The JCraftsβ Chocolate Series
The JCrafts Chocolate Series offers fun, hands-on workshops, from bean-to-bar chocolate making to crafting professional truffles, while exploring food's role in Jewish culture and popular kosher traditions!
Bean to Bar + Chocolate Creations!
A journey into the making of everyoneβs favorite treat: Chocolate!
Get ready for an unforgettable experience with our Bean to Bar + Chocolate Creations workshop! π«β¨
Uncovering Chocolate's Delicious Secrets:
In this workshop, campers will embark on a journey to uncover the delicious secrets behind everyone's favorite treat: chocolate! They'll dive deep into the fascinating process of transforming cacao beans into mouthwatering chocolate bars, from roasting and deshelling to grinding those beans into pure chocolatey goodness.
From Beans to Edible Art: π¨π¬
It gets even better. Our workshop isn't just about making chocolate β it's about unleashing creativity and imagination! Participants will put their artistic skills to the test as they craft edible chocolate art, turning their wildest ideas into delectable reality.
Sweet Surprises Await: π«π₯¨
As an added bonus, campers have the opportunity to take their chocolate adventures even further by creating their own mouthwatering chocolate-covered pretzels. It's a sweet treat they'll be talking about long after the program is over! (Note, itβs optional and thereβs extra cost to make the chocolate-covered pretzels.)
A stunning 40-foot screen and a dazzling lighting rig adds a whole new level of fun to the experience. Participants will witness the magic of chocolate-making unfold right before their eyes as they watch real-time footage of cacao pods being harvested and the entire chocolate-making process.
Jewish Culture Component (optional): Alongside all the chocolatey fun, our workshop also delves into the rich history of chocolate and its significance in Jewish culture. Participants will discover fascinating stories about the relationship between Jews and chocolate, adding a deeper layer of meaning to their experience. π½οΈπ‘π«π
Chocolate Truffle Madness!
Get ready for an absolutely mouthwatering adventure that's sure to make your experience unforgettable! π«β¨ Picture this: you've just finished exploring the magical journey from Bean to Bar, and now it's time to take your chocolate expertise to the next level with our exhilarating workshop, Chocolate Truffle Madness! π
Step into the shoes of a true chocolatier in training (we like to call them CITs) as you dive headfirst into the delectable world of truffle-making! π¨π¬ Get your hands messy with hands-on activities that will have you feeling like a chocolate wizard β from delicately inserting ganaches and fillings to expertly applying an outer layer of rich, velvety chocolate, every step is a tantalizing adventure! π
As your truffles set to perfection, get ready to uncover the fascinating connection between Jews and chocolate in a captivating presentation that will have you on the edge of your seat! π½οΈπ‘ With our 40-foot iMax style screen and dazzling lighting setup, the magic of chocolate comes to life in ways you've never imagined! π¬β¨
So come join us and become a part of the sweetest tradition at JCrafts β where every moment is filled with excitement, discovery, and of course, delicious chocolate creations! ππ«
Other JCrafts opportunities!
JScience Summer Madness!
Get ready to be blown away by a whirlwind of excitement! πͺοΈ
Step into a world where every experiment brings a new level of "wow" and every lesson carries a positive message. π This workshop isn't bound by any particular theme β it's a thrilling collection of mind-bending experiments that will leave your group in awe! π₯
From jaw-dropping demonstrations to hands-on activities that will spark your curiosity, there's something for all your campers to enjoy. π Here's what sets us apart: the group don't just watch the magic happen β they become the magicians themselves with hands-on experiments that'll have them bubbling with excitement! π©
It's not just about having a blast β it's about walking away with newfound knowledge and inspiration! π§ And the fun doesn't stop there! As a cherry on top, each camper gets to take home their very own 'wow-factor' item, ensuring the excitement continues long after the workshop ends! ππ
Other JScience workshops:
The Science of Sweet: focuses on science experiments related to sweet substances π¬
The Science of Motion: Embark on an exhilarating journey through the wonders of motion science, where Newton's Laws, angular motion, ancient gyroscopes, and fiery combustion ignite excitement and discovery! π
Our Environment: This workshop empowers young minds to become stewards of our planet's future as they uncover the wonders of nature and embrace their role in safeguarding our precious environment! ππ±
Miscellaneous Fun Hands-on Workshops!
The Art of Challah Baking!
Get ready for a mouthwatering adventure with our exhilarating Art of Challah Baking workshop! πβ¨
Your group will be transported into a world of culinary delight as they immerse themselves in the joy of creating Challah from scratch! π With sleeves rolled up and hands ready to knead, they'll dive into the delightful process of mixing, kneading, and shaping dough, all while feeling the excitement bubbling in the air! π
This workshop isn't just about baking bread, it's about embracing the rich cultural heritage behind this cherished Jewish tradition! Participants will embark on a fascinating journey through history as they explore intricate braiding techniques that will transform their Challah into a work of edible art! π¨
Whether your group are seasoned bakers or just starting out in the kitchen, this workshop promises fun, flavor, and unforgettable memories for all! π₯π©βπ³ So come join us and let the aroma of freshly baked Challah fill the air as we embark on a culinary adventure like no other! π΄π
The Olive Press!
