Thank you for using Our Kids.
The Trusted Source for Families since 1998.
Rooks to Cooks is a culinary camp like no other! Kids learn to cook, but they also learn about nutrition, team-work, independence, problem-solving and more! What sets us apart from other cooking camps or camps that offer cooking activities is that we specialize in cooking education. Chef instructors provide students with comprehensive knowledge and hands-on instruction to succeed in and out of the kitchen. Children will be exposed to an unparalleled cooking camp experience by preparing various recipes/day and learning integral life and cooking skills that they will use throughout their lives. Currently offering live, virtual Cooking Programs only. Schedule for in-person camps will be released early in the new year.
Choose the right programs and sessions for your child; currently 8 programs available; 36 TBD; 11 temporarily closed.
Filter activities :
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 18
Cooking
$215 to $236
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 18
Cooking
$236 to $236
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 18
Cooking
$236 to $236
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 18+
Cooking
$215 to $236
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 18
Cooking
$215 to $215
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 18
Cooking
$215 to $215
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 18
Cooking
$236 to $236
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 18
Cooking
$215 to $215
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Day Camp
Coed Ages: 7 - 15
Cooking
$0 to $500
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 4 - 16
Cooking
$0 to $0
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 4 - 16
Baking/Decorating
$0 to $0
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 10 - 16
Cooking
$75 to $100
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 4 - 18+
Cooking
$25 to $25
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 10 - 16
Cooking
$0 to $100
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 14 - 16
Cooking
$0 to $140
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 4 - 18+
Cooking
$0 to $25
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 16
Cooking
$0 to $140
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 10 - 16
Cooking
$0 to $100
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 16
Cooking
$0 to $175
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 16
Cooking
$0 to $100
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 16 - 18+
Cooking
$0 to $100
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 9 - 16
Cooking
$0 to $140
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 16
Cooking
$0 to $175
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 16
Cooking
$0 to $175
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 16
Cooking
$0 to $175
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 16
Cooking
$0 to $140
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 8 - 18+
Cooking
$35 to $35
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 16
Cooking
$0 to $175
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 16
Cooking
$0 to $175
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 16
Cooking
$0 to $175
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 16
Cooking
$0 to $175
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 16
Cooking
$75 to $100
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 16
Cooking
$75 to $100
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 16
Cooking
$75 to $100
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 16
Cooking
$75 to $100
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 16
Cooking
$35 to $35
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 16
Cooking
$35 to $35
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 16
Cooking
$70 to $70
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 16
Cooking
$140 to $140
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 16
Cooking
$40 to $40
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 16
Cooking
$40 to $40
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 16
Cooking
$40 to $40
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 16
Cooking
$40 to $40
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Virtual program
Coed Ages: 7 - 16
Cooking
$140 to $140
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
PA day
Coed Ages: 7 - 15
Cooking
$0 to $105
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Day Camp
Coed Ages: 7 - 16
Cooking
$430 to $535
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Day Camp
Coed Ages: 4 - 6
Cooking
$430 to $535
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Day Camp
Coed Ages: 11 - 16
Cooking
$430 to $535
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Day Camp
Coed Ages: 6 - 9
Cooking
$430 to $535
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Day Camp
Coed Ages: 9 - 16
Cooking
$430 to $535
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Day Camp
Coed Ages: 7 - 16
Cooking
$430 to $535
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Day Camp
Coed Ages: 6 - 9
Baking/Decorating
$430 to $535
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Day Camp
Coed Ages: 11 - 16
Cooking
$430 to $535
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Day Camp
Coed Ages: 8 - 16
Baking/Decorating
$430 to $535
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Day Camp
Coed Ages: 6 - 9
Cooking
$430 to $535
Choose location above to view sessions and fees. |
Lead by a professional chef in a professional kitchen, for kids with an interest in cooking Rooks to Cooks is a opportunity to be immersed in the techniques as well as the culture of cuisine. Camps stress the essentials, including navigating any kitchen safely and effectively, as well having fun, eating well, being creative, and working well with others. Sessions are nicely varied to drill down on specific skills and skill levels, from baking to international flavours, from tyro to master. Sessions are developed to appeal to growing palettes, nutritionally and culturally. As founder Chef Shai Mandel rightly notes, cooking is about much more than making good food. It requires a sense of materials, chemistry, organization, and managing complex steps and procedures. That perspective, and Shai’s ability to bring it to the fore is a strength of the Rooks to Cooks programs.
