Niagara Falls Culinary Institute announces 2026 youth camps for ages 8-17

SUNY Niagara press release

The Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) has opened registration for its 2026 culinary youth camps. Designed for food enthusiasts ages 8-17, these weeklong day camps offer immersive, hands-on education inside professional kitchens located at 28 Old Falls St., Niagara Falls.

NFCI groups each session by age to ensure an appropriate curriculum, with themes ranging from kitchen fundamentals and global cuisine to baking and competitive challenges. Campers prepare and enjoy a full menu daily – including breakfast, lunch, a snack and dessert – made from scratch under the guidance of expert instructors.

“Our youth camps give kids a genuine culinary experience in a professional setting,” said Emily Lonigan, director of community education at NFCI. “Every camper leaves with real skills, confidence in the kitchen, and a passion for food – and we are proud to offer that right here in Western New York.”

2026 camp sessions include:

•Ages 8-10 (culinary): June 29-July 3 or July 6-10

•Ages 11-13 (culinary): July 13-17 or July 20-24

•Ages 11-13 (baking): July 27-31

•Ages 14-17 (culinary): Aug. 3-7

Tuition is $500 per week and includes all meals prepared during camp. Registration is available online at sunyniagara.edu/nfci/community-education/youthcamps/.

Families are encouraged to explore programs that may offset tuition costs. Parents with Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts may be eligible to use pre-tax dollars for children under 13. Families may also qualify for the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. Additionally, the New York State Child Care Assistance Program recently expanded eligibility to include families of four earning up to $108,000. Families requiring documentation for these programs should contact NFCI directly.

More about Niagara Falls Culinary Institute: NFCI is a SUNY Niagara facility focused on coursework related to the culinary and hospitality industries. Located in Niagara Falls, it houses fully equipped kitchen classrooms; a retail pastry shop; and Savor, which offers patrons a fine dining experience in a restaurant staffed, in part, by students.