Teaching Kitchen
The Teaching Kitchen at The Sampson Family YMCA was established between 2012
Our programming is safe, accessible, exciting and educational for individuals at every stage of life and prioritizes overall health and wellness, disease prevention and management, and delicious and nutritious meal creation on limited budgets.
Cooking & Canning: Preserving the Harvest
Join us in the kitchen as we explore tasty ways to preserve the summer harvest. Canning will be led by our very own Laura Hamilton, who will show us how to safely use a water bath to can and seal our delicious creations.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Chef Oliver – [email protected]
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/30/26 | 12/31/26 | Online / Front Desk | $ 15.00 | $ 25.00 |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | Special Rate | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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06/16/26
Strawberry Jam and Cloud Pies - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
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$15 - $25 | Register | |
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07/21/26
Zucchini Relish, Dilly Beans & Asparagus Spears - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
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$15 - $25 | Register | |
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08/11/26
Garden Fresh Hot Sauce & Sweet Chili Sauce - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
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$15 - $25 | Register | |
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08/25/26
SALSA! Pico De Gallo and Peach Salsa - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
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$15 - $25 | Register |
Cooking Duos! Family Friendly Cooking Class!
Are you a parent and child that want to take a class together? Or perhaps two friends, a couple or other cooking Duo? This class is for you! Come cook with us in the Teaching Kitchen as we celebrate the beginning of Spring with delicious opportunities to cook together (with a special welcome to young chefs.) This class is recommended for cooks of all ages who can handle tasks like whisking, stirring, cutting with child friendly knives and following instructions around a hot stove with relative ease, so please be mindful when registering.
Individuals, Friends, Couples, Parents and kids are encouraged to register
Each Registration covers the cost of two attendees.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Chef Oliver – [email protected]
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/4/26 | 12/31/26 | Online / Front Desk | $ 25.00 | $ 35.00 |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | Special Rate | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
06/18/26
Strawberry Cloud Pie - Th - 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
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$25 - $35 | Register | |
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07/09/26 - 07/16/26
Lemon Blueberry Cream Parfaits - Th - 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
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$25 - $35 | Register | |
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07/23/26
Pork Chops with Zucchini Salsa - Mo - 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
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$25 - $35 | Register | |
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08/06/26
Cold Sesame Noodles & Vegetable Salad - Th - 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
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$25 - $35 | Register | |
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09/07/26 - 09/18/26
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$25 - $35 |
Registration will open on 08/03/2026 |
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09/21/26 - 09/25/26
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$25 - $35 |
Registration will open on 08/03/2026 |
Food as Medicine - “Eating Right for your type”
“Eating Right for your type” – Thursdays 10am to Noon, June 4th to July 9th
Week 1: “Knowing your type”
Week 2: “Autoimmune diets”
Week 3: “Eating to combat IBS and colitis”
Week 4: “Eating for heart and brain health”
Week 5: “Fasting and who it benefits”
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Chef Oliver – [email protected]
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/30/26 | 12/31/26 | Online / Front Desk | $ 15.00 | $ 25.00 |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | Special Rate | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
06/03/26 - 07/10/26
Entire 5-week session registration - Th - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
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$75 - $125 |
Register Closes 12/31/2026 |
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06/18/26
Eating to combat IBS and Colitis - Th - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
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$15 - $25 |
Register Closes 12/31/2026 |
|
|
06/25/26
Eating for heart and brain health - Th - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
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$15 - $25 |
Register Closes 12/31/2026 |
|
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07/02/26
Fasting and who it benefits - Th - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
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$15 - $25 |
Register Closes 12/31/2026 |
Food as Medicine - “Nutritional habits for foodies”
“Nutritional habits for foodies” – Wednesdays 10am to Noon June 3rd to July 8th
Week 1: “Garden to table ideas”
Week 2: “I love to eat but I can’t stop my cravings”
Week 3: “I want to make more nutrient-dense food for myself and my family.”
Week 4: “I want my kids to eat healthier but have few options that they like.”
