About Hawthorne Valley Farm Camp :

Hawthorne Valley Farm Camp has a unique summer opportunity for entry-to mid-level cooks who have a passion for sustainable food production, regenerative agriculture, and farm-to-table cooking.

Hawthorne Valley offers both day and overnight camps for children ages 8-16. Summer camp staff guides campers through hands-on, nature-based activities while living on our 900-acre organic, diversified Biodynamic® farm.

Campers spend their days feeding farm animals, gardening, crafting, hiking, making music, swimming in our pond, and more!

Our camps offer a safe and encouraging environment where children can reconnect with nature, learn new skills, and make lasting friendships.

Our camp staff is committed to providing campers with a tech-free, engaging, and fun experience during their stay at the farm.

We look for camp staff who enjoy working with children, love being in nature, have a positive attitude, and are hardworking.

About the Camp Cook Position :

Working at Hawthorne Valley Farm Camp is a highly rewarding experience. As a camp cook, you will help to feed all of our campers and staff (up to 70 people!) - a job that is both satisfying and challenging! During staff training and throughout the summer, our Dining Hall Manager will provide the tools and training you will need to succeed in the kitchen.

The food at Hawthorne Valley sets us apart from most camps. You certainly won’t find any pre-made, frozen products in our kitchen! Our team of cooks prepares farm-fresh delicious meals and snacks from scratch.

Our menu features mostly vegetarian fare prepared with Biodynamic and organic ingredients. Most produce comes directly from Hawthorne Valley Farm and the rest is sourced from other organic Hudson Valley growers.

Campers and counselors eat together family-style, fostering the community-building spirit of the camp.

Camp cooks can expect to develop both personally and professionally during your summer with us. If you are invested in the job and bring your best self every day, you will leave Hawthorne Valley with an authentic farm-to-table cooking experience, a better understanding of sustainable food production, and a new community of friends from across the country!

Responsibilities :

• Ability to work in a busy and lively kitchen environment preparing meals for up to 70 campers and staff
• Ensuring compliance with the Columbia County Department of Health camp regulations
• Prepping, cleaning, and plating meals from pre-approved kid-friendly recipes
• Interest in working with farm-fresh products
• Learning all the food allergies and sensitivities of campers and adhering to specific menu changes due to allergies
• Provide a nurturing and responsive environment to campers, guests, and other staff members
• Helping to ensure smooth operations of the daily needs of the kitchen by being flexible and attentive to details
• Supporting Dining Hall Manager and Camp Directors with upholding all camp food-related protocols
• All Hawthorne Valley Summer Camp staff must be committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for both campers and fellow staff members

Qualifications :

• Experience cooking primarily vegetarian meals for large groups in a commercial kitchen environment
• Knowledge of various food allergies and sensitivities
• Safe Serv certification
• Ability to follow a recipe
• A good worth ethic with an ability to be flexible and work as a team member with all age groups, including campers
• Strong time management, communication, and organizational skills
• The ability to lift and carry 50 lbs
• Previous cooking experience is required

Dates :

June 9 - August 3, 2024

Weekly Schedule :

Cooks will rotate between 6 8-hour shifts, six days per week, with one full day off per week.

Salary :

• $3,700 for the 8-week season including 2 weeks of paid staff training. Additional pay for candidates with specific certifications or qualifications.
• In addition to the salary, Farm-to-Table cooks are provided full room and board .

About the Area :

Most camp staff enjoy spending their time off exploring nearby towns or hiking in the surrounding area. Whatever your interests are, you'll find lots to do for fun during your time off in the Hudson Valley!

• Hudson, NY (20-minute drive) - Popular Upstate town with unique restaurants, cafes, boutiques, art, live music, and events
• Great Barrington, MA (25-minute drive) Another vibrant town with lots of options for food and shopping
• Catskill Mountains ( 1-hour drive) Awesome hikes and camping
• In the surrounding area near Hawthorne Valley, there are many hiking and bike trails

Learn More :

At Hawthorne Valley, we value and strive for social and cultural renewal in our work. We believe that cultivating an environment where everyone can be and become the truest expression of their humanity is essential for individual, organizational, and societal health.

We know that a diverse community- where everyone feels safe and is valued as they are- is a strong community. Hawthorne Valley is committed to creating a diverse coworker body, and we are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer.

We strongly encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds, cultures, genders, experiences, abilities, and perspectives to apply.