Cooking Camp Blog

Check out our recent news, musings, and activities here!

February 27, 2023 | Written by Corey Coble

With Love, VeryVera

February has been a lovely month here at The Cottage! We have 175 campers registered for the summer, meaning we only have 17 openings. If you have not registered, spots are going quickly! I thoroughly enjoyed attending camp, and it is so exciting to see so many new and returning campers being registered. Our first…

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October 25, 2022 | Written by Corey Coble

Spooky Stuffed Peppers

Spooky Stuffed Peppers    Prep Time: 35 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes Yield: 8 servings   Ingredients: 4 orange bell peppers 1 pound lean ground beef 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium onion, diced 1 can corn, drained 1 can black beans, drained 1, 24 oz jar mild salsa 1 teaspoon cumin…

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October 14, 2022 | Written by Corey Coble

What’s Your Favorite Hershey’s Candy?

    “Hocus Pocus… Everybody Focus!”  The cottage was buzzing with sweet treats, happy faces and lots of fun.  Our campers enjoyed learning about new recipes in the kitchen and creating keepsake crafts at our “Witches Brew and Spooky Treats too” camp.  One activity everyone enjoyed was voting on their favorite Hershey’s candy.  Many had…

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September 15, 2022 | Written by Corey Coble

My VeryVera Journey by Jessica Lawson

Hello! My name is Jessica Lawson, and I am a senior at North Augusta High School. I just finished up my third summer working at camp, and I absolutely love it! It is such a wonderful program where both campers and counselors learn so many valuable life skills. My grandma first signed my cousin up…

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August 18, 2022 | Written by Corey Coble

The Journey Continues by Reece Whatley

My name is Reece Whatley. I am a sophomore at Georgia Southern University majoring in Nursing. My journey with VeryVera began when I was 7 years old as a camper.   As a camper, I enjoyed learning kitchen skills, table etiquette, and creating napkin folds.  We learn so many wonderful skills at camp!  From using…

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May 25, 2022 | Written by Corey Coble

Welcome to Fort Cottage!

  VeryVera Fort Cottage was one for the books!  Campers enjoyed making a delicious s’more trail mix, packaged in a camouflage bandana and stick.  The only way to carry a camper’s favorite snack in style.  We traded in the indoors for a much needed day in the great outdoors. Our Culinary Director, Donna taught our…

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April 22, 2022 | Written by Corey Coble

Celebrating Earth Day!

Earth Day Dirt Cake Prep time: 10 minutes          Serves: 8 Ingredients 1 (15.5-ounce) package of Oreos 3 ½ cups of milk 4 tbsp butter, softened 1 cup powdered sugar 2 (3.4-ounce) boxes of Hershey Instant Chocolate Pudding 1 (8-ounce) tub Cool Whip 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened 16 gummy worms…

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March 25, 2022 | Written by Corey Coble

A Full Heart by Hannah Daniel

Hi! My name is Hannah Daniel, and I am now going into my fourth year working for Vera! It’s honestly crazy to reflect on how much I’ve learned in just a few short years. Working there, I have developed even more of a drive and determination to make something of my life, inspired by how…

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February 17, 2022 | Written by Corey Coble

Valentine’s Day to Remember

There have been many sweet moments to celebrate at the cottage these past few weeks. We have almost 150 campers signed up for the summer, a VeryVera Cooking Camp milestone! As Camp Director I am overwhelmed and filled with joy to see how excited campers and their families are for camp this summer. I always…

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January 20, 2022 | Written by VeryVera Cooking Camp

A Happy Homecoming

From dedicated camper, to counselor and now Director of Education and Development, my journey with VeryVera has come full circle. My name is Maddie Miller and I am a recent graduate from the University of Georgia. I graduated in December of 2021 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, a major in Elementary Education….

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October 14, 2020 | Written by VeryVera Cooking Camp

Anne Elise’s Path

Hi everyone, my name is Anne Elise Garrison and I was the Culinary Director at the Very Vera Cooking Camp this past summer. I am currently completing a BFA in Dance Performance and a Minor in Nutrition at Chapman University in Southern California. I’ve always been attracted to working in the arts, but my interests…

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June 19, 2020 | Written by Ashton Quattlebaum

FarmFresh Pre-Beginner Camp

A summer of FarmFresh cooking is off to a great start at VeryVera! All the hard work and preparation has paid off! We loved watching our campers learning and enjoying themselves in our Pre-beginner course last week. We started this week off by learning the basics of measuring and the correct way to handle kitchen…

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