In 2013, Chef Lisa McKay was appointed chairperson of the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Chef and Child Foundation, Milwaukee Chapter which has helped the community focus its efforts to fight against childhood obesity through fundraising and educational seminars in the schools providing fun and safe environments for children to learn healthy eating habits at an early age. Due to the tremendous number of children’s interest in learning to cook, it inspired chef McKay to start the culinary summer camp, formed in 2016 thru the ACF Milwaukee Chapter. For 3 consecutive years, the week-long camp was held at the Robert Palmer Masonic Lodge, on 92nd and Congress, in Wauwatosa.

The members of the Robert Palmer Masonic Lodge, Art Karos, John Wackman, Mr. Meyers and Eric, were very supportive of the kids culinary summer camp. Not only were they gracious enough to give us the building with 24 hours access, they also gave a generous donation. This great act of kindness is what helped develop the foundation of the kids culinary summer camp!

The Kids Culinary Summer Camp a 7-day camp, is designed for children ages 7 –17. The camp kicks-off with a “no bullying” lecture from the the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD). Our sponsors, parents and City Officials are invited. Camp concludes with a Sunday Brunch featuring cuisines by the campers; families are encouraged to attend. Campers show off their skills by cooking for approximately 200 guests.

The ACF is a non-profit organization; however, it does not hold a 501c3 which is needed to receive corporate and foundation grants. The kids culinary summer camp was funded by ACF, Lisa Kaye Catering and personal donations. Chef McKay was the 2017 winner of the Rev-Up MKE Small Business Competition sponsored by The Near West Side Partners which include: Aurora Health Care, Harley-Davidson, Marquette University, MillerCoors and Potawatomi Business Development Corp. where Chef Lisa runs her catering company as well as host the Kids Culinary Summer Camp and other programs.