Growing Chefs! Ontario: Advanced Culinary Camp

The Growing Chefs! Ontario Advanced Culinary Camp is a 4 day culinary boot camp that will give participants an opportunity to elevate their food skills, technique and confidence in the kitchen. Participants will spend almost the entire time cooking with the Growing Chefs! Culinary team, working through several themed recipes each day – with a break for a delicious lunch made by participants. This year, we’ll also be visiting our on-site greenhouse and gardens for the full farm-to-table experience.

This gives our chef team the opportunity to work closely with participants to deliver personalized feedback while the young Chefs grow their skills and confidence in the kitchen. It also allows participants to directly interact with our professional Chefs and garden team so they can ask questions and pick their brains about all things food related.

Enrolment in the Advanced Culinary Camp requires previous cooking experience which may include: attending Know Your Roots Camp in previous years, participation in Growing Chefs! Ontario Programming, or equivalent cooking skills and experience at home.

2025 Dates: Tuesday, August 12^th – Friday, August 15^th, 2025

Price: $325

Ages:13 – 16 (Must be 13 years old within the calendar year)

Location: Advanced Culinary Camp will be hosted at The Grove at The Western Fair District, located at 900 King St.

Time: 9:00am‑1:00pm (drop off is 8:45am‑9:00am, pickup is 1:00 – 1:15pm)

Pricing: $325 Growing Chefs! Ontario is committed to providing low-cost food education experiences for children and youth. Lunch is included. If cost is a barrier to registration, please contact christy@​growingchefsontario.​ca to explore subsidy options.

Food Allergies: Our team is highly experienced in managing dietary restrictions. Do not let a dietary concern prevent your child from participating in our programming. Get in contact with our staff team and we’ll do our best to make appropriate accommodations. If a participant has a life-threatening allergy, please read our official Allergen Statement here and let us know if you have any questions.

Cancellation and Refund Policy: Cancellations must be communicated by email to the Camp Director christy@​growingchefsontario.​ca as early as possible.

Cancellations received more than 14 days before the start of camp will receive a full refund minus an administrative fee of $30 per session being cancelled.

Cancellations received less than 14 days before the start of camp, provided we are successful in refilling their spot, are eligible to receive a full refund minus an administrative fee of $30 per session being cancelled. If we are unsuccessful, despite efforts in filling their spot, a partial refund of 50% will be offered.

Cancellations received within one week before camp, are ineligible to receive a refund, except in extenuating circumstances as approved by the Camp Director.

Refunds are not granted for missed days, or if a parent/​guardian withdraws the camper from camp early or if the camper is sent home for misconduct. 

Additional Support: If your child requires additional support in school, we encourage you to contact our Camp Director prior to registering for camp. This will allow us to better understand your child’s specific support needs and strengths, ensuring we can provide the best possible camp experience.

While we strive to accommodate all campers, please note that due to staffing limitations, we are unable to offer 1:1 support, which is required if your child receives 1:1 support at school. However, families are welcome to arrange for a qualified support person to accompany their child.

Additionally, all campers must be self-sufficient in the washroom, as camp staff are not authorized to assist with personal care.