2026 Summer Camp - First Cook

2026 SUMMER CAMP SEASON RUNS JUNE 8, 2026 - JULY 31, 2026

MISSION STATEMENT:

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church.  Its message is based on the Bible.  Its ministry is motivated by the love of God.  Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

SCOPE OF POSITION:

The Head (1^st) Cook is responsible for the food services of Camp Gifford and will work in harmony with the total camp program, assuring the daily preparation of all meals and snacks in a manner that will make a positive contribution to the high standards of health nutrition and programming established for Camp Gifford.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Some college, vocational training, or comparable experience in the area of food service
• Experience working with children preferred

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Possess all food handler certification(s) as required by state and local law
• Able to maintain cleanliness & safety standards for kitchen and food services
• Possess good leadership skills and ability to supervise other staff
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Computer literate in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Publisher) required
• Be able to pass a child safety background check

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Plan and develop menus for all Camp Gifford summer programs. Consult with Corps Youth Officer, Business Director or designate at the beginning of each camp session to plan for any special events that will require food service.
• Supervise Second and Third Cooks; make work assignments and give direction to all kitchen and dishwashing staff
• Ensure that all meals and snacks are prepared and delivered on time
• When scheduled to work- prepare, cook, and serve meals
• Prepare and process all food and supply orders for food service operation
• Maintain a high standard of cleanliness and sanitation in the kitchen at all items
• Assist with and supervise the cleaning and care of all kitchen equipment in keeping with established health department standards
• Ensure that all kitchen cleanup is completed immediately following each meal
• Secure kitchen before leaving at the end of all scheduled events
• Maintain inventory of kitchen supplies, equipment, and food
• Maintain food production logs as well as records on leftovers and food waste
• Maintain USDA Summer Food Service records as required
• Ensure that all food service personnel practice safe work place habits. Make certain that deportment of all food service personnel is exemplary at all times
• Participate in retreats, as needed and scheduled 
• Performs other duties as assigned 

 GENERAL DUTIES:

• Exhibit effective Christ-like conduct and service as an appropriate example for campers and staff
• Give support to the total camping program performing all other duties required to provide a consistently excellent program
• Attend and participate in all camp programs as required including, but not limited to evening programs, chapel activities, and staff meetings
• Follow all policies and procedures
• Maintain cleanliness and order in your person and living quarters
• Assist with cleanup of the total camp at the end of teach session and at the conclusion of the summer

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:   

• Sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or continuous basis
• Grasp, push, pull objects, and reach overhead
• Operate a telephone and computer
• Lift up to 25 lbs.
• Understand verbal and written information
• Sweep, clean, and perform other janitorial tasks as needed

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.  A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order meet the physical requirements of the position.  The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result.

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled.