What is your cancellation policy?
Important! Please read our Terms and Conditions page, CLICK HERE
How do I register for cooking programs or camps?
To register online, please check the headings on our website and click through to the classes your child would like to attend. If you are having any trouble, feel free to email us anytime at info@rookstocooks.ca or call us at 833-243-3862.
Are your recipes peanut / nut free?
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.
Do you provide Hallal options?
If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, please contact us prior to booking your class to ensure we can accommodate. Sales are final so if you do have any dietary restrictions, allergies or questions, please contact us prior to booking to inquire if the class of interest is suitable for you.
Will I receive a confirmation email upon registering for a cooking camp or other cooking program?
Yes, you will receive a confirmation email upon registration with the details of the program you registered for.
What happens if Rooks to Cooks cancels my cooking camp or other cooking program?
If Rooks to Cooks must cancel a camp, class or workshop due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances outside of our control, you will have the following options: (a) A full refund, less an administrative fee of $100 per camp session booked, or (b) A full credit to be used towards any available services.
How do Rooks to Cooks cooking camps and programs differ from other camps or programs that offer cooking/baking?
Rooks to Cooks is a specialty camp that is structured like culinary school. Every day we will be executing several recipes so it will be an intense learning experience. Recipe execution will be preceded by a full cooking demonstration by their Chef instructors. 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.
How hands-on will my child be? I've seen other cooking programs where they hardly let the child do anything other than stir?
Our cooking programs are geared toward teaching the basics, building your child’s kitchen confidence, independence and self-sufficiency, and most importantly teaching them how to navigate a kitchen safely. Our passionate chef instructors will be there every step of the way to teach and guide your child, ensuring their success every time. Campers will be executing recipes with their partner from day one. Our small group sizes guarantee a thorough and intensive education. They will learn about nutrition and gain an appreciation for healthy eating. In addition, kids learn safe food handling, proper knife handling and chopping techniques, how to follow a recipe.
Are Chef Coats mandatory and why do the kids have to wear them?
Yes, the Camper uniforms are mandatory for all camp programs for hygienic reasons. If your child does not have a uniform, you must order one at the time of registration so it is ready for your camper on their first day of camp.
Do you offer any sibling discounts for your classes and camps?
We do not offer sibling discounts at this time. But we do offer Multi-week discounts if your child attends more than one week of camp.
How long has Rooks to Cooks been running summer camps?
Rooks to Cooks Summer Camps originally started as one camp location in midtown Toronto in 2017. Since then, the camp has grown to 14 locations throughout the GTA and counting!
How do I get my Orientation Package, which includes when to arrive, what to bring, etc.?
Your orientation package will be emailed to the email address you signed up for camp. For summer camp, you will receive an email 2 weeks prior to your camp start date and again 1 week prior. If you do not receive the email package within this time frame, please email customerservice@rookstocooks.ca or call us at 1-833-243-3862.
What should my child/ren bring to camp?
Before your child’s camp session begins, we will email out our Orientation package with information about what to bring! Following is a general list: Refillable water bottle; Hat and sunscreen for outdoor breaks; Two (2) Tupperware / Storage containers every day to bring samples of their cooking home; Children must wear closed-toe shoes, or they will not be allowed in the kitchen prep area; Hair ties, if needed; Please provide 2 peanut/Tree-nut free snacks for morning and afternoon breaks; Lunch is provided for ALL sessions; Devices: Before & After camp Campers may bring electronic devices, but they are to be used only during Before & After camp care. Devices are not allowed at any other times during camp. Note: the camp is not responsible for lost or stolen property.
What are your camp hours?
Camp drop off is from 8:50-9am with camp programs starting at 9am and ending at 4:00 pm.
Do you offer Before and After camp care?
We do offer before and after care for an additional cost. Before care from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.; After care from 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. 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.
How much outdoor time/ play time do the kids get during the day?
Weather permitting, our campers take 2 daily outdoor breaks where we run camp style games & crafts. We have a Lunch Break from 12:30PM - 1:30PM – and a portion of that time is an outdoor recess.
Can we request our child be paired with a friend?
Yes, we will try to accommodate all group requests! On our registration form, parents are able to request that their children are placed in the same group as friends, teammates and/or siblings.
What is the staff-to-camper ratio?
Due to the nature of our camps and programs, we want to ensure that all of our students are safe and supervised throughout their time with us. It is for this reason that we offer smaller class sizes and a staff-to-camper ratio of 1: 5.
Is 1:1 support being offered during camp?
We are not able to provide 1:1 support, however, you are welcome to provide additional care if required.
Is R2C associated with the churches where the camps take place?
Rooks to Cooks rents the space from the churches but is not affiliated with any of the churches.
What does a typical day at camp look like?
- Please watch the Day in the Life video on YouTube. Follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwMxpeUqvJE
Are camp staff and camp counsellors certified in First Aid and CPR?
Yes, we require our staff members to hold valid First Aid and CPR certification, as well as a Food Handlers certificate.
My child is an independent traveller. Do they need my permission to leave camp on their own at the end of the day?
Yes, we require verbal / written instructions at the beginning of their camp session to ensure that your child is allowed to sign in and / or leave camp without a parent / guardian.
I am on the waitlist for a camp. When will I know if a spot opens up? Will I be charged a transfer fee for changing camps if a spot opens?
If you are on a waitlist for a specific camp session and a spot becomes available, then we will contact you immediately to offer you a spot. You will not be charged to transfer from one session to another.
What happens if my child feels unwell at camp?
If your child becomes unwell or injured at camp, then the Lead Chef at your child’s camp location will phone the Emergency Contact listed on our Contact Sheet. You will be asked to pick up your child and take them home until they have recovered.
My child is feeling unwell and cannot attend camp. What do I do?
Please keep your child at home if they are not feeling well. Call the Camp Office and we will inform the lead chef that your child will be absent. They are welcome to return to camp when they have recovered. Please note there would be no refunds or make up days for missed days.
If my child is 4.5 years old ( or whatever age but just under the age we recommend) can they still register?
If your child has not yet reached the age that we recommend for a specific camp session, then please contact our office and we will be able to assess whether they are ready to attend.
How skilled does my child have to be before registering for a camp?
We offer many camp sessions that are geared towards children with different cooking abilities. Please read the camp descriptions as they will describe camps as “beginner” camps versus camps that require some cooking skills and prerequisites.
Can you please explain what the Pop Up Restaurant is and how it works and why do we have to pay for it?
At the end of each week (except for the 4-day weeks), Rooks to Cooks transforms into our world-renowned pop-up restaurant, “Petit Chefs”. Campers have the unique opportunity to invite their family and friends to partake in a 3 course meal that they will create from start to finish! At Petit Chefs, our campers run the show working as the servers, bartenders, hosts, and chefs. All of the food and beverages served at the restaurant are 100% in house made by the campers themselves.
What if my kid is a really picky eater?
At Rooks to Cooks, we find that when children cook their own food, then they are more inclined to taste their creations. However, if you feel that your child will not eat any of the food that we cook, you are welcome to send a lunch and some snacks to ensure they are eating throughout the day.
How much food are they bringing home each day?
At the end of each camp day, food will be sent home in Tupperware containers (supplied by the families). Campers will get to share their tasty creations with their family.
What if my child doesn't get along with their cooking partner?
We will work with your child and their cooking partner to resolve any issues and arrange for alternate partners if required.
Do the kids make their own lunches?
Yes! Campers work in pairs to complete up to 5 recipes per day from scratch and they will prepare their own lunches and some take home treats to share with family.