Instructor: Brian Kerr

Biography: Over the years, Brian Kerr has been privileged to lead kitchens in many diverse and high-profile settings, including Morton's The Steakhouse, The Stephanie Inn, The Oregon Golf Club, Deschutes Brewery and Public House, Anthony's at the Old Mill, and is now a full-time instructor and program director at Cascade Culinary Institute.

With a focus on sustainability and purchasing locally, he's developed strong relationships with providers of the highest quality farm-fresh food available in Central Oregon. He enjoys teaching and celebrating, with a focus on creating unforgettable culinary experiences that draw influences from around the world.

When he's not in the kitchen, you'll find him spending time with his family, enjoying all that Bend has to offer, including hiking, fly fishing, camping, kayaking, and bird watching!

Classes by this instructor

Pizza: From Dough to Delicious Youth Camp

Get fired up for the ultimate pizza adventure! Students will learn how to craft delicious pizzas from scratch, and cook them in a real outdoor pizza oven. Campers will mix and shape dough, create flavorful sauces, experiment with fresh toppings and understand the science of baking and the magic of wood-fired cooking. Students will learn essential kitchen techniques, build confidence in the kitchen and bring home their freshly made creations each day of camp. Taught by Brian Kerr, Director of the Cascade Culinary Institute at COCC. Recipe book to take home included.

The kitchen is not gluten or peanut free. Please indicate known allergies in the checkout process when prompted. Ages 10-15.

July 13-16, 2026 | 9:00am-12:00pm PDT | Bend
July 13-16, 2026 | 1:30pm-4:30pm PDT | Bend

Breakfast All Day Youth Camp

Who says breakfast is only for mornings? In this deliciously fun, hands-on camp, students will whisk, flip and fry their way through everyone's favorite meal that can be served any time of day. From refreshing smoothies, to different ways to cook eggs, to golden waffles and more, students will learn essential kitchen skills while exploring both classic recipes and fun twists on familiar dishes. Taught by Brian Kerr, Director of the Cascade Culinary Institute at COCC. Recipe book to take home included.

The kitchen is not gluten or peanut free. Please indicate known allergies in the checkout process when prompted. Ages 10-15.

July 20-23, 2026 | 9:00am-12:00pm PDT | Bend
July 20-23, 2026 | 1:30pm-4:30pm PDT | Bend

Bread Bonanza Youth Camp

Bread is a staple food around the world and can be made in so many delicious ways. Bread's most vital ingredient - yeast - is used every day as students learn to make different braided breads every day like challah bread, cardamom bread, and sweet rolls. Dive into the wonderful world of bread with this hands-on camp taught by Brian Kerr, Director of the Cascade Culinary Institute at COCC. Recipe book to take home included. The kitchen is not gluten or peanut free. Please indicate known allergies in the checkout process when prompted. Ages 10-15.
July 27-29, 2026 | 9:00am-12:00pm PDT | Prineville

Italian Dinners Youth Camp

Mangia, mangia! The Italian Dinners youth camps takes the mystery out of homemade pasta and puts the f-u-n into making your own pizza from scratch. In addition to having fun, this camp aims to empower students in the kitchen with the confidence to be able to make their own meals from start to finish. At the end of camp, students will be saying, "put your feet up, I'm cooking tonight!" Taught by Brian Kerr, Director of the cascade Culinary Institute at COCC. Recipe book to take home included. The kitchen is not gluten or peanut free. Please indicate known allergies in the checkout process when prompted. Ages 10-15.
July 27-29, 2026 | 1:30pm-4:30pm PDT | Prineville

Taste of Italy: A Regional Cooking Adventure Youth Camp

Pack your culinary passports and get ready to explore Italy, one delicious region at a time! In Taste of Italy: A Regional Cooking Adventure, young chefs travel through four iconic areas of Italy, learning to prepare signature mains, sides and a sweet regional dessert. From creamy northern pastas to coastal Mediterranean flavors, rustic countryside favorites and classic southern street foods, campers gain hands-on experience with the ingredients and techniques that make Italian cuisine beloved around the world. Dishes learned will include fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza and Italian sweet treats like panna cotta and tiramisu. Taught by Brian Kerr, Director of the Cascade Culinary Institute at COCC. Recipe book to take home included.

The kitchen is not gluten or peanut-free. Please indicate known allergies in the checkout process when prompted. Ages 10-15.

August 3-6, 2026 | 9:00am-12:00pm PDT | Bend
August 3-6, 2026 | 1:30pm-4:30pm PDT | Bend

Camping Cuisine Youth Camp

From sizzling skillet dishes to foil packet meals and fireside desserts, students will explore creative ways to eat well on any camping adventure. Whether you're a seasoned camper or just learning how to cook, this camp will spark confidence, creativity and a love for cooking under the open sky. Whether it's an overnight trip or a day at the lake, your next adventure will be tastier after taking the Camping Cuisine camp! Taught by Brian Kerr, Director of the Cascade Culinary Institute at COCC. Recipe book to take home included.

The kitchen is not gluten or peanut-free. Please indicate known allergies in the checkout process when prompted. Ages 10-15.

August 10-13, 2026 | 9:00am-12:00pm PDT | Bend
August 10-13, 2026 | 1:30pm-4:30pm PDT | Bend

Mexico: Exploring Delicious Traditions Youth Camp

Get ready to bring the fiesta to the kitchen in this lively, hands-on cooking camp in which students will explore the rich traditions and flavors of Mexico. From learning how to make the perfect taco with fresh fillings, to rolling up classic enchiladas smothered in deliciousness, to satisfying that sweet tooth by making Tres Leches Cake, students will practice essential cooking skills while becoming more confident in the kitchen. Taught by Brian Kerr, Director of the Cascade Culinary Institute at COCC. Recipe book to take home included. The kitchen is not gluten or peanut free. Please indicate known allergies in the checkout process when prompted. Ages 10-15.
August 17-20, 2026 | 9:00am-12:00pm PDT | Bend
August 17-20, 2026 | 1:30pm-4:30pm PDT | Bend

Comfort Food Classics Youth Camp

Roll up your sleeves and get ready to cook up a little job because nothing says "summer" like the warm, familiar flavors of home! From golden, crispy grilled cheese and creamy mac and cheese, to hearty pasta dishes and cozy baked desserts, students will explore the magic behind these feel-good foods. Taught by Brian Kerr, Director of the Cascade Culinary Institute at COCC. Recipe book to take home included.

The kitchen is not gluten or peanut free. Please indicate known allergies in the checkout process when prompted. Ages 10-15.

August 24-27, 2026 | 9:00am-12:00pm PDT | Bend
August 24-27, 2026 | 1:30pm-4:30pm PDT | Bend