Summer Camp Kitchen Assistant - Lake Clear Camp

Job Summary: To assist the Kitchen Manager in preparing and serving nutritious meals and in maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen and dishwashing area.

About Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York: Girl Scouts create the world they want to live in and strive to make it better every single day. They explore their strengths, take on new challenges, and can always be themselves, regardless of background or ability. Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York is one of 110 councils across the United States, supporting Girl Scouts and volunteers across fifteen counties of upstate New York. We help build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.

Lake Clear Camp: Our Camps are unique and shaped by the physical, and outdoor spaces in which they take place, the team-building nature of our activities, and the welcoming environment that we strive to create. Situated on 91 scenic acres of land on a peninsula on Lake Clear is an Adirondack gem. The camp is surrounded by breathtaking state land in the Adirondack Park, adjacent to the St. Regis Canoe area. Facilities at Lake Clear Camp include renovated cabins with full bathrooms, lean-to units, a dining hall, a health center, and buildings for programs and activities. Campers range from first through twelfth grade.

Summer Camp dates at Lake Clear Camp are July 28th – August 22nd, 2025. All positions include room and board. Camp staff are generally off from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon each week.

GSNENY operates two summer overnight camps; Hidden Lake Camp in Lake George NY and Lake Clear camp near Saranac Lake, NY. Many staff positions can be combined to work at both camps for a full summer of employment (8 weeks total, June 28th – August 22nd.)

Essential Job Functions:

1. Camper Supervision

• Ensure camper safety (physical, emotional, & mental)
• Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, active involvement and empowerment of youth.
• Manage camper behaviors with appropriate guidance and reinforcement
• Provide quality support that resolves concerns by offering creative solutions in a timely manner.
• Provide constant supervision of campers
• Plan and facilitate age-appropriate camp activities

2. Camper Engagement

• Uphold and consistently model the Girl Scout Mission & Law
• Be a positive role model for campers and peers as an active member of camp community, maintaining positive relationships.
• Demonstrate cultural competence in interacting with campers, staff, caregivers focusing on inclusivity & sense of belonging

3. Kitchen Duties

• Assist in the daily operations of the camp food service.
• Assist in the preparation of food as the menu indicates, including washing and peeling.
• Set up food, supplies, and utensils for dining hall distribution.
• Store food and leftovers at proper temperature.
• Assist in routine sanitation of the kitchen and related equipment.
• Clean and maintain all food-preparation and storage areas.
• Wash all dishes, serving and preparation equipment, and utensils according to regulated washing methods and temperatures.
• Reduce waste, reuse items, and recycle as indicated through the camp’s procedures.
• Assist in the preparation and packaging of food for use outside the camp dining hall.
• Work with cooks and other staff in reviewing pack out requests to ensure adequate and accurate amounts and variety.
• Prepare and store pack-out food according to camp and health code procedures.
• Advise staff on equipment or preparation materials needed for identified menu choices.

4. Health & Safety

• Proactively maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for campers & staff
• Follow all policies and procedures set by GSNENY, ACA, DOH, SAC, etc.
• Ensure work area are safe and meet all requirements
• Report broken or damaged equipment or other hazards to the appropriate person in a timely manner and take appropriate action to keep others safe.
• Be alert to campers and staff needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems
• Ensure overall camp cleanliness/ upkeep – following Camp policy & protocols
• Follow the chain of command to solve problems and mediate solutions including reporting issues to the Camp Director, Assistant Director or Health Director when appropriate.

5. Mentorship & Role Modeling

• Promote & support the principles of the Girl Scout Leadership experience and the core philosophies of GSUSA and GSNENY
• Work collaboratively with other camp staff to ensure a positive camp experience for campers, caregivers and staff
• Maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with the camp team using open respectful communication
• Complete assigned tasks as scheduled and communicate any challenges or delays promptly
• Actively participate in trainings, at a satisfactory level to achieve training or certification credit
• Take initiative, identify areas of need, and complete other duties as assigned

6. Administrative Duties

• Complete logs, daily/weekly reports, and other requirement documentation
• Communicate proactively with Camp Director/ Assistant Director about camper/ program needs, updates, or changes
• Utilize specialized skills in accordance with training and certification (First Aid, CPR, waterfront skills, ropes, archery, etc.)
• Contribute to verbal and written evaluations and communications as requested

7. Other Job Duties as assigned according to the needs of campers and camp programs.

Qualifications: (Minimum Education and Experience)

• Must be 18 years of age
• Experience in institutional or large food service settings.
• Knowledge of and experience in food service
• Knowledge of standards of food preparation and serving, storage of food, and kitchen procedures.
• Must submit health history record and examination form prior to first day of work.
• Must be able to pass criminal and sex-offender background check

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of current health and safety laws and practices is essential.
• Knowledge of and experience in preparation of special dietary foods.
• Ability to interact with campers and adults in a positive respectful manner.
• Interest and ability to work with children outdoors.

Physical requirements of a camp staff position include: the physical ability to move Ability to lift and carry 30 pounds including unloading food, carry trays of dishes, lifting supplies and equipment as needed. Ability to engage in physical activities including prolonged standing, bending, stooping, and stretching. Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to safely and properly use kitchen equipment; requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate information; Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related, and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.; Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury). Staff must be willing to live in a rustic camp setting and work irregular hours with limited or simple equipment and facilities; with daily exposure to the sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather conditions. Summer camp staff may encounter a variety of arachnids, including ticks and spiders, as well as insects like mosquitoes and flies, and other wildlife such as snakes and bats, while working outdoors in natural environments.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $400.00 - $425.00 per week

Work Location: In person

Salary : $400 - $425