Growing Chefs! Ontario: Summer Camps

Registration is now full! If you’d like to be added to the waitlist in case any spots open up due to cancellation, please click the link above to select the week/​s you are interested in.

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)

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

2025 Dates:

Monday, July 7^th to Friday, July 11^th
Monday, July 14^th to Friday, July 18^th
Monday, July 21^st to Friday, July 25^th
Monday, July 28^th to Friday, August 1^st

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.

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.