“Banana Caterpillars,” “Octopus Hot Dogs,” and “Happy Face Pizza,” were all on the menu this past week for area students. For the fourth summer in a row, Kim Neary of Wallenpaupack South Elementary School has been +hosting the “Kids Can Cook” program at the school with the purpose of teaching students in kindergarten through sixth grade the essentials of cooking and safety in the kitchen and how to live a healthier life.

“This is the fourth year for the ‘Kids Can Cook’,” said Neary. “It’s a program that teaches the kids a little bit about nutrition and it gives the kids a chance to know their way around the kitchen.”

The program is an introduction into the cooking world and also focuses on exercise at the same time. When the kids aren’t cooking, or while they are waiting for something to bake in the oven, they can be found playing kickball in the gymnasium.

The program also teaches measurements, ovens vs. stove tops, safety, food preparation, how to read and understand recipes, etiquette and the proper way to set a table.

“It’s life-long learning for health and nutrition and we incorporate exercise too. We learn about the food pyramid, we learn about the labels, and how to read a recipe,” added Neary.

Joey Vulpis could easily pinpoint his favorite part of the program. “Eating all the great things that we make,” he said with a big smile.