Shai Mandel, Founder and CEO
Bachelor of Kinesiology, Wilfrid Laurier University. Bachelor of Education, Wilfrid Laurier University. Chef Training Certificate, George Brown College
Rooks to Cooks was founded by Chef Shai Mandel, a chef and teacher. Shai has been working in kitchens her whole life, having a passion for food and cooking since childhood. While completing a Kinesiology degree at Wilfrid Laurier University, she would spend her free time working in the culinary industry, dedicated to perfecting her skills. In her 9+ years working as a chef, Shai has worked with some of the most renowned chefs in Canada, especially appreciating the friendship and guidance she received from Jonathan Goodyear, executive chef for Magna Golf Club and finalist of Top Chef Canada, Season 3. Shai has held various positions in all aspects of the industry from pastry and large quantity production, to fine dining. During her career as a chef, Shai had the opportunity to train many people in various positions. It was through this training that she discovered not only her passion for cooking, but her passion for teaching.
Shai attended teachers college at Wilfrid Laurier University, officially becoming an Ontario Certified Teacher in 2015. While working as a student teacher for the Waterloo Region School Board, Shai organized and implemented various cooking after-school programs and events, falling in love with teaching youth how to cook and bake. She held the position of Lead Instructor at Summer Chef School in Waterloo, where she developed the curriculum and lessons for the school. During this experience, she had the privilege of teaching over 320 kids of all ages the culinary arts. Since then, Shai had a vision of opening her own children's cooking school in Toronto. This dream became a reality with the birth of Rooks to Cooks.
Washrooms Facilities
Are meals provided? Yes
Is Rooks to Cooks technology free? Yes
Personal technology (ex. smart phones, mp3 players, tablets etc) may be used during break time. If a camper would like to take a picture of his/her meals, they are welcome to, but must put their devices away afterwards.
Landscape
More details about property: Access to park and green space for breaks and additional camp activities
Offers children's birthday party packages: Yes
Is your child Hungry for FUN? Book a unique and exciting Birthday Party with Rooks to Cooks!! Let us help you plan a delicious cooking party for your chef-to-be, and make their special day extra special. With a Rooks to Cooks birthday party, 2 professional chefs will come to your home and run a 1.5 to 2-hour cooking session for your kids and their friends. We will bring all the ingredients and materials and do all the clean up too! Aspiring chefs will have a great time preparing and eating a scrumptious dish that they created. They will also get to take home their portion of the menu item, a great loot bag to share with their family.
Our birthday classes are Ideal for children ages 5 and up. Minimum number of kids is 6; maximum is 12. Cost ranges from $55 - $60 per child, depending on the desired class.
Please give Chef Shai Mandel a call and she would be happy to create an amazing birthday party experience for your child.
Cost: $175 /week
Payment Options:
Deposit required with acceptance | Yes |
Credit card payment | Yes |
"A few days late but I just wanted to say how much my daughter enjoyed the Budding Bakers Sr. camp with you and your helpers. She learned a lot and had a ton of fun. She really enjoyed the pop-up restaurant challenge. We loved it too! Yummy! Thank you to you and your team for making the experience so much fun and so positive. Looking forward to more cooking adventures on the horizon :-)"
"My kids absolutely loved Rooks To Cooks and chef Shai!
If your kids are picky eaters, you should definitely try this class - chef Shai will get them to try anything, and I mean anything! By the end of her class, my child, who would only eat pasta (no sauce), made his own sushi and ate it too!
The summer camp is also great, the pop-up restaurant at the end of the week is awesome. It's a full scale production and kids have a blast.
Definitely recommend it!"
"My 6 year old daughter just completed a week at Rooks to Cooks and loved it! She developed a real interest in cooking and will definitely be returning next year. Chef Shai is amazing and I would highly recommend this camp!"
"My 10yr son just completed a week of Rooks to Cooks and had a fantastic time! He learned so much and really enjoyed every bit of it. This camp was well organized and I am so impressed with the meals they made. Chef Shai and her team did a great job inspiring the kids to want to learn more about cooking and help out with meals at home! I highly recommend this camp. :)"
"Great class, the restaurant at the end really helped complete the week and taught us all how a real restaurant operates. All the recipes are amazing. Thanks Chef Shai"
"Rooks for Cooks did a wonderful Pie Making Class for my daughter's birthday party. The girls loved it, as did my husband and I!! Chef Shai and her team are fun, engaging, organized and professional. I would definitely do it again!"
