In-Person Summer Cooking Camps

WE’RE BACK and running COVID-SAFE in-person day camps this August!

Program Overview 

  • Campers will learn culinary skills & theory from passionate and experienced Chef instructors 

  • We structure our camps like culinary school. Recipe execution will be preceded by a full cooking demonstration by their Chef instructors

  • Campers work in pairs to complete up to 5 daily recipes from scratch

  • We do not work with any processed foods or sauces  

  • Our programs are hands on, intensive and FUN

  • Activities are primarily cooking activities, however we do take 2 daily outdoor breaks where we run camp style games & crafts. 

  • Each week ends with a graduation ceremony where every student receives a certificate and is recognized for their accomplishment. Ceremonies can be watched live through zoom or a recording can be viewed later that evening.   

Our Team

 Our summer camp teams are comprised of 4 staff members: A Lead Chef, a Sous Chef, a Camp Counsellor and a Kitchen Assistant. Our Chef instructors are experienced and passionate culinary professions, eager to share their knowledge with the younger generation of chefs and inspire young minds. Our camp counsellors are enthusiastic and experienced youth workers who bring the camp activities and energy to our culinary classrooms. Our kitchen assistants are there to help and support our campers as they learn new skills and expand their culinary knowledge.

 

Our Chefs and camp counsellors must obtain their first aid & CPR certification, food handlers course and a clear police check. Our kitchen assistant is required to complete their food handlers course and police check. The majority of our team have graduated from culinary school and or have obtained their red seal certification.

SUMMER 2021 COVID-PROTOCOLS PER GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES

  • Parents/guardians, campers, and staff will be screened daily for symptoms and temperature prior to entering the building. Campers or staff who fail the screening will not be allowed to enter the facility.

  • Parents/guardians will not be allowed to enter the facility. Campers will be dropped off at the main entrance and escorted into the building safely by a R2C staff member. 

  • All campers and staff are required to wear a well-fitting, non-medical mask at all times indoors EXCEPT when eating and drinking, and ONLY outdoors when physical distancing is not possible. Each camper will eat at their own distanced station OR a shared station for siblings or “bubble mates”.  

  • Cleaning and disinfection practices are increased:

    • Alcohol-based hand sanitizer will be supplied at all entrances. Usage is mandated prior to entering the facility. 

    • All equipment used for activities will be cleaned and disinfected between use. 

    • Cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces will take place regularly throughout the entire day. 

    • Regular and frequent hand washing will be required when necessary.

    • All dish washing will be executed by our Kitchen Assistants, not the campers themselves like usual. 

What’s Included in the Registration

Chef

Chef Coat, Apron & no cut glove 

Included in the cost of Registration is an official Rooks to Cooks Chef Coat, Apron and safety glove. Returning camper? Have no fear! Opt out of a uniform at check out for a reduced price.  

meal

Daily Lunch

Throughout the cooking camp day, campers work through several recipes and prepare their own lunches.  The food varies from day to day and includes delicious and nutritious hot meals that all our campers enjoy. Please note that our programs are peanut free and Allergy Aware.

Daily Take-Home Treats

At the end of each camp day, food will be sent home with campers in Tupperware containers. Tupperware containers are to be supplied by the families. Campers get to share their tasty creations with their family! Your children will be delighted to offer you a taste of all their hard work at cooking camp.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CAMPER AT ROOKS TO COOKS

Testimonials

“This camp was incredibly well managed, and the types of food prepared were way beyond anything we imagined from a kids cooking camp! The councilors are amazing – knowledge, friendly, and super fun. As a parent, I particularly appreciated their focus on kitchen safety. My daughter took so much away from her week and is now helping to prepare food at home. She can’t wait to go back again next year.”

-Jennifer Siripong Mandel

 

“Rooks to Cooks was by far our son’s best experience at camp to date. He came home brimming with pride every day, so excited to show us his delicious creations. I am amazed by the skills he learned and can’t wait for him to do more of your programs. The staff at the High Park/Bloor West location were incredible and made every day a joy. Thanks for a wonderful week of cooking. Can’t wait for next summer!”

-With Care 

“My daughter Norah loved the Master Chef camp at the North York location. She has already said she wants to do the camp again next summer. For a kid who is always very nervous to go to camps, this is a big deal! She was made to feel very welcome and that made it a great experience for her. Thank you.” 

-Kevin McCormick

“Our sports kid broke his arm the week before camp, but that didnt seem to affect his experience. Thanks so much to the super accommodating and caring staff. He enthusiastically recounted his day and reproduced recipes every night at home. What a surprising frontrunner for favorite camp of the summer! Thanks for all the great meals!! (Beaches location)”

-Angie Athanasopoulos

“My daughter went to the Leslieville location this summer and had an amazing time. She says it was her favorite camp and she learned practical life skills. Not to mention she can now make desserts for the family : ). We enjoyed all the different stuff she brought home daily and appreciated that fact that she was fed lunch every day so no packing lunches!!”

