Caleb J. Prewitt may only be 13 years old, but already he’s been a guest on the Today Show, appeared on the big screen in Times Square, and he and his mom have more than 27,000 followers on Instagram.

When we spoke, Caleb had just returned to his in-person eighth grade classroom at North Florida School of Special Education. When asked about school, he said, “I wear a mask.” 

Like many, he was adjusting to the new normal, and missing his routines, which include Special Olympic sports, Sunday school, and gatherings with friends. But the Prewitts have been filling in the gaps in fun ways, and we were both so impressed with how they have been making even these crazy COVID days count. 

Caleb now stars (along with his mom, Karen) in a weekly YouTube cooking show, which they stream live to his Facebook page, cooking different dishes every Friday. Caleb’s favorite dish to make? “Sausage pizza.” And his all-time favorite baking ingredients? “Chocolate chips, marshmallows, and chocolate syrup.”

Caleb’s dad got him interested in cooking in the first place (because he likes to do whatever his dad is doing), and he and his mom began cooking together before COVID, using recipes from Raddish Kids, because they liked the company’s step-by-step instructions with photographs. 

Then in January last year, Raddish Kids invited Caleb and other children to cook together on the Today Show, showcasing how kids of all different abilities can enjoy learning to cook.

Caleb’s YouTube show began as a great way to continue building his skills while having some fun, but it has also sparked great conversations about future opportunities for Caleb and others—including inclusive employment at a potential church café. 

Experiences shape us all, and Caleb’s many cooking experiences (including a cooking camp this summer) have given him food for thought as well. So much that when asked what he might like to do when he grows up, he said, “Maybe have my own restaurant.”

Read more of Sam’s interview with Caleb, who was an absolute pleasure to meet via Zoom, and we hope to meet in person one day: 

What do you like to do in your free time?  “Just Dance 2020, cooking, ride bikes, bike camp.”

What did you enjoy most about your summer?  “Orlando, Disney Springs, rides, and the food and drinks.” 

Where is your favorite place to be? “Orlando, rollercoasters, bumper cars, the Teacups ride.”  

What other activities do you enjoy? “Special Olympics bowling, golf, football, track, equestrian, and swimming in the pool.” 

What has been the most challenging thing you’ve had to face, and how did you get through it? “I got my tonsils out. And popsicles! We eat them a lot.” 

What makes you happiest? “Seeing Evelyn. Going to see my family: Courtney, Steven, Evelyn and baby Charlotte.” 

Who are your heroes? “Spiderman and Harry Potter.”

What do you think is most important in life? “Courtney, Evelyn, Emma . . . [Family and friends!]

Have you always liked to cook, or what got you interested? “First show, we did salmon bites.” [Karen: Caleb always wants to be doing whatever his Dad is doing, and he started cooking with his Dad, and has loved it ever since!!!]

We can’t wait to see what’s cooking next, Caleb!