Get ready for an epic adventure with our Olive Press program β where fun, education, and hands-on excitement collide! π«π₯
Participants will dive into the heart of the olive grove, ready to take on the challenge of pitting olives and assisting in the pressing process using a century-old iron press! π³πͺ Feel the thrill as they roll up their sleeves and put their strength to the test, squeezing every last drop of liquid gold from those olives! π§β¨
The excitement doesn't stop there! After the precious liquid has been extracted, campers will witness the magic of transformation as it's purified into oil through a hand-driven centrifuge. ππ’οΈ With each spin, they'll feel the anticipation building, eager to see the fruits of their labor! π
And here's where the fun really ignites β participants will fashion their very own wick out of cotton and eagerly watch as the freshly pressed oil is tested to see if it will light! π₯π―οΈ The air will be filled with cheers and laughter as they celebrate their success and marvel at the power of nature's bounty! ππΏ
Join us for an unforgettable journey where campers become olive oil pioneers, discovering the wonders of the ancient art of pressing olives and leaving with memories that will last a lifetime! ππ«
The Art of Candle-Making!
Prepare for an electrifying hands-on experience that will ignite your creativity β it's time to embark on a thrilling journey into the enchanting world of candle making! π―οΈβ¨
Feel the anticipation building as you gather around the hot, golden beeswax, ready to dip your long wicks and immerse yourself in the magic of creation! π« With each dip, watch in awe as the wax transforms, layering upon itself until it blossoms into thick, vibrant candles right before your eyes!
But don't worry β safety is our top priority! π With the wax needing to drastically cool down before it's ready for candle making, you can dive into this adventure with peace of mind, knowing that every step is carefully guided and supervised. π‘οΈ
As the wax sets and your candles solidify into stunning works of art, the excitement will reach new heights! π With each flicker of the flame, you'll bask in the satisfaction of creating something truly beautiful with your own two hands. π
So join us for an unforgettable journey where creativity knows no bounds, and every moment is filled with wonder and excitement! π¨π₯
FAQ and Feedback
Pricing Breakdown:
Workshop pricing ranges from $250 to $375, accommodating 15-20 participants at a flat-rate fee.
Additional participants can join for $9.50 to $15 each, depending on the workshop.
JCrafts can accommodate up to 50 participants per workshop, but we recommend keeping your group size to 35 people.
For multiple workshops or inquiries, please contact us at 301-235-2728 or email info@JCrafts.org.
If budget constraints are a concern, reach out to us! We strive to be flexible and accommodate each camp or group's financial needs.
Duration:
Workshops typically last 60-90 minutes. Durations can be condensed upon request.
Allergies:
Most of our workshops are nut-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free. Contact us if you have specific allergy concerns.
Availability:
We're open Sunday through Friday on a first-come, first-served basis. Book early to secure your spot, as availability fills up quickly!
Recent Feedback!
βWe came to hang out and learn all about chocolate. We got to make truffles and how chocolate is actually made. It was great, I would recommend it to everybody!β
β Amanda Fleming, Fredrick, MD
βThis was so engaging, I will return with my family.β
β K. Foster, Rock Terrace School, Teacher
βMy kids were so happy to do something so unique! I hope you continue offering this + other chocolate making classesβ
β Tarah, North Potomac, MD
βThanks for the highly educational presentation. I grew up around cocoa trees but it was awesome but it was awesome learning how it is processed and eatenβ.
β Banyesha, MCPS, Teacher
βWe had so much fun! It was educational and I definitely want to learn more about chocolate making. We made quite a mess, but the staff was friendly and helped us make amazing truffles.β
β James Cardinal, Upper Marlboro, MD
βThe kids were engaged. The video screen was captivating and interesting! We all learned something and enjoyed a new experience. Thanks for accommodating our difficult group.
β Jen Small, Rock Terrace School, Teacher
βWhat a unique, fun, delicious experience for the entire family!βοΏΌ
β Erike Thompson, Worton, MD
βWell paced, several activities, good flow to the program! It kept my four and six year-old grandsons entertained!β
β Karen Yosafat Beleck, Baltimore, MD
βBest fun and great tasting chocolate! Granddaughters had a wonderful time.β
βTina Kalil, Darnstown and Brooksville, MD
βFun for the whole family, young and old(er). As fun and educational as it was delicious!β
β Bitman Family, Baltimore, MD
βJCrafts did an amazing job and my whole crew loved it! Everyone was so excited to take home soo much delicious chocolate!β
βChelsea Fantl, Silver Spring, MD
βThank you for this chocolaty experience. Delicious fun for the kids! We made truffles, chocolate covered pretzels, and chocolate-covered humans :)β
βShaul Family, Baltimore, MD