There's more to Very Vera's Cooking Camp than creating future chefs.

"They learn about etiquette, food presentation, decor, and how to host parties. It's not just about the cooking process," said camp director Kerry Moses.

During the weeklong camp, children created dishes such as lasagna, cream cheese tarts, antipasto platters, pizza and a teacup cake, Ms. Moses said.

"A lot of the older kids who come in already know how to cook," she said. "But they are really interested in learning more."

Many campers return each summer.

"It's fun! You get to cook and you learn new things every day," said second-year camper Aaleyah Daniels, 12.

"You get to make new friends and see the ones from summers before," said Beth Hardy, 11, who has attended the camp four times.

The final day of the camp brings a special treat for the participants.

"The best part is the last day when you bring a guest," said Alexis Morrison, 13. "It's really fun to show them what you've done."

At the end of the advanced-class camp, there is a tea party at the home of Vera Stewart, the founder of Very Vera's, Ms. Moses said.

"They (had a) tea party this year instead of a sit-down banquet," she said. "So (it was) more about them taking part in an actual event."

They used everything they have learned during camp to put on the event, she said.

This summer, 95 campers participated in six sessions ranging from beginner to advanced levels. There also were parent-child classes for ages 6-8.