Some parents are upset with a Chick-fil-A in Louisiana. They're angry over a summer camp there that teaches kids life skills.
TV host Mike Rowe defended the camp on "Varney & Co." He pushed back against claims that it’s "child labor."
The Hammond, Louisiana location will host kids aged 5-12. The "Chick-fil-A Summer Camp" runs from July 15-17 and July 22-24. Each session costs $35, said a Facebook post.
Campers get to meet the Chick-fil-A mascot. They also meet team leaders and learn about the brand's hospitality.
Rowe said, "What did we think would happen when we removed Home Ec and shop classes? Someone has to teach these skills to the next generation."
"If Chick-fil-A is leading this charge, great. We need basic common sense and soft skills, which are lacking."
The camp offers activities like learning customer service. Kids can also tour the kitchen and make their own ice cream cone.
The announcement got mixed reactions. Some parents accused Chick-fil-A of exploiting kids. One even tagged the Labor Department in the post.
Not everyone was against it. Some showed support and interest in the camp.
Rowe emphasized the importance of learning "soft skills" for kids. He said the U.S. is facing a shortage of trade workers.
"It's not just a skill gap, it's a will gap," Rowe added.
He believes the next generation is eager for blue-collar jobs. "Gen Z is surprising us with their interest in these jobs," he said.
Despite the controversy, the camp sold out fast. All 200 spots were filled in just seven minutes, a representative said.