Growing Chefs! Ontario: Summer Camps

Registration for 2026 will open in early February!
 

Programming for the Know Your Roots Camp is all in the name. It’s a week of exploring where our food comes from, the journey it takes from field to fork – as well as the role we play as individuals in our food system. Each week, campers will have opportunities to explore our gardens and greenhouse, cook alongside the Growing Chefs! team of professional Chefs, engage in food focused activities and, of course, try some new, delicious foods!
 

Ages:9 – 12 (Must be turning 9 years old within the calendar year, please do not contact us for exceptions if your child is younger. Older children may be considered on a case by case basis if they have a developmental disability. If this is the case, please reach out to christy@​growingchefsontario.​ca before registering).

Location: Know Your Roots will be hosted The Grove at The Western Fair District, located at 900 King St. 
 

2026 Dates:

Coming soon!
 

Time:9:00am‑3:30pm (drop off is 8:45am‑9:00am, pickup is 3:30 – 3:45pm)

Pricing: $350 Growing Chefs! Ontario is committed to providing low-cost food education experiences for children and youth. Lunch and two snacks are included. If cost is a barrier to registration, please contact Camp Director 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.

Research study: Exciting news! For the third year in a row, campers and their parent/​guardian will be invited to participate in a research study evaluating our camp! This research will help us understand how our camps improve food literacy in children and will support us and others to make the best programs possible in the future. Participation in the research study is completely optional, and not required to attend camp. More information will be provided after registration.
 

One Week Per Camper: Registration is limited to one week per camper. All weeks will be the exact same, so this is a once per summer experience! All double registrations will be cancelled and refunded minus an administrative fee of $30 per session.

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 or at home, we encourage you to contact our Education Programs Manager, christy@​growingchefsontario.​ca, 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 participants, please note that due to staffing limitations, we are unable to offer 1:1 support. If your child receives 1:1 support at school or at home, a qualified support person will be required to accompany them during camp. Families are welcome to arrange a support worker, and there is no additional fee for them to attend. Please be sure to note this on your registration form and include any dietary needs for the support worker as well. 

We truly value working in partnership with families and support workers, and we are committed to creating an accessible and inclusive experience for everyone.