lead instructor

sous chef

kitchen assistant

camp counselor

program coordinator

Rooks-to-Cooks

If you have a passion for cooking and enjoy working with kids, Rooks to Cooks is a wonderful company to be part of. I had the pleasure of working for R2C for 2 summers and a winter break. Throughout my time, I experienced being a kitchen assistant, sous chef, and supply lead chef.

Being part of R2C is a rewarding experience. It’s so heartwarming knowing what you do makes a difference. Being able to watch your campers’ confidence grow and develop the same love for food you have is an amazing feeling. This company also helps you grow personally and professionally. At R2C, diversity is celebrated. While being part of the company, you’ll have the delight of learning about different disciplines, cultures, and experiences. Professionally, you’ll get to expand your leadership abilities, knowledge, and technical skills. There are also great growth opportunities within the company and hard work is rewarded.

Chef Shai (the CEO) and head office are phenomenal. The team leads with an incredible amount of compassion, integrity, and appreciation. When they say they are there for you, they truly mean it. I was blown away by their humility and how much they cared. I have experienced the CEO and managers jump in to wash dishes, teach demonstrations, and take on extra work to ease employees’ work loads. They regularly asked what they could do to make our jobs easier. When suggestions were brought up, they took them seriously and immediately implemented changes. No matter your role, level of experience, or age, they make you feel your insights are valued. The results of effective management are seen in staff satisfaction. I’ve met multiple co-workers who have spent 3, 4, and even 5+ summers with this company.

If you are looking to be part of a company that treats you like family, appreciates its staff, and has great values, this is the one for you.

I have been with Rooks to Cooks for quite a while now, ever since I was a camper several years ago, and I made my way up in the company from a volunteer to kitchen assistant to sous chef, and I have loved every moment I have spent with R2C. I have also worked and attended multiple locations around Toronto and the GTA, and every single place has felt so welcoming, both as a camper and definitely now as an employee. R2C has always made me feel like I belonged and had a purpose, whether it be learning a new dish from a culture I did not know much about, or by teaching and assisting the new generations with cooking and sharing my passion with them so they can feel the same as I do! 

In my current position as sous chef, I always feel supported by management with my daily tasks, which usually include supporting the head chef in teaching and assuring the campers are safe and have a good environment to flourish in, doing food preparation and inventory, and overall ensuring all daily activities and recipes are being done safely, but also in a fun manner!  

I have been very lucky to attend and work at R2C and to be able to have a full circle moment with them by beginning as a young camper and now teaching others what I have learned is just so rewarding, and I am looking forward to continuing with the company, as many others I know would say the same. 

A day as a KA at Rooks to Cooks is hands-on, busy, and very rewarding. My tasks mainly include food prep, keeping the kitchen clean/organised, and working with the rest of the team to ensure that the curriculum runs smoothly. The hardest part of being a KA is keeping up with the pace of the kitchen/classes. Because of this, my time management and organisation have improved. 

For me, what makes this position extra special is that I was once a camper here myself.  My first year was in 2017. Rooks to Cooks was where I first learned to cook and discover one of my greatest passions, so coming back in 2023 as a KA felt like a full-circle moment. I have gained so many useful skills, both technical and interpersonal. 

Overall, management has been very approachable and supportive. The workplace culture has also been so positive and welcoming. I'd say the most enjoyable part of this job for me is getting to pass on what I learned and help create the same fun and inspiration for campers that once meant so much to me. 

Rooks to Cooks - Supply On-Call Staff (Summer 2025)
Rating: 5/5 Stars
I highly recommend working for Rooks to Cooks! As Supply On-Call Staff this past summer, I had a fantastic and rewarding experience.
The role demands exceptional flexibility and reliability, and Rooks to Cooks provided a dynamic and supportive environment to succeed. I was frequently called upon to fill short-notice gaps across various camp locations and program types (from junior to teen cooking workshops), which built incredible skills in adaptation and quick problem-solving.
Management was professional and organized, ensuring clear communication and providing all necessary resources for seamless integration into new teams. The work itself was hands-on and fulfilling—assisting lead chefs with class preparation, managing kitchen hygiene, and engaging directly with campers to foster a love for cooking.
If you are reliable, proactive, and looking for meaningful, fast-paced work in a fun, culinary environment, this is an excellent team to join!

