Camp Kitchen Assistant

Camp Paradise offers quality teaching, focused one-on-one time for dads with their kids, and adventurous activities that can deepen their relationships and spiritual perspective. Together they can conquer the 50-foot climbing tower or ropes courses, wake up early to canoe or ride the water bikes along the Tahquamenon River, explore our hiking trails, learn to shoot at our archery/bb gun range, and enjoy the evening campfires. There are an abundance of fun camp activities for them to experience together. This position is part of a close knit staff whose sole focus is to provide space and activities for dads and kids to spend quality time together and build better relationships. You'll make an impact on the lives of others and have fun doing it!

Job Overview

Camp Paradise, Willow Creek’s summer camp in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, sets the stage for dads and their kids to make memories together to last a lifetime. The rustic facilities boast an amazing camp kitchen, beautiful new chapel, river views and unbeatable, star-filled skies.

As the Kitchen Assistant you will assist in all aspects of the food experience for Camp Paradise. You will be responsible for food preparation, stock rotation, kitchen maintenance, and maintaining sanitary areas in addition to the correct handling, serving, and storage of all equipment, food, supplies, etc. You will also direct and/or lead small teams and support summer staff at the direction of the Kitchen Manager. Also, you will get to contribute to, plan, assemble, and deliver appealing, nutritious menu items to campers and staff. In addition to a generous salary, you will receive free room and board for the summer!

Job Responsibilities

• Assisting Kitchen Manager in food prep, inventory, and service around meal times.
• Ensuring that all food items and products are stored, prepared, and served based on Camp Paradise standards.
• Assist with aspects of the meal prep, food procurement, and food service (thawing, cutting, cooking, plating, etc.).
• Maintain clean working environments, manage leftovers, and supervise lodge cleanup.
• ​​Maintain adequate inventory levels and conduct weekly inventories.
• Maintaining State Health Department standards
• Developing relationships and engage with staff and campers
• Overseeing lunches and dishes for staff during non-camper days
• Supporting the Kitchen Manager regarding camper feedback, menu options, and dining experience
• Working with and leading summer staff students on various hospitality-related projects

Success is Defined As…

• The participants of camp are fed in smooth food service operations throughout the camp season
• Creating and preparing well-rounded balanced meals for staff and campers throughout the season that fosters community building 
• Adding to and contributing  to an engaged team dynamic among full-time staff, summer staff, and the kitchen team

Preferred Skills and Experience

Skills/Competencies:

• Action-Oriented
• Good Time Management
• Creative
• Strong Process Management
• Well Organized
• Flexible and Adaptable 
• Self-Aware
• Patient
• Strong Problem Solving skills
• Excellent Customer Service skills
• Good Team Player

Personal Characteristics: 

• Hospitable
• Engaging
• Self-aware
• Driven
• Adaptable
• Learner

Education and Experience:

• Culinary or food service experience required
• ServSafe certification required
• Former experience living and working at a Christian camp or retreat center in a food service role is preferred

Special Benefits

• Room and board provided in addition to salary (comfortable cabin & state of the art kitchen/dining hall)
• Transportation to camp from the Chicagoland area provided
• Transportation from camp after season to the Chicagoland area provided

Minimum Requirements

• Culinary or food service experience required
• ServSafe certification required (or in process)
• Former experience living and working at a Christian camp or retreat center in a food service role is preferred