The CIT Program lets young leaders choose between two streams: Chef in Training, focused on culinary skills for a career in the food industry, or Counsellor in Training, emphasizing leadership and youth care. Gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and skills for your future!
Counsellor in Training (CIT)
The Counsellor in Training program is designed for aspiring youth care workers who are eager to build the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to work with children in a professional environment.
CIT candidates are mentored and supervised by our Program Coordinators — full-time staff members who are highly trained childcare professionals with backgrounds in education, early childhood education, and social work.
Target Skills
- Leadership
- Communication & Public Speaking
- Time Management & Organization
- Problem Solving & Conflict Resolution
- Classroom Management
- Programming & Activity Facilitation
- Customer Service & Professionalism
Key Responsibilities
- Participate in the morning huddle and co-facilitate the “Quote of the Day” discussion.
- Supervise and support campers during cooking activities, ensuring safety and engagement.
- Assist with the planning and facilitation of break-time activities.
- Support classroom management and help maintain a positive and productive learning environment.
- Shadow the Program Coordinator to learn effective conflict resolution strategies and observe professional conduct when addressing camper challenges.
Thursday – Skills Application Day
Thursdays are dedicated to applying and practicing the skills CITs have developed during the week. With the support of the Program Coordinator, CITs will:
- Plan and lead their own arts and crafts project for the Pop-Up Restaurant.
- Facilitate the end-of-day huddle and camper reflection session.
Friday – Pop-Up Restaurant
CITs take on leadership roles during the Pop-Up Restaurant, assisting onsite staff to ensure smooth service:
- Serve as Front-of-House Manager, managing crowd flow, supporting camper professionalism, and guiding servers during the event.
Chef in Training (CIT)
The Chef in Training program is designed for aspiring chefs and culinary professionals who are eager to build the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to work confidently in a professional food service environment.
They are mentored and supervised by our Lead Chef and Sous Chefs — full-time staff members who are highly trained, experienced culinary professionals with backgrounds spanning large-scale production to fine dining.
Target Skills
- Culinary knowledge & kitchen sense
- Independently follow and execute recipes
- Mise en place preparation using digital scales and various measuring tools
- Organization & detail orientatedness
- Time management & multitasking
- Teamwork & communication
- Food sanitation & hygiene
- Inventory management (receiving, tracking, and reporting products)
- Operation of industrial kitchen equipment such as dishwashers and convection ovens
Key Responsibilities
- Solely responsible for the preparation and execution of daily staff lunch
- Support the preparation of sides for camper lunch
- Assist with the baking of camper products
- Assist with receiving, tracking, and reporting inventory
- Assist with the execution of mise en place prep for camper recipes
- Support dishwashing and maintaining kitchen cleanliness standards
Assist with the supervision and support of campers during high-risk activities
Thursday – Skills Application Day
Thursdays are dedicated to applying and practicing the skills CITs have developed during the week. With the support of the Lead and Sous Chefs, CITs will:
- Support with the execution of a live cooking demonstration
- Teach campers a practical cooking skill
Friday – Pop-Up Restaurant
CITs take on leadership roles during the Pop-Up Restaurant, assisting onsite staff to ensure smooth service:
- Serve as the “Saucier” for the evening, responsible for the independent preparation and execution of all sauces and garnishes for the Pop-Up Restaurant
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Now – Nov 1, 2025
$350/week Loyalty Rate - Lock in 2025 pricing (OR $615 for 2-weeks - Savings $85) -
Nov 1 – Dec 31, 2025
$375/week – Registration opens to the public. (OR $650 for 2-weeks - Savings of $100) -
Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2026
$395/week – Price Increase (OR $675 for 2-weeks - Savings of $115) -
May 1, 2026 Onward
$435/week Regular Pricing (OR $740 for 2-weeks - Savings of $130)
Program Hours:
Chef in Training Candidates:
Monday - Thursday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Fridays: 10:30am - 6:30pm
Counsellor in Training Candidates:
Monday - Thursday - 8:30am - 4:30pm
Fridays: 10:30am - 6:30pm
Enrollment Options
CIT candidates may choose to enroll by the week or for two consecutive weeks at a discounted rate.
Growth and Development Initiatives
On top of the hands-on, in-person experience, CITs participate in a wide variety of pre-, mid-, and post-program initiatives designed to maximize their growth, ensure the success of the program, and enhance its impact. These initiatives give participants the opportunity to practice professional skills, track progress, set goals, and prepare for future career opportunities in a structured and supportive environment.
Preliminary Interview & Meeting
- Mock Virtual Interview: CITs will participate in a 30-minute mock virtual interview led by our CIT Coordinator in June, prior to the start of the program. These interviews simulate a real-world interview and provide personalized feedback to prepare participants for future professional opportunities.
- Pre-Program Goal Review: Prior to the start of the program, CITs will work one-on-one with the CIT Coordinator to set individualized goals and outline objectives for their time in the program.
Mid-Program Support
- CIT Reflection & Goal Pamphlet: Participants will use daily prompts and checklists to track progress, set goals, and take ownership of their learning journey.
- Mid-Week Supervisor Check-In: The CIT Coordinator will connect with each CIT to review progress and adjust goals for the remainder of the week.
Post-Program Professional Development
- Post-Season Virtual Resume Seminar: All CIT participants will have the opportunity to attend a live virtual seminar covering resume building, job application strategies, and how to leverage their CIT experience for future opportunities.
- CIT Career Network: CIT participants will receive exclusive access to our network of local culinary and hospitality professionals who are open to hiring R2C CIT graduates.
11 GTA locations to choose from: Bathurst & Lawrence | Little Italy (College & Bathurst) | East York/Danforth | Etobicoke | High Park | Markham/Unionville | Rosedale North York - Yonge | Richmond Hill | Thornhill | Roncesvalles
Our CIT Programs have been reimagined to provide more concrete, structured and goal focused programming. This means that CITs will have the ability not only to develop skills, but also put them into practice and showcase them!
Staff will be paying close attention and taking note of CITs demonstrating skills and attitudes we look for when hiring staff. For CITs who are interested in entering the culinary industry and working with Rooks to Cooks in a paid position, this is a great way to make yourselves known!
CITs with 4 or more weeks in the program may apply for Junior Counsellor or Kitchen Assistant Positions once they turn 16!
- Choose your preferred CIT stream (Chef or counsellor)
- Fill out our APPLICATION FORM
- The CIT Coordinator will review your application. Accepted candidates will be contacted via email within 4 business days with further instructions on how to register.
- Parents or guardians register online and secure their child's spot.
- As your summer camp sessions approaches, we will provide you with more detailed instructions and training.
