A Collaboration Between the Rising Scholars Program, LTCC Culinary, and Growlersburg Conservation Camp #33
December 6, 2024
By Chef Virat Vij
At Growlersburg Conservation Camp #33 in Georgetown, a four-day Culinary Boot Camp provided a transformative experience for ten students eager to develop their skills in the kitchen. Inside the bustling cafeteria, where stainless steel tables gleamed under fluorescent lights, these students learned more than just the basics of cooking—they found a sense of purpose and connection.
On the first day, I wrote a single word on the whiteboard: FREEDOM. For those navigating the realities of incarceration, this word carries immense weight, representing the hope of autonomy and a chance to rebuild. My aim was clear: to inspire them to embrace new skills as tools for reshaping their futures.
Led by myself and Chef Glen Simpson of LTCC’s Culinary department, the students dove into foundational culinary tasks: knife skills, recipe conversions, food safety, and even costing. Each activity was infused with camaraderie and the exchange of dreams and stories. By the third day, the kitchen had become a creative hub, with students crafting their own dishes inspired by flavors from their unique cultural backgrounds. Pizza and desserts quickly emerged as crowd favorites, bridging diverse tastes with universal comfort.
The curriculum also emphasized large-scale cooking, an essential skill for those who
might one day join CAL FIRE's mobile kitchens, 
preparing meals for hundreds in high-pressure environments. By the final day, the
cafeteria buzzed with excitement as students showcased their creations, proudly plating
dishes that balanced grains, vegetables, proteins, and bold seasonings—a tangible
testament to their hard work and newfound confidence.
The camp concluded with a certificate ceremony, recognizing their achievements through Lake Tahoe Community College. Joyful smiles reflected the pride and hope each student felt as they held their certificates, equipped with not only culinary knowledge but also a renewed sense of purpose and confidence.
As they walked out, laughter echoed through the hall, a promise of brighter futures and a reminder that even in the unlikeliest of places, transformation and connection could flourish.
A big thanks to:
Shayne Reynolds, Director of Rising Scholars Program, and Tori Kuwahara, RSP Program Specialist
Brad Deeds, Director of Workforce Development at LTCC
Erin Kangas, Director of Employer Partnerships at LTCC/Shasta College
Chef Glen Simpson of LTCC
Lieutenant Hill, Camp Commander; Sergeant T. Stowers and M. Gangl, Assistant Camp Commanders, at Growlersburg Conservation Camp #33
