If your child loves to get creative in the kitchen—or you’re simply looking for a fun, hands-on summer activity that builds confidence and real-life skills—look no further than The Chef Upstairs' Toronto and Vaughan summer cooking camp!
Our cooking camps for kids are designed to inspire young chefs ages 7–11 with hands-on culinary adventures, cultural food experiences, and a fun-filled daily routine that blends learning, eating, and play. Here’s a week-by-week breakdown ofwhat kids learn at cooking camp and a taste of the delicious dishes they’ll create during our summer culinary programs in Toronto and Vaughan.
Week 1: June 23–27
🍁 French Canadian Classics, Dim Sum, Pizza Parties & More
Campers will explore Canadian traditions with French omelets, poutine, and maple dumplings. Then, we travel to Mexico with Chicken Carnitas Enchiladas, whip up individual pizzas, and roll dim sum dumplings from scratch.
Kids will learn: how to handle dough, use steamers, measure ingredients, and work in teams to explore diverse cuisines.
IRON CHEF FRIDAY caps off the week with a surprise menu created by the kids themselves!
Week 2: June 30–July 4
🎡 Carnival Treats, Canadian East Coast Flavours, and Biscotti Baking
This week features East Coast staples like maple-Dijon salmon and blueberry pancakes, followed by Mexican breakfast burritos, slow-cooked pasta sauces, and even mini corndogs and pretzels!
Kids will learn: rolling tortillas, pasta-making, safe knife use, and balancing sweet and savoury flavours.
IRON CHEF FRIDAY returns for a fresh challenge with a mystery menu!
Week 3: July 7–11
🍣 Sushi Rolls, Ravioli, Smoothies & Sliders
From West Coast turkey sliders to strawberry tiramisu and miso soup, this week takes campers through Pacific, Italian, and Japanese-inspired menus.
Kids will learn: sushi rolling, building balanced bento-style meals, and the basics of plating and presentation.
IRON CHEF FRIDAY finishes the week with a focus on creativity, teamwork, and show-stopping dishes.
Week 4: July 14–18
🥟 Pierogies, Korean BBQ, Cheesecake & Chilaquiles
Campers dive into Prairie cooking with perogies and grilled sausages, learn Mexican and Korean comfort dishes, and end the week with spaghetti, meatballs, and ricotta cheesecake.
Kids will learn: dumpling folding, sauce simmering, cultural flavour profiles, and using sweet and savoury glazes.
IRON CHEF FRIDAY gives campers the reins with a surprise team cook-off.
What Makes Our Summer Camp Different?
At The Chef Upstairs, we do more than just cook. Each day is packed with meaningful experiences—from culinary education and food-themed games to time outdoors at the park. Our campers leave with a stronger understanding of kitchen safety, food science, etiquette, and the confidence to recreate meals at home.
And yes—we’re proudly 100% nut and peanut free.
Ready to Book?
Spaces for our for summer culinary programs kids& teens in Toronto and Vaughan fill quickly. If your child is ready for a summer of flavour, fun, and food education, register today!
*****
By Chef Julian Pancer, The Chef Upstairs