Culinary
Hands-on classes teaching kitchen skills, healthy recipes, and food safety. Kids learn to cook with heart — and to cook healthy on a budget.
Explore the 30-week curriculum
In partnership with
Creativelee Catered
MWBE Certified
DYCD
Project PIVOT
Monroe College
Rockaway Collegiate HS
BMS · SRAE
P.S. 273
What we do
Three pillars. One thriving kid.
Our model blends the benefits of physical activity with the holistic value of culinary education — so every participant grows physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Sports
Soccer, basketball, flag football, tennis, lacrosse, fencing, and more — building physical fitness, teamwork, motor skills, and true sportsmanship.
Get a sports programWellness
Holistic development focusing on physical, mental, and emotional health through nutrition and yoga — empowering self-confidence and lifelong healthy habits.
Plan a wellness session
Flagship Program
The 30-Week Culinary Curriculum
Designed for elementary, middle, and high school students — building essential kitchen skills, food safety, and healthy, delicious meals over a full school year.
01
Thriving Thematic Units
Six thematic units build progressively — kitchen fundamentals, health & safety, and nutritious meal prep — each reinforcing the last.
02
Weekly, Engaging Sessions
45-minute to one-hour weekly sessions across 30 weeks, focused on engagement, skill-building, and fun in the kitchen.
03
Recipes to Take Home
Healthy recipes students can replicate at home with their families — turning new skills into lasting household habits.
04
Progress Reports
Comprehensive progress reports at the midpoint and conclusion, outlining skills learned and areas for improvement.
Every session is guided by a certified instructor — with health & safety protocols and a food budget managed so each week brings fresh ingredients.
Bring this curriculum to your school
More ways to grow
A full menu of growing-up programs
Beyond the kitchen and the court, we build skills and confidence through the arts, tech, personal development, and hands-on career exploration — so every young person finds their lane.
Art
Drawing · Painting · SculptureDance
Movement · RhythmChess Club
Strategy · PatienceMartial Arts
Self-Defense · DisciplinePhotography
Self-Expression · TechniqueFilm
StorytellingMusic
Rhythm · CreativityWellness
Yoga · NutritionRobotics & A.I.
Coding · Building · Future skillsSelf-Defense
Safety · Confidence · AwarenessEntrepreneurship
Ideas · Business · ConfidenceDe-Escalation Workshops
Communication · Conflict resolutionCosmetology & Barbering
Artistry · Grooming · Career skills
Our network
Partners who believe in young people
The Rec powers programs with city agencies, community-based organizations, and higher-education partners across New York City.
City & agency
DYCD
Office of Food & Nutritional Services (OFNS)
Project PIVOT
Community partners
Partnership with Children
New Settlement
Southern Queens Park Alliance
St. Nicks Alliance
Common Point
New Edge
Higher education
Monroe College
Lehman College
Long Island University
New York City College of Technology
Where we're rooted
Serving schools across New York City
Our culinary, sports, wellness, and enrichment programs run at schools and community sites in every borough — from elementary through high school.
Brooklyn
- P.S. 155
- P.S. 67
- P.S. 46
- P.S. 1
- P.S. 41
- P.S. 299
- FDR
- Teachers Prep
- P.S. 273
Queens
- I.S. 8
- P.S. 73
- Far Rockaway Collegiate HS
- North Queens Community HS
- P.S. 14 Beacon
- P.S. 223
Manhattan
- Thurgood Marshall Lower School
Bronx
- P.S. 41
- CIS 303
- M.S./P.S. 194
From the field & kitchen
Real moments. Real growth.
A glimpse of the energy, learning, and joy our kids bring to every program — in the kitchen and on the court.
Follow the action @
thereccenterworksWe combine the power of education with sports and creative culinary workshops to improve health and wellness among youth — fostering physical, mental, and emotional growth through engaging, practical activities.
At The Rec, in collaboration with Creativelee Catered, our vision is to build a community hub where youth develop essential life skills — empowered to thrive, connect, and contribute to a healthier, more compassionate world.
Our Story
Founded by a chef and a coach.
The Rec was built by two New Yorkers who believe every kid deserves movement, nourishment, and mentorship in equal measure.
Leah Sardinha
Owner, Creativelee Catered LLC · ~30 years hospitality
A seasoned hospitality professional with nearly three decades of industry experience, Leah built Creativelee Catered as a community-based organization committed to local engagement and give-back. Her hands-on, creative culinary approach empowers young participants to build confidence, enhance motor skills, and embrace wellness.
Tarik Hamer
HBCU Graduate · Brant Lake Camp alum · Environmental Studies
A proud HBCU graduate from the NYC area with a background in environmental studies, Tarik designs programming that values physical activity, emotional intelligence, and real-world readiness in equal measure. His youth-development journey began at Brant Lake Camp, where he trained across tennis, soccer, basketball, football, lacrosse, and archery.
Impact
Heard from our community
We take pride in the growth of the youth we serve — and the people around them feel it.
The blessing of having Chef Lee & Coach Tarik has been one of the most inspiring parts of my journey. It all started with our cooking program at Rockaway Collegiate High School, where I got my first real taste of the kitchen and learned how much passion, patience, and precision it takes to cook with heart. Every day felt like a new lesson — in culinary skills with Chef Lee, but also in leadership, teamwork, and how to carry myself professionally. Coach Tarik always saw potential in me and made sure I saw it in myself. That kind of mentorship is rare.
This program was amazing! The culinary classes were more than just following recipes — our scholars learned how to be creative on a budget, as many of our participants face food and financial deprivation. This program equipped them with the knowledge to choose and cook low-cost, healthy meals with or without a standard kitchen. Our participants also took part in the photography program, where they got to shoot stills and video, culminating in a documentary. This is a one-stop shop for community-wide excellence.
Working with The Rec gave me the opportunity to explore more than just cooking — it gave me purpose and community. My mini apprenticeship over the summer taught me leadership, teamwork, and how to carry myself professionally. My time with The Rec has left a lasting impact on me, and I'm proud to say it helped shape who I am today.
Why The Rec
Skills that last beyond the school day.
Real-world, applied learning
Kids cook healthy meals on a budget and move their bodies — skills they use every day, not just in a classroom.
Confidence & motor-skill growth
Hands-on culinary and athletic activity builds confidence, coordination, and a sense of accomplishment.
Community & mentorship
Every program is grounded in mentorship — coaches and chefs who see potential and help kids see it in themselves.
Healthier, balanced lifestyles
Nutrition and yoga promote physical, mental, and emotional wellness — helping youth thrive in all aspects of health.
The Rec is a DOE / DYCD vendor and an MWBE-certified, community-based partner — proudly aligned with NYC’s commitment to youth opportunity.
Get Involved
Enroll · Partner · Volunteer
Whether you're a family, a school, a DYCD/DOE partner, or a community supporter — let's build the future leaders of tomorrow together.
Email us
Program inquiries
Schools, DYCD/DOE, and community organizations — we tailor culinary, sports, and wellness programs to your students.
Support the mission
Sponsor a culinary week, donate ingredients, or volunteer as a coach or chef-mentor.
MWBE & DOE/DYCD certified
A community-based organization and trusted NYC vendor — ready to serve your district.