learn how to make an assortment of French Pastries including Profiteroles, Palmiers, Madeleines, Croissants, Baguettes and Crepes. And we can't forget classic French desserts including Cream Brulee, Chocolate Souffle and Tarte 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!
Session 3: Italian Iron Chef
June 23-27, 2025 9:00am-4:00pm
Our original program, how camp started! And MY personal favorite. We 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 and devour Grissini, Pot Bread, Giardiniera, Mozzarella alla Caprese, Eggplant Rollatini, Pappardelle alla Bolognese, 24-Layer Lasagna, 4 cheese Ravioli, Marinara, Chicken Piccata, Pasta Pomodoro, Margherita Pizza, Risotto alla Milanese, Penne alla Vecchia Bettola, Caponata, Gelato, Panna Cotta, 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 13-course family feast served with wine pairings will be on Friday, both created and presented by our future Michelin chefs. (Kitchen Stamina is a must!)
Session 4: Pura Vida
June 30-July 3, 2025 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? Chill with morning yoga. Enjoy a healthy, simple breakfast each day including Granola, Yogurt, Biscuits, Omelet, Banana Bread, and/or Buttermilk Pancakes. Then branch off into stations to learn about garden care, Spanish conversation, 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 chicken Kabobs and Skirt Steak. Discover the wonders of the cocoa bean and create chocolate desserts including cupcakes, Brownies, and the famous Snicker Ice Cream Bar. 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 (THURSDAY) share a HUGE TAKE HOME Tico Platter of food and astound your family with a wonderful meal and a wealth of Costa Rican knowledge!
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