About our culinary camps...
Four Stairs Farm
This is a truly unique summer 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 one of two structures 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 pre-school, first, second, and third grades. She has a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction with endorsements in ESOL, Early Childhood, Gifted, Special Education and is experienced with all elementary/middle school grades. She is a professionally trained chef from the French Culinary Institute/ALMA (studying and working in both New York and Parma, Italy). There she was introduced to the "slow food movement" and "farm to table". Growing plants/animals and making GOOD food with fun is her passion. Her camp 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, and a grand FINALE Friday experience (family dinner here at the farm, Platter of Treats, Take-Home Meal...it depends on the weekly theme and weather) 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 will fuel their passion for further cooking and baking in their own kitchens, while allowing 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 made by the campers!
Once your camper is registered, you will receive a confirmation email. Two weeks before camp starts, we will contact you with camp details.
Are you Ready for a Culinary Challenge?
Are you ready to learn about food in a fun way?
Are you ready to try new foods?
Are you ready to make incredible memories?
Session 1: Italian Iron Chef
Session 2: It's all Greek to Me!
Session 2: It's all Greek to Me!
June 15-19, 2026 9:00am-4:00pm (5-14)
Our original program. How it all started! Campers will "travel" to Italy and learn about the regional influences on Italian cuisine. These budding chefs will learn to make pizza and pasta dough efficiently and from scratch. They will prepare Mozzerella alla Caprese, Focaccia, Giardiniera, Ange
June 15-19, 2026 9:00am-4:00pm (5-14)
Our original program. How it all started! Campers will "travel" to Italy and learn about the regional influences on Italian cuisine. These budding chefs will learn to make pizza and pasta dough efficiently and from scratch. They will prepare Mozzerella alla Caprese, Focaccia, Giardiniera, Angel Hair with Marinara, Chicken Saltimbocca, Pappardelle alla Bolognese, 48-Layer Green Lasagna, 4 cheese Ravioli, Pasta Pomodoro, Margherita Pizza, Risotto alla Milanese, Penne alla Vodka Sauce, Caponata, Lemon 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 14-course family feast will be on Friday, both created and presented by our future Michelin chefs. (Kitchen Stamina is a must!)
Session 2: It's all Greek to Me!
Session 2: It's all Greek to Me!
Session 2: It's all Greek to Me!
June 22-26, 2026 9:00am-4:00pm (5-13)
"Sail" to the Mediterranean with us and learn about the Greek Culture. Make flavorful foods including
and learn about Greek Culture. Make flavorful Greek foods including: Baklava, Koulourakia (Butter Cookies), Rizogalo (Rice Pudding),Spanakopita (Spinach Pie), Tzatziki (Cucumber Yogurt Dip), St
June 22-26, 2026 9:00am-4:00pm (5-13)
"Sail" to the Mediterranean with us and learn about the Greek Culture. Make flavorful foods including
and learn about Greek Culture. Make flavorful Greek foods including: Baklava, Koulourakia (Butter Cookies), Rizogalo (Rice Pudding),Spanakopita (Spinach Pie), Tzatziki (Cucumber Yogurt Dip), Stuffed Peppers, Branzino (Fish baked under a castle of sea salt), Lamb Moussaka Burgers, Grilled and marinated Octopus Salad, Hummus (non-Greek but often found with Greek foods), Dolmades (Stuffed Grape Leaves), Spanakorizo (Lemon Rice), Rosemary Lamb Chops, Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna), Feta Stuffed Salmon, Keftedes (Meatballs), Souvlaki (Marinated Meat served on a skewer), 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 enjoying a “Greek Feast of the Gods” to share with your family.
Session 3: UnBEElievable
Session 2: It's all Greek to Me!
Session 4: Walk Like an Egyptian
June 29-July 3, 2026 9:00am-4:00pm (9-15)
Explore honey bees. Discover what it takes to thrive as a beekeeper. Learn the history and evolution of beekeeping. Understand the basics of beekeeping. Gain knowledge about pesticides and safe alternatives. This session ALSO includes bee suit, gloves, leg straps, hive tools, bee i
June 29-July 3, 2026 9:00am-4:00pm (9-15)
Explore honey bees. Discover what it takes to thrive as a beekeeper. Learn the history and evolution of beekeeping. Understand the basics of beekeeping. Gain knowledge about pesticides and safe alternatives. This session ALSO includes bee suit, gloves, leg straps, hive tools, bee information book, flash cards, note keeping journal, tote for supplies... AND very special opportunities to apprentice with Ms. Ali here at Four Stairs Farm three additional mutually agreed upon times through the year to manage the hives and learn about seasonal care. During this week, you will TAKE HOME delicious treats and beautiful products (including an option of bringing home a hive full of bees) made with our honey and wax cappings. (If you are allergic to bees/honey, it is best you not enroll in this session.)
