Christian Restaurant Hosts Kids Summer Camp
Mike Rowe, the host of “Dirty Jobs,” praised a Chick-fil-A franchise in Hammond, Louisiana, for launching a unique summer camp designed to teach children practical life skills. The camp, set to occur next month, has sparked interest for its innovative approach but also faced criticism, with some labeling it a “child labor” camp. The initiative aims to educate children through hands-on business insights, a concept that has drawn both support and controversy.
The Chick-fil-A Summer Camp, announced on June 5, will take place in six sessions from July 15-17 and July 22-24. The camp, which costs $35 per session, is open to children aged 5 to 12 and includes a tour of the restaurant, interactions with the Chick-fil-A Cow mascot, and guidance from team leaders. Each participant will also receive a kid’s meal, T-shirt, name tag, and snack. The camp quickly sold out its initial sessions within an hour, leading to the addition of more sessions to meet demand.
Despite its popularity, the camp has received mixed reactions on social media. Some parents and critics have expressed concerns about potential “child labor” implications and questioned the appropriateness of introducing young children to corporate environments. In response to these concerns, Chick-fil-A representatives clarified that the camp activities do not involve performing actual team member tasks but focus on planned, engaging activities for the campers.
Mike Rowe defended the camp on Fox Business’ “Varney & Co.,” commending Chick-fil-A for addressing the gap left by the removal of practical skills courses from public schools. Rowe highlighted the importance of teaching soft skills and basic common sense to the next generation, expressing support for Chick-fil-A’s efforts to fill this educational void.
Chick-fil-A representatives emphasized that the camps are not profit-driven but are intended to engage with the community and teach valuable skills to children. They noted that each Chick-fil-A restaurant is independently owned, allowing local owners to develop programs that connect with their communities. Additionally, Chick-fil-A has introduced a new summer menu item, the maple pepper bacon sandwich, and brought back the peach milkshake, a fan favorite, showcasing the company’s ongoing efforts to innovate and engage with its customers.