Junior Chef Culinary programs are cooking up change that lasts a lifetime for youth and their families.
Fanjoy’s Junior Chef programming provides youth, age 12-29 years of age, with innovative cooking classes and therapeutic programs that build confidence, increase social connection and teach healthy life skills for optimal mental health. When youth feel that they belong and can feed their body, mind and soul, they will thrive and reach their potential. Let’s connect and cook together.
“Junior Chef is more than just a program. You become part of the Fanjoy Family once you’ve taken the fundamentals.”
Hear what our Junior Chefs and their families have to say about our programs…
Cooking for teens & young adults preparing for independence
Learn more about Culinary Classics + Life Skills
Helping teens & young adults with mental health & Autism
Learn more about helping teens & young adults
Culinary and life skills classes for LGBTQ2S+ non binary youth
Learn More About
Rainbow Connections

Junior Chef Fundamentals + Life Skills
Wednesdays, June 14, 21 and 28 IN HILLSBURGH
Menus will focus on using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and developing the skill of cooking without needing to even have a recipe. Menus include Thai Cashew Chicken Stir Fry, Canadian Shepherd’s Pie, Mac & Cheese, Mexican Fajitas, Pot Pies, Chicken Penne Alfredo with Mighty Garlic Bread & Caesar Salad, Chicken Souvlaki with Rice & Greek Salad and Meaty Lasagna. Please note: Substitutions during COVID may occur due to ongoing supply chain and delivery issues that we are unable to control.
FEES: $295.00 + HST
AGES: 13-19 years
DATES: Wednesdays June 14, 21 and 28 from 4:00 – 6:00pm (3 weeks)
LOCATION: Hillsburgh Culinary Studio, 100 Trafalgar Road
CLASS SIZE: maximum 8 participants. Minimum 4 participants required or class will be cancelled with at least 72 hours notice prior to the scheduled class.*
REQUIREMENTS:All Junior Chefs are required to purchase a Junior Chef Starter Kit that includes T-shirt, hat and wooden spoon. You can add a Starter Kit to your registration and pick it up at the first class.
INCLUDES:
- 3 x 2 hour classes weekly, Wednesdays 4:00pm – 6:00pm
- 2 meals to take home each week (value $30 x 8 weeks = $120 + HST). Additional weekly meals can be ordered at time of registration for $18.95 each + HST. Meal choice is determined by the weekly class menu. Please, no substitutions – your understanding is appreciated.
*In the case of cancellation by Fanjoy, a future credit for the full fee will be granted to attend any of our upcoming classes.

FANJOY JUNIOR CHEF™ CULINARY SUMMER CAMP
Coming August 2023 – stay tuned for final dates
Is your teen a chef in the making? Are they looking for adventure in the kitchen and to develop their cooking skills, serious about taking some culinary training so they can land that first job this summer or simply wanting to get out and make some new friends with common interests?
FEES:
- Morning Sessions: 9:00am–2:00pm for 12-15 year olds: $595.00 + HST**
- Afternoon Sessions: 11:00am–3:00pm for 15-18 year olds: $595.00 + HST**
- Full Day: 9:00am–3:00pm for15-18 year olds: $695.00 + HST**
DATES: August 2023 – final dates to be confirmed
LOCATION: Hillsburgh Culinary Studio, 100 Trafalgar Road
REQUIREMENTS: All Junior Chefs are required to purchase a Junior Chef Starter Kit that includes T-shirt, hat and wooden spoon. You can add a Starter Kit to your registration and pick it up at the first class.
INCLUDES:
3 hours + of daily technical culinary instruction from Chef Pam along with life skills coaching that focuses on building confidence, developing problem-solving skills, enhancing communication skills and developing self-care strategies while working in the kitchen
Tastings, snacks & lunch, daily
Fanjoy Junior Chef cookbook with recipes and step-by-step instructions
Daily Fireside Chef Chats after lunch featuring guest speakers, videos and highlights that will focus on teaching youth about sustainability, real life challenges and opportunities for kitchen careers, addressing food waste, the myth of ‘best before dates’ & evaluating the impact of farming and food choices on our environment
Fanjoy’s Chopped Junior Chef Competition at lunchtime on Friday
**Prices are subject to change to reflect rising food costs.

Rainbow Connections
We are currently looking for either a corporate sponsor or Not for Profit funding that will allow us to resume & continue offering our in person programs for LGBTQ2S+ youth this fall. These culinary programs are always made available for select partnering agencies to book privately. Stay tuned for upcoming dates.
Culinary and life skills pod for LGBTQ2S+ and NON-BINARY teens
Finding a safe place where you belong is not only important, but critical for our physical health and mental wellbeing. This program is offered exclusively for youth identifying as gay, lesbian, non binary, trans or anywhere on the LGBTQ spectrum. Gathering together to learn the basics of cooking up healthy food, budgeting, creative plating and our 3 C’s— Communication, Collaboration and Cooperation, teens will find delicious new ways to feed healthy connections and accept themselves AS IS.
Ask about our custom agency youth drop in plans that are available for select Fanjoy Not for Profit or Charitable Partners working within the field of youth mental health, or committed to preventing youth food insecurity and/or homelessness.
Please contact pam@chefpamfanjoy.com for further information if interested.
More information on which fees may be covered by your healthcare provider
Learn more about the Fanjoy Bursary for Junior Chef Programs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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