Camp Kitchen Manager

Join a team that values growth, leadership, and the transformative power of wilderness.

Job Overview

Our kitchen staff are highly respected here at Birchwood and worshiped by our campers. Friday through Wednesday, our kitchen staff serve three meals each day. Breakfast is served at 8am, lunch at 12:30pm, and dinner at 5:30pm. Wednesday after breakfast until dinner prep begins on Friday is our kitchen staff’s time to enjoy the Northwoods with one interruption on Thursday afternoon to receive the weekly food order.

This is not a normal kitchen job. With the help of a second cook and kitchen assistant, mainly for cleaning up, we are very flexible on how we get the job done. Our campers are our first concern, but our staff are a very close second. We value your experience at BWC and want you to have a rewarding and fulfilling summer.

Responsibilities:

• Overseas kitchen staff and report directly to Camp Directors
• Plan nutritionally balanced meals (in accordance with state regulations and food licensing) leveraging our years of menus already documented.
• Prepare and submit weekly food order based on planned menus and food budget.
• Prepare three meals per day for 60 campers and staff with the help of a cook and assistant.
• Work with the Camp Director to respond to special dietary needs of participants
• Clean and prepare food service areas for use and inspection
• Makes use of leftover food in meal preparations as appropriate and safe to minimize waste.

Special Benefits

Room and Board

Minimum Requirements

• Proven experience managing a commercial or institutional kitchen (camp, school, or restaurant setting preferred)
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills — able to supervise, train, and inspire kitchen staff and campers
• Thorough understanding of food safety and sanitation standards (ServSafe certification or equivalent required)
• Skilled in menu planning, meal preparation, and accommodating dietary needs (including allergies and vegetarian options)
• Experience with inventory control, ordering, and budget management
• Ability to create a positive, efficient, and welcoming kitchen environment
• Comfortable working in a rustic, fast-paced camp setting with flexible hours and changing priorities
• Physically able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs, stand for extended periods, and maintain energy through long camp days
• Commitment to sustainability, community, and the camp’s mission of fostering outdoor adventure and connection