What is the best part of working at the company?
You get to eat meals that the children cook each day.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The expectations you have can become overwhelming. For instance, as a camp assistant, your expected to prepare every ingredient which holds lots of responsibility— you have to know what you’re doing and how to use equipment in the kitchen.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
I didn’t work with children as much as I was in the kitchen. I worked with another volunteer student and with a staff member. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
A typical day can be seen as doing tasks such as:
- Reviewing the recipes for the week.
- Preparing ingredients for the day.
- Grabbing each ingredient item from the fridge, shelves, and boxes, etc.,
- Washing plates and utensils (used in the kitchen for receipts preparation and from kids cooking)
- Wipe down counters and equipment such as scales, etc.,

Working at Rooks to Cooks has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The environment is upbeat, supportive, and truly centered on helping both staff and students succeed. Management is organized and approachable, always providing clear guidance and encouragement.

The team culture is one of the best parts—everyone is passionate about food, teaching, and creating memorable experiences for the kids. There’s a real sense of collaboration, and you always feel valued for the work you do.

I also appreciated the opportunities for growth. You gain hands-on experience in both culinary skills and teaching, and the training provided sets you up for success. Seeing the students gain confidence and excitement in the kitchen is genuinely fulfilling.

Overall, Rooks to Cooks is a fantastic place to work if you love cooking, enjoy working with youth, and want to be part of a positive, enthusiastic team. Highly recommended!

I've worked for Rooks2cooks since 2024.
As a veteran chef who have been in the industry for over 2 decades. Rooks to Cooks gave me an opportunity to use my skill and pass on my experiences & knowledge to the young generation. The job can be tough sometimes but it worth all the effort to see all the kids growth and having fun. Everyone who work for Rooks2cooks are like a family,we give each other support when needed. Everyone also treated with respect and no decriminate no matter where you are from or what culture you have. The only down point I could think of is the job is  only in the summer. However, there are more opportunities with events, workshop, after school program throughout the whole year. 
I could say this job is one of the best choice summer job you can have for a seasonal job. 

Working here gives you an immense sense of purpose and accomplishment. The company treats you like humans rather than robots and believes in the power of a great team. The job is full-time during the summer (camp) with occasional part-time/full-time opportunities throughout the year. Workplace culture will vary based on the people chosen to work with you at your specific location but operations do their best to match you up with similar people. The hardest part of this job can be any unexpected problems that may occur throughout the day and thinking on your feet to solve such problems quickly. The most enjoyable part of the job is seeing the impact that you can have on the campers and their families, they will also tell you!! If you want to work somewhere meaningful, this is the place for you!

I’ve been part of Rooks to Cooks for several years, starting as a camper, then volunteering, working on-call in supply, and now as a full-time summer staff member. Over the years, I’ve worked in multiple roles across both front-of-house and back-of-house positions, which has given me a strong understanding of the organization as a whole. Rooks to Cooks is a supportive and welcoming place to work, with approachable leadership and a genuinely positive team environment. Expectations are clear, and staff are encouraged to learn, grow, and take on new responsibilities. It’s been incredibly rewarding to continue working for a company that had such a positive impact on me growing up. It can be hard work, but it’s extremely rewarding especially seeing the impact you’re making on the kids and their families.

I worked at Rooks to Cooks as a counsellor between 2019-2023. Having worked at several other camps, I can confidently say that Rooks to Cooks is the best. They offer staff a supportive environment and very competitive compensation. For students and others seeking seasonal employment, I would unreservedly recommend this job.  Hours are long, particularly on Fridays, but they are also regular so you are free to make plans for weekends and evenings well in advance. I have learned so much from my coworkers over the years and the kids who attend this camp are fabulous. I found it really rewarding to watch kids grow their confidence as cooks and it was awesome to work with the kids each week to prepare for the Pop-Up Restaurant on Friday evening. 

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Lead instructor 3 salaries reported	$1,210 per week
Sous chef 3 salaries reported	$23.33 per hour
Kitchen assistant 6 salaries reported	$750 per week
Camp counselor 1 salary reported	$780 per week
Program coordinator 2 salaries reported	$1,210 per week

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