Summer Camp Staff/Kitchen Assistant (Female)

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Employee discounts
• Free food & snacks
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development

Position Title: Summer Camp Staff/Kitchen Assistant

Classification: Full-Time Seasonal (June 22 – August 10)

Job Location: Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Reports To: Food Service Manager and Summer Camp Director(s)

Position Summary:

Mt. Gilead Camp and Conference Center, a cherished Christian summer camp for girls in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, is seeking a dedicated Summer Camp Cook/Kitchen Assistant to join our team. For over 60 years, Mt. Gilead has provided a nurturing environment where girls can relax, grow, and build lasting friendships through faith-centered experiences. Located at 440 Rinker Road, Stroudsburg, PA, our camp serves campers aged 7-17 with a warm, family-style dining experience that fuels their summer adventures. The Cook/Kitchen Assistant will play a vital role in supporting our mission by preparing and serving nutritious, delicious meals in our modern, air-conditioned kitchen, ensuring campers and staff are well-fed and energized for a season of fun, fellowship, and growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the Food Service Manager in preparing and cooking meals for approximately 100-160 campers and staff daily, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
• Follow provided menus and recipes to prepare family-style meals, accommodating dietary restrictions such as allergies, vegetarian preferences, and gluten-free needs.
• Support kitchen operations by prepping ingredients (e.g., chopping vegetables, measuring portions), cooking dishes, and plating food for service in the dining hall.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen environment, adhering to Pennsylvania health and safety regulations, including proper food handling, storage, and sanitation practices.
• Assist with dining hall setup and cleanup, including arranging tables, serving food, and washing dishes, pots, and utensils after meals.
• Monitor inventory levels of food and supplies, notifying the Food Service Manager of shortages or needs for upcoming meals.
• Collaborate with kitchen team members to ensure timely meal service that aligns with the camp’s daily schedule of activities.
• Participate in the seasonal opening and closing of the kitchen, including organizing supplies and deep-cleaning equipment and storage areas.
• Uphold Mt. Gilead’s values by fostering a positive, teamwork-oriented atmosphere in the kitchen, contributing to the camp’s nurturing community spirit.
• Occasionally assist with special events, such as campfires or themed meals, by preparing portable snacks or treats as directed.

Qualifications:

• Minimum age of 18 years (preference for high school graduates or college students).
• Prior experience in food preparation, cooking, or kitchen assistance preferred (e.g., restaurant, catering, or home cooking for large groups), though not required—training will be provided.
• Familiarity with basic kitchen equipment (e.g., ovens, stovetops, blenders, knives) and a willingness to learn safe operation techniques.
• Understanding of food safety and sanitation practices (ServSafe certification a plus, or willingness to obtain during orientation).
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, with a positive attitude and eagerness to serve others.
• Physical stamina to stand for extended periods, lift up to 25 pounds, and work in a warm kitchen setting.
• Passion for supporting children and contributing to a fun, faith-filled camp experience.

Personal and Professional Characteristics:

• Enthusiastic and dependable, with a heart for service and a desire to support Mt. Gilead’s Christ-centered mission.
• Organized and proactive, capable of following instructions and adapting to the needs of the kitchen team.
• Friendly and approachable, comfortable interacting with staff and campers during meal service.
• Resilient and calm under pressure, maintaining a cheerful demeanor even during busy meal rushes.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in a kitchen environment with varying temperatures and stand for long periods.
• Capable of lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds (e.g., trays of food, supply boxes) and performing repetitive tasks like chopping or stirring.
• Comfortable working indoors with occasional outdoor tasks, such as delivering snacks to camp activities.

Why Join Us?

At Mt. Gilead Camp, you’ll be part of an all-female staff team dedicated to creating a transformative summer for girls in a stunning Pocono Mountains setting. As a Cook/Kitchen Assistant, you’ll enjoy working in our large, air-conditioned kitchen while contributing to the camp’s warm, family-style dining tradition. This is a chance to make a difference, build skills, and share in the joy of camp life—complete with campfires, silly songs, and lifelong memories. Room and board, including three meals daily, are provided for the duration of the season.