What are the responsibilities and job description for the Camp Carmel Creek - Cooking Specialist position at San Diego Jewish Academy?
Cooking Specialist
Welcome to your job description!
Camp Carmel Creek is a program of The San Diego Jewish Academy. We create summer adventures filled with joy, growth, curiosity and intention through a unique model combining classic day-camp, the focus of a specialty camp, and the connection of a sleepaway camp. We believe life's most valuable lessons come from independent discovery and perpetual curiosity. That is why we built a summer camp that inspired curiosity by putting kids in charge of their own adventures.
Our 4 core values are Joy, Curiosity, Adventure and Community.
What You Can Expect To Gain From This Role.
We are committed to providing you with the skills to not just be successful at this camp, this summer, but rather we are providing you with skills that you can take into any career path in the future.
Leadership: As an activity specialist you are responsible for your program area. You design it, you plan it, you enact it, you own it. You have the opportunity to be creative and build the best program possible for our campers.
Communication: Good communication between you and your campers, between you and your supervisor, between you and your co-workers, is essential to a successful day at camp.
Organization: Following the schedule, being at activities on time, being creative, having your lesson plans ready and all supplies available to run your class effectively.
Problem Solving: Good problem-solvers are adaptable, resilient, collaborative, and open-minded