-Julie Lynas

“My daughter Sophie learned so much during her week at Rooks to Cooks and also had such an amazing time! She developed a love for cooking and even cooked us dinner at home.

Chef Shai was very accommodating, supportive and very enthusiastic in ensuring that the children enjoyed their experiences! I’d certainly send Sophie back next summer. I wish Rooks to Cooks would offer cooking classes during the year for children! AMAZING EXPERIENCE!!!!”

-Gayle David

“Both my 7yrs old rated Rooks to Cooks (Markham) as the top summer they went to this summer. They have gain lots of confidence in the kitchen as well as starting to offer help with dishes and cooking. Can’t wait to sign up for the next summer!!”

-Wilma Kwan 

“This was one of the best camps our kids have attended! It was so well organized and well planned out. The kids learned so much about the whole baking process and the food they made was so delicious. The pop cafe was a wonderful idea and we got to see the supportive, hardworking and fun environment that Chef Charlotte and the other chefs created. We loved that lunches were included too. We would highly recommend this camp!”

-Heidi McMahon 

“My son attended summer camp at High Park North location. He loved the experience and his confidence in the kitchen has grown tremendously. He is able to come up with recipes that actually work based on his experience and learning- it’s very amazing to watch! The staff were lovely and took great care. We had treats to enjoy from the day’s cooking, and conversations around it at the dinner table. The pop-up restaurant to end the week was the cherry on the cake- the kids pulled off a great event which was such a moment of pride and joy for us parents!”

-Surabhi Pandey

“Wow – this camp is absolutely fantastic. If your kid likes cooking – then definitely send them here! The program’s attention to detail and responsiveness is unreal and unlike ANY other camp we have attended. The recipes, the qualifications, professionalism and enthusiasm of the staff, and the amazing pop up resto on the last night have kids working towards a master goal. Absolutely brilliant! My daughter was waiting at the door each morning, fully packed- begging me to go! She even came home and washed up her own Tupperware each day with no prompting. Talk about life skills. One would have no idea that this is only their second year of operations! Just wow!! (We did the North York location)”

-Sugy Kodeeswaran 

2021 IN-PERSON SUMMER CAMP SESSIONS & DATES

CAMPS RUN FROM 9:00AM – 4:00PM MONDAY – FRIDAY

CAMPS ARE ALL AGES (8-14) AND CAN ACCOMMODATE UP TO 20 CAMPERS EACH WEEK

Day at a Glance

Budding Bakers (Ages 8 – 14)

LIMITED SPOTS REMAINING

$ 550.00 plus tax 

Start date: August 16th, 2021
End date: August 20th, 2021 

Objective: To teach our budding bakers foundational pastry and baking skills, while building their knowledge and self-confidence both in and out of the kitchen. Upon completing the program, campers will leave with the knowledge and skills to execute these recipes at home and share their brilliant bakes with the family for years to come.

Expand for full course description

Budding bakers is a fun and intensive baking camp to engage your aspiring chefs with a passion for the sweet side of life. This program features all aspects of the pastry arts, including both sweet and savoury recipes, pastry preparation, and various baking techniques.

Budding Bakers campers will develop their baking skills and learn how to make a wide range of baked goods from yeasted breads, enriched doughs, pastries and more. Each day we will focus on new techniques and pastry theories. The campers will then execute recipes that utilize this new knowledge as they prepare their own lunch and various other pastries.

Leaving the program, our bakers-to-be will know a wide range of baking techniques, the science behind the ratios that make their baked goods so delicious, and, of course, the practical experience needed to recreate the magic at home!

Menu sneak peek: Pizza Rolls, Baked Mac & Cheese, Old Fashion Ice Cream Sandwiches with Homemade Ice Cream, Homemade Oreos, Lemon Meringue Tart

The Budding Bakers menu is 100% vegetarian

Register Now

Sweet and Savoury (Ages 8 – 14)

LIMITED SPOTS REMAINING

$ 550.00 plus tax 

Start date: August 23rd, 2021
End date: August 27th, 2021 

Objective: To teach our campers fundamental culinary and pastry skills while inspiring an interest and appreciation for vegan and gluten-free cuisine. Upon completing the program, campers will leave with a valuable understanding of how to work with a wide range of plant-based proteins, gluten-free ingredients and the knowledge, skills and confidence to execute these recipes at home.

Expand for full course description

Inspired by our amazing community of families with various dietary restrictions, Rooks to Cooks is pleased to release our newest and most inclusive camp program to date, Sweet & Savoury! Sweet and Savoury is the best of both worlds; a pastry and cooking camp. During the week, your multi-talented chef-in-training will learn fundamental cooking and baking techniques, proper knife skills, diverse cooking methods including how to utilize a wide range of plant-based proteins, gluten-free ingredients, and the value of teamwork in the kitchen. 

