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A Chick-fil-A restaurant in Louisiana announced it will host a summer camp just for kids, sparking a debate on social media.
The Hammond franchise location will open its doors to children, ages 5 to 12, to attend Chick-fil-A Summer Camp July 15-17 and July 22-24. The camp fee is $35 per session, according to a recent Facebook post.
Campers will be given the opportunity to meet the Chick-fil-A mascot as well as team leaders and get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into hosting the brand.
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This may seem like a pipe dream for fans of the restaurant chain, but not everyone on social media seems to support the camp.
A Chick-fil-A fast food location in Louisiana is launching a summer camp for kids at the restaurant, and the announcement has sparked backlash from some social media users. (Lindsey Nicholson Group/UCG/Universal Images via Getty Images / Getty Images)
The Hammond location has since updated its Facebook post after being met with some backlash.
In an earlier announcement, the Chick-fil-A location shared various activities it offered campers, including: “learning dining room host and customer service skills, learn how to take an order for guests, learn how to make a guest order, tour the kitchen and cut your piece and make your dream ice cream cone or cup.”
The post, which was shared on June 6, received thousands of comments claiming the restaurant was “exploiting” the children in attendance and taking advantage of them by putting the campers to work — one user even tagged the Department of Labor.
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“”Hey parents! Pay us so we can use your kids for child labor.” “I fixed your flyer,” one user wrote.
The first Chick-fil-A Kids’ Camp was held at an owner-operator location in Houston and has continued annually for the past six years. (iStock / iStock)
“Wait. You want parents to *check the bills* pay you to use their little kids as laborers. But they get a free meal, snack, and shirt that will give you free advertising?” added one person.
“Just because it’s the 20s again doesn’t mean we have to bring back child labor. It didn’t go well last time, spoiler alert,” wrote another Facebook user.
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However, not everyone is against the camp. Some users showed interest and even advocated for the fast food location.
The camp is for children ages 5 to 12 and will last just three hours from late morning to noon. (iStock / iStock)
“I’m going to go against the grain here. Cheers to you, Chick-Fil-A Hammond. It’s great to see an offering to teach young kids about work ethic and responsibility while having a little fun at the same time. I’ll ask my daughter if she’s interested in participating,” one Facebook user commented.
“I like this and don’t think it’s bad at all. Customer service skills and the kids love to play in the kitchen. Reminds me of the children’s museum we got to at the grocery store, but only with real food,” wrote another. .
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“Why is everyone in the comments tripping?? Kids would love this. It’s literally not paying to get into one of those kids only cities where kids learn new skills,” another user commented.
Chick-fil-A restaurants are owned and operated by individuals in their respective communities, so the camp is not a corporate program. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images/Getty Images)
“Some local restaurants create their own programs to engage with the communities in which they are located. Chick-fil-A restaurants are locally owned and operated by people who live and work in the communities their restaurants serve,” a public issue and Chick-fil-A’s external communications representative told FOX Business.
When asked for comment, a corporate representative responded on behalf of the Hammond, Louisiana, Chick-fil-A location.
The representative noted that the camp is not a corporate program.
The camp concept started six years ago from an owner-operator Chick-fil-A location in Houston, Texas, and has continued to take place every summer since it first started, the representative added.
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“It continues to run every summer and gets rave reviews from parents and kids alike — this year’s kids’ camp at that restaurant sold out in seven minutes, 200 spots,” she said.
A Louisiana Chick-fil-A location has sparked an online debate after opening a kids’ camp where campers will have the chance to spend a few hours behind the counter and learn about the business. (iStock / iStock)
Campers at the Houston restaurant participate in activities like trivia and bingo that are centered around the brand.
The Chick-fil-A representative emphasized that the restaurant does not benefit from the camp.
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“It’s important to know that campers are not doing the job of a team member,” she said.
“While there are team members serving as camp counselors, other team members are continuing to work in the restaurant and ensure guests receive the delicious food and hospitality that Chick-fil-A is known for.”