"I took a pie making class with Shai and she was incredible. I had cooked and baked my whole life but she taught me specific things about dough that I never knew. Not just for pies but for other baked goods as well. Now that I know, I always use her techniques. And everybody now loves my baking!!"
"Shai is an AMAZING teacher! She's funny, welcoming and has an answer for every question. While teaching me to make some killer donuts she even taught me a bit of the chemistry involved, which I really enjoyed (and it's not easy to make chemistry interesting). Gotta give her a 5/5 :)"
"In just a couple of hours, I learned so much about cooking. I never thought I'd be able to make better dumplings than the one's I'd get from my favourite restaurants. From prep to plating, you remained patient and thoughtful - you are very passionate about teaching people how to cook. I can't wait to learn more from you!"
"Chef Shai Mandel has a winning way with kids. She is warm, engaging, patient and funny. Above all, she is passionate about teaching kids and youth that eating well and preparing home-cooked food is a life skill. Her lessons are fuss-free, practical and kids love them. Shai knows that the earlier in life that you start learning how to cook simple meals, the better, and her approach builds a young person's independence and encourages their interest in how to eat fresh food well!"
"Shai is an amazing teacher. She manages to be engaging and fun while imparting practical knowledge. Her recipes are wonderful and her food is delicious! My son did some in-home private lessons with Shai. He learned a lot and enjoyed his experience tremendously."
"I've had two amazing experiences with chef Shai. First was a pie baking class last summer where we made the best apple pie I've ever tasted. Then Chef Shai taught a group of 8 friends how to prepare various fish dishes with amazing sides and dessert. We all had a blast and got to learn from the most wonderful teacher. I would highly recommend Shai to young and not so young wannabe cooks. Her style and expertise are superb."
"Learning to cook with Rooks to Cooks was so much fun! Shai is patient, kind, professional and incredibly knowledgeable. She made advanced skills manageable and in two hours I created what felt like a gourmet meal. Learning to cook myself has always been uninspiring. With Shai's knowledge, I feel I will have the tools to cook more on my own. The cost of lessons will pay in health and reduced take out! Thanks Shai."
"My kids can't stop raving about Shai!!!
We've had two in-home classes now and I have nothing but good things to say. My sons, 6 and 8, love their classes. The classes are fun but they are also actually learning cooking techniques and knife skills. My younger son is a ridiculously picky eater but after just two classes with Shai he's become more willing to try new foods.
Shai is engaging and lots of fun and as a trained teacher, she can maintain order and hold kids attention. I highly recommend Rooks to Cooks."
"Shai taught me how to make Macarons, and even how to do swirly patterns and stuff on them. You were so thoughtful and attentive in the lesson! Thanks Shai!!!"
"Thanks to Chef Shai for a wonderfull, delicious and informative sushi cooking class for my daughter's 17th birthday. Her friends and I learned how to make professional grade sushi, tempura, sauces and how to dice and slice like professional chefs. I have highly recommended our experience to other friends and will absolutely do another class very soon."
"Thanks for the amazing sushi class, Shai! My friends and I had a blast and the sushi was amazing!"
March 23, 2020
Rooks to Cooks NEW Online Cooking Videos for kids
Join Rooks to Cooks WEEKDAYS starting Mon. March 23 at 11AM for their New ONLINE Cooking Videos for Kids on YouTube.... Read More
January 10, 2019
Summer Cooking Fun at 12 GTA Locations
Rooks to Cooks is thrilled to offer their Summer Cooking Camps at 12 convenient GTA locations. 10 delicious sessions available!... Read More
March 1, 2018
Now Serving the GTA with 12 Great Locations!
Rooks to Cooks is happy to announce 12 new Summer Day Camp locations for 2018. We offer 10 sessions for children ages 4 and up.... Read More
Thank you for using Our Kids.
The Trusted Source for Families since 1998.
Thank you for your interest in Rooks to Cooks. They will be in touch with you shortly.
Thank you for using Our Kids.
The Trusted Source for Families since 1998.
Thank you for your interest in Rooks to Cooks. They will send you information about this session:
Thank you for using Our Kids.
The Trusted Source for Families since 1998.