While being the BEST gluten-free and vegan culinary course of its kind, Sweet & Savoury teaches all the foundational cooking and baking techniques required for optimal kitchen confidence, all while debunking any myths that gluten-free and vegan cuisine is inferior (spoiler alert, it’s NOT!). This camp offers the unique opportunity to familiarize your family with plant-based and gluten-free ingredients, and learn trade tricks on how to transform these ingredients into delicious creations EVERYONE will enjoy. Don’t miss out and join us for our most innovative program to date!

Menu sneak peek: 

Savoury: Coconut Tikka Masala Chickpeas with Jasmine Rice, Teriyaki Tofu Lettuce Wraps, Black Bean Tacos with Guacamole and Slaw

Sweet: Funfetti Cupcakes, Coconut Mango Gelato, Homemade Lollipops

Sweet and Savoury is 100% vegan and gluten-free 

Register Now

Perfecting Pastries (Ages 8 – 14)

LIMITED SPOTS REMAINING

$ 550.00 plus tax 

Start date: August 30th, 2021
End date: September 3rd, 2021

Objective: To teach our campers advanced pastry skills and knowledge while building their confidence in themselves and their abilities. Upon completing this program, our campers will understand the foundations of pastry preparation and have the skills to feel empowered to execute these recipes independently at home.

Expand for full course description

This year we’re raising the bar in this advanced pastry program! Perfecting Pastries is designed to challenge your chef-in-training to prepare pastry recipes they wouldn’t have the opportunity to bake on their own at home. From confectionery to perfectly flaky pie crust, your child will explore all that you can create with butter, sugar, flour and everything in-between! This program will feature both sweet and savoury baking, as campers will prepare their own culinary creations for lunch every day; however, the focus will be more-so on the sweets. We will delve into the importance of science in successful baking, and we place an emphasis on teaching theory so your pastry-chef-to-be will know all the why’s behind baking thereby ensuring their continued success in the kitchen.

Despite the advanced recipes this pastry program features, we welcome beginners who can join with a buddy who can support them throughout the session. After a week of hands-on practice and learning about pastry theory, they will build confidence in themselves to take on new challenges. Our experienced chefs will be there to guide and support your aspiring pastry chef through learning all the tricks of the trade. 

Menu sneak peek: 

Savoury: Calzones, Spanakopita with Homemade Phyllo, Loaded Veggie Quiche 

Sweet: Nut-free Macarons, Homemade Croissants, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Gelato, Summer Berry Vanilla Swiss Roll 

Perfecting Pastries is 100% vegetarian 

Register Now

WE ARE PEANUT FREE AND ALLERGY AWARE

Rooks to Cooks is both Peanut / Tree Nut Free and Allergy Aware! We ask that parents speak to our staff about any known allergies prior to the start of your program. We strive to accommodate all campers and we will work with parents and children to ensure that the necessary precautions have been taken. It is important that all parties (camp staff, parents and campers) clearly understand that, in no way, can we guarantee that we will be able to remove all allergy-inducing ingredients from our recipes.

We also offer optional Before and After camp care services.

Weekly Packages

• Before care from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – $75.00/week
• After care from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. -$75.00/week
• Before & After care 8:00 a.m. – 5:00p.m. – $150.00/week 

 

Daily Packages:

• Before care from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – $15.00/day
• After care from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. -$15.00/day
• Emergency one-time care – $15.00

(Please note that before and after camp care is fully supervised child care only; no organized activities will be provided by the camp staff. Campers not picked up by 5:30 p.m. will be charged $15.00 late fee.)

WE’VE GOT FIVE FANTASTIC GTA LOCATIONS THIS SUMMER!

Bathurst & Lawrence

Asbury & West United Church – 3180 Bathurst St, North York, ON M6A 2A9

Midtown

First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto – 175 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M4V 1P

North York Bayview

St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish (Bayview); 432 Sheppard Avenue East Toronto, ON M2N 3B7

College & Bathurst

College Street United Church; 452 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1A1
*This facility is not a nut-free facility though our program is completely nut-free

Etobicoke 

Bloordale United Church; 4258 Bloor St W, Etobicoke

Store Locator is loading from Storemapper...

WHY ENROLL IN A COOKING CAMP?

Have you been searching for something new, educational and fun to occupy your child this summer? If so, then our cooking camps for kids are for you. 

And here’s WHY:

  • Children learn life skills and become more independent in and out of the kitchen.
  • Expands their palates and encourages them to try new foods and flavours
  • The lessons at our kids culinary summer camp are hands-on, team-based and fun.
  • Gain an understanding of food and where it comes from.
  • Learn about nutrition and gain an appreciation for healthy eating.
  • Our small group sizes guarantee a thorough and intensive education.
  • Campers meet new friends and socialize with other aspiring young chefs.
  • Kids learn to safely navigate a kitchen and handle food.
  • Our kids cooking summer camp experience creates amazing memories that will remain for years to come!
Register Now

   
Terms and Conditions