Culinary Arts

In our Teen Cooking Bootcamp and Kids in the Kitchen programs, cooking is explored in our industrial kitchen by children of various ages. Middle school through high school age students learn to create an action plan, follow a recipe, and communicate with one another in this process. With support and instruction provided by volunteers, including some from the Wheeling Women’s Junior League, these children learn how to prepare food, bake, and cook in an organized, safe, and sanitary environment.

“If you never try, you’ll never know.”

Guitar

Weekly guitar lessons are available to children and youth.  Participants are provided with a guitar to use in lessons and take home for practicing which they are permitted to keep if they complete the entire course of lessons. In a one-on-one or small group setting, these children receive clear instruction in a nurturing environment. Developing appreciation for their instrument, learning to care for it, and enjoying the process of making music are just some of the benefits of this program. Personal expression through music is therapeutic and can be a healthy means of coping with various emotions and stress.

“The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you.” -BB King

Ballet

Ballet instruction is provided in our 3rd floor dance studio, where parents get to watch their children participate in weekly lessons. In a structured environment with clearly stated expectations, students are taught to combine a variety of poses with graceful movements and transitions. They are taught focused and motivated by the presence and encouraging support of their instructor. The discipline and confidence developed by these dancers is evident in their motions. Recently, some HOC ballet students were invited to participate Oglebay Institute’s Nutcracker performance at Wheeling’s Capitol Music Hall.

“Some people dream of success while others wake up and work hard at it.” -Unknown

Painting

With art supplies provided for participants, our painting instructor encourages students to delve into their creative side and experience how it feels to accomplish completion of a project and be proud of it.  Students learn about mixing colors to vary shades and tones while implementing various brush techniques.  Painting requires attention to detail, determination, practice, and reflection.

For more information, contact Jackie at jgillispie@houseofthecarpenter.com.