HAMMOND, La. (WVUE/Gray News) – A Chick-fil-A in Louisiana is facing criticism for its summer camp that charges children to perform work-related tasks.
The Hammond Chick-fil-A is organizing a one-day camp in July for kids aged 5-12. This camp allows children to experience various tasks typically performed by Chick-fil-A employees.
The cost of the camp is $35, which includes a kid’s meal, t-shirt, name tag, and a snack. The restaurant is offering six sessions of this one-day camp.
In a Facebook post, the Chick-fil-A location detailed the activities for campers. These activities include learning dining room host and customer service skills, taking guest orders, bagging guest orders, touring the kitchen, and making their own Ice Dream cone or cup.
Campers will also have the chance to meet the Chick-fil-A mascot and get a behind-the-scenes look at the brand’s hospitality operations.
The Facebook post sparked backlash, with many accusing the restaurant of exploiting campers by making them work and charging $35 per child. Some critics even tagged the U.S. Department of Labor in their comments.
However, others praised the camp for teaching children valuable skills. One Facebook user commented, “Kudos to you, Chick-fil-A Hammond. It’s nice to see an offer to teach young children about work ethic and responsibility, while having a little fun at the same time. I’ll ask my daughter if she’s interested in attending.”
Despite the mixed reactions, all six sessions of the camp were fully booked due to strong interest.
A Chick-fil-A representative told FOX Business, “It’s important to know campers are not doing the work of a Team Member.
While there are Team Members who serve as camp counselors, other Team Members are continuing to work in the restaurant and ensure guests receive the delicious food and hospitality Chick-fil-A is known for.”