Suffolk’s Office on Youth will offer inclusive cooking courses for children ages 6 and up, beginning Sept. 12.

This three-week course will provide individuals, including those with special needs, the opportunity to work together as a team as they develop independent living skills, social skills, kitchen safety and vocational skills, and it will help them advance their cooking techniques while having fun in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

The “Taste Buds” program will give up-and-coming chefs the chance to discover the significance of cooking while building self-confidence and making friends.

All classes are hands-on, and everyone is involved in the cooking. Participants can look forward to collecting all the recipes made throughout the course and creating their very own cookbooks to take home.

Taste Buds will meet from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, from Sept. 12 to Oct. 3, at the Planter’s Club, located at 4600 Planters Club Road.

Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. The fee is $45 per participant and covers the entire three-week course, including ingredients and supplies.

Participants who require one-on-one assistance are welcome with their parent/guardian or their own personal aide at no additional cost.

For more information and to register, contact Maribel Baltazar at 514-7264 or mbaltazar@suffolkva.us.