Camp CHEF

Throughout the week, campers explore the TIGUrS Garden, where they learn how fresh produce is grown and the essential steps for cultivating and maintaining a garden. Campers also roll up their sleeves in the kitchen, preparing nutritious snacks and lunches while developing a variety of culinary skills, including chopping, measuring, sautéing, and baking. Morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack are provided.

Summer 2026

Camp dates are:

Week 1 June 1–5, 2026 ($300/week)
Week 2 June 8-12, 2026 ($300/week)
Week 3 June 15-18, 2026 ($240/week) *Note: June 19^th is a campus holiday

Camp CHEF is for rising 3rd-9^th graders, and campers are grouped together based on age, with a max capacity of 24 campers per week. Camp runs from 9am-2pm each day, with an aftercare option from 2-4pm for an additional $75 (weeks 1 & 2) and $60 (week 3).

Registration will open March 5, 2026 at 10:00 AM.
Click here to access the registration link on the Campus Recreation portal.

Space is limited. Registrations are first-come, first-served.

Payment is required at registration.

 

Camp CHEF Coordinators

Sara Foley, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND
sfoley@memphis.edu

Mrs. Foley is an assistant clinical professor for the College of Health Sciences nutrition program and has served as the clinical coordinator of the dietetic internship program since January 2016.

Before joining University of Memphis, Mrs. Foley was the Food Systems dietitian at the VA Medical Center in Memphis for over nine years. While there, she served as preceptor to numerous University of Memphis and VA interns, implemented many quality improvement projects, kept menu development and analysis up to date, and served as primary lead on intern projects yearly.

Mrs. Foley has served on both state and local professional nutrition and dietetics boards which has allowed her to strengthen her leadership skills and network with many dietetic professionals. She also has completed several coaching, mentoring and leadership programs. In 2015, Mrs. Foley became an adjunct faculty member where she discovered a bigger passion for teaching and mentoring students.

Mary Catherine Schallert, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND
mcclark1@memphis.edu

Mrs. Schallert graduated from University of Memphis with her Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition in 2006 and worked as a Critical Care/Nutrition Support Dietitian at the VA Medical Center from 2006-2013. While at the VA, she served as preceptor for dozens of dietetic interns. In 2008, she started teaching Medical Nutrition Therapy I and II at the UofM as an adjunct, and it was then that she realized her true passion for educating future nutrition professionals.

Mrs. Schallert strives to incorporate a love of life-long learning in every course she teaches. It is her personal goal that every graduate from the University of Memphis Didactic Program in Dietetics should leave this place with a desire for life-long learning and a commitment to the improvement of the nation's nutrition outlook.

One of the most effective ways to make a difference in health and wellness on a national and global level is through involvement in our local, state and national professional association. She has been a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics since 2004 and served on the Academy's Critical Illness Network from 2008-2010. Additionally, she has held numerous elected positions in the local and state dietetic associations including president of the Memphis Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and president-elect of the Tennessee Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Mrs. Schallert is constantly incorporating new technology into the classes she teaches, in an effort to enhance her students' experience and prepare them for careers in the constantly evolving health and wellness industry.