Week 5: Food Prep: Meat or Veggie? The future of food and food choices
Certified “foodie” and naturopathic doctor, Eric Biseca, (Ph.D) has not only studied nutrition for decades, but has collaborated with hundreds of patients in discovering what foods, diets and or nutritional adjustments best suit their needs. Dr. Biseca has served as in-house practitioner at wellness centers overseas and currently assists those with chronic conditions while facilitating a meditation circle in Murrysville (“The Sacred Circle”). He brings culture, flavor and unique perspective to the world of wellness through both simple and exotic foods as well as innovative nutrition.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Chef Oliver – [email protected]
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/30/26 | 12/31/26 | Online / Front Desk | $ 15.00 | $ 35.00 |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | Special Rate | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
06/02/26 - 07/09/26
Entire 5-week session registration - We - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
|
$75 - $125 | Register | |
|
06/17/26
I want to make more nutrient dense food for myself and my family - We - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
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$15 - $25 | Register | |
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06/24/26
I want my kids to eat healthier - We - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
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$15 - $25 | Register | |
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07/01/26
Food Prep: Meat or Veggie? The future of food options - We - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
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$15 - $25 | Register |
Grilling and Chilling, Poolside
Join us Poolside for good eats, grilled meats, and a great way to beat the heat!
For additional questions, diet or allergen concerns, or accessibility needs, please contact Chef Oliver at [email protected].
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/30/26 | 12/31/26 | Online / Front Desk | $ 10.00 | $ 20.00 |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | Special Rate | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
06/26/26
Grilling Out by the Pool - Fr - 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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$10 - $20 | Register | |
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07/03/26
Tiki Night: Cocktails and Pulled Pork Sliders - Fr - 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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$10 - $20 | Register | |
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07/07/26
Grilling Out by the Pool - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
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$10 - $20 | Register | |
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07/24/26
Grilling Out by the Pool - Fr - 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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$10 - $20 | Register | |
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08/03/26
Watermelon Margaritas Poolside - Mo - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
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$10 - $20 | Register | |
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08/04/26
Grilling Out by the Pool - Tu - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
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$10 - $20 | Register | |
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08/14/26
End of Summer Garden & Pool party - Fr - 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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$10 - $20 | Register | |
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08/21/26
Tiki Night: Grilled Peach Waffles, Ice Cream & Punch - Fr - 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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$10 - $20 | Register |
Learn to Make Pierogis!

- The Perfect Dough: Learn the secrets to mixing and kneading a tender dough that is easy to roll and seal.
- Filling Mastery: Prepare traditional fillings like creamy potato, savory sauerkraut and even a sweet fruit option.
- Shaping & Sealing: Practice rolling out the dough and master techniques to create beautiful, leak-proof seals.
- Cooking Techniques: Discover how to perfectly boil your pierogi and when to give them a final pan-fry in butter for that classic golden-brown finish.
Take home a dozen of your own handmade pierogi, a detailed recipe, and of course we’ll have Pierogis for tasting.
Families with children 9-years and older who are able to handle repetitive tasks over a two-hour period are encouraged to register.
If you have any questions or dietary needs email Chef Oliver at [email protected]
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | Special Rate | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
10/05/26
One Adult - Mo - 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
|
$15 - $25 |
Registration Closed |
Lunch and Learn with CCAC’s Nutrition and Dietetics Program
Join the CCAC Dietetics program in the Teaching Kitchen for snacks, occasional hands-on making, or visual food demonstrations, and discussion of the nutrition behind eating for the management of health conditions. We will also discuss core food groups to learn more about why your trainer or doctor is always telling you to add more protein or fiber to your diet.
January 20 – Eat your Protein!
February 3 – Eating to Manage Inflammation
February 17 – Eating for Blood Pressure Management
March 3 – Eating for Bone Health and Osteoarthritis Management
March 17 – Eating for Diabetes Management
April 7 – Eat your Fiber!
Members: $10 Class
Non-Members: $25/class
For information or questions about dietary restrictions message Chef Oliver at [email protected]
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Members and Non-members | 12/15/25 @ 06:00 AM |
12/31/26 | Online / Front Desk | $ 0.00 | $ 10.00 |
Master Chef Kids: Creative Cooking for Your Kid Chef
Is your culinary creative kid the next Junior Master Chef? This class is for them! Kid Chefs! Join us in the Teaching Kitchen as we learn the FUN-damentals of cooking through a variety of recipes including quick breads, seasonal snacks, meals and surprising flavors from around the world.
For information or questions about dietary restrictions message Chef Oliver at [email protected]
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Members and Non-members | 12/15/25 @ 06:00 AM |
12/31/26 | Online / Front Desk | $ 15.00 | $ 25.00 |