By Sarah Bey
Methodist Children’s Home (MCH) offers youth a variety of extracurricular activities that further empower them to experience life to the fullest. Jason Bartlett, after school coordinator and avid grill master, kicked off the first-ever grilling club at the charter school on the Waco campus earlier this year.
“I came up with a list of possible after school activities with Cortney Richardson (student events and volunteer supervisor) and the students voted on which one they wanted to participate in the most,” Bartlett explained. “The grilling club ended up with the most votes. Our proposal for the club was approved by our executive leadership and then, I went shopping.”
Bartlett purchased a grill and other essential supplies like cutting boards and tongs. The first group of eight high school students learned the basics from Bartlett and a Texas A&M Agrilife Extension representative who taught a food handler’s course. Students learned about food health safety and carefully practiced cutting fresh fruit and vegetables.
“This is a great opportunity for our youth to learn life skills that offer a variety of benefits beyond cooking,” said Dorothy Phillips, senior director for residential services. “This fosters independence and responsibility, enhances teamwork, and encourages creativity. What our youth are learning in the grilling club will benefit them for the rest of their lives.”
The grilling club met after school for several weeks, Monday through Thursday, learning and practicing different grilling techniques and seasonings. Their work culminated in an impressive grilling showcase for staff on February 27. The students crafted, prepared and served a menu that included grilled carne asada with a chimmichuri sauce; grilled corn; and grilled pineapple, along with fresh squeezed-juice and chips and salsa.
“It was evident at the showcase how proud the students were of their work,” said Amy Grisham, director of school support. “Many of them are not usually the first to sign up for activities. They stepped out of their comfort zones, learned something new, cooked good food, and had fun while doing it.”
Bartlett led the group through the grilling showcase with a mostly hands-off approach, expressing trust in the students and supporting their eagerness for more hands-on experience.
“The students have really turned this into a space of their own, where they are excited to share ideas and look forward to the next cook,” Bartlett said. “I am proud of how each of them has grown in their confidence. It makes me happy they have learned something and can use those skills every day.”
Gabriel, a junior, took the skills and knowledge he learned from the grilling club and shared them with his father during a home visit.
“My dad bought an electric grill and he didn’t really know how to use it,” Gabriel said. “I explained how different parts worked and we enjoyed grilling together. It was really nice to share that with him.”
The students realized they picked up more than a love for cooking while spending time together.
“We naturally built a community,” said Riley. “When we are waiting for food to cook, we are all together – talking, joking, laughing, and listening to music. We support and encourage each other. I did not realize a community was something I would gain from this, and I’m thankful.”
The grilling showcase wrapped up activities for the first group of students and Bartlett is currently working with a second group, which includes several middle schoolers. The group shared their skills in another grilling showcase and cooked up fire-roasted salsa and chips, smoked salmon skewers and grilled mango with ice cream.
Bartlett said grilling club activities will likely continue through the summer months and possibly into the fall.
“There is definitely enough interest in the club among the students,” Bartlett said. “This has inspired me, too, to try new recipes at home to see if we could replicate them at the school. The kids are passionate about this and keep telling me they want to cook more. I’m looking forward to our future together.”
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