Session 4: Walk Like an Egyptian
Session 4: Walk Like an Egyptian
July 6- 10, 2026 9:00am-4:00pm (4-13)
"Float" with us down the Nile. Become an archeologist! Explore our re-creation of ancient Egypt. Build pyramids, a shaduf, design a cartouche, and wrap a mummy! Practice hieroglyphs, learn about Tutankhamen and Cleopatra. Go on a real treasure hunt!! According to Ancient Leg
July 6- 10, 2026 9:00am-4:00pm (4-13)
"Float" with us down the Nile. Become an archeologist! Explore our re-creation of ancient Egypt. Build pyramids, a shaduf, design a cartouche, and wrap a mummy! Practice hieroglyphs, learn about Tutankhamen and Cleopatra. Go on a real treasure hunt!! According to Ancient Legend, honey was born from Ra's tears, which explains why honey was used not only for food! Explore the products of the honey bee, its many uses in Ancient Egypt, and the importance of pollinators in our environment both past and present! Spend the week sampling spices and making the foods of Egypt including: Saboob (Egyptian Flatbread), Tamiya (Falafel), Shawarma (roasted meat), Kabobs, Pita, Shakshuka (Eggs poached in tomato sauce), Baba Ganoush (roasted eggplant mix), Mahshi (Savory stuffed vegetables), Stuffed Pigeon, Ful Medames (Fava Bean Stew), Koshari (rice, lentils, macaroni and chickpeas), Om Ali (Egyptian Bread Pudding), Mahalabiya (Milk Pudding) and a few other surprise dishes! On our final day, we will share our exotic and lavish dinner feast of the Pharaohs and Egyptian treasures with our families.
Session 5: Swift-a-licious
July 20-24, 2026 9:00am-4:00pm (4-13)
Attention all Swifties! Enjoy a beDazzling experience baking/cooking/making/eating/drinking all of Taylor's favorites including: French Blonde Mocktail, sour dough bread, chocolate chip cookies, chai sugar cookies, cinnamon rolls, pop tarts, brownies, chicken tenders, spaghetti and me
July 20-24, 2026 9:00am-4:00pm (4-13)
Attention all Swifties! Enjoy a beDazzling experience baking/cooking/making/eating/drinking all of Taylor's favorites including: French Blonde Mocktail, sour dough bread, chocolate chip cookies, chai sugar cookies, cinnamon rolls, pop tarts, brownies, chicken tenders, spaghetti and meatballs, and Mughlai chicken to name a few while exploring and dancing to each ERA during our cruel summer here in VA! Campers with make magical friendship bracelets, colorful floral bouquets, personal wildflower gardens, create costumes, and design dazzling dance routines! Learn about cats, football and friendship. Study the words to your favorite SONGS now so you are ready to sing! Our grand FINALE will feature a culminating Dinner Show and lightening bug dance party with DJ Sprinkles! Are you Bready for it?
Session 6: Pura Vida
June 23-27, 2025 9:00am-4:00pm (4-13)
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/pilates. Create a healthy, simple breakfast each day including Granola, Yogurt, Fruit Tarts, Omelet, Banana Bread, Bran Muffins and/
June 23-27, 2025 9:00am-4:00pm (4-13)
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/pilates. Create a healthy, simple breakfast each day including Granola, Yogurt, Fruit Tarts, Omelet, Banana Bread, Bran Muffins and/or Buttermilk Pancakes. Then branch off into stations to learn about garden care, meditation, foraging, basket weaving, conversational Spanish, and beekeeping. Make Smoothies, Ceviche, Chicken Burritos, Tacos, Pico de Galla, Plantains and Guacamole. Learn to grill Kabobs, Skirt Steak, and Chicken. Discover the wonders of the cocao bean and create chocolate desserts: Cupcakes, Brownies, Cookies, and ice cream Candy Bars. Get down and dirty… explore the coops and pens while learning about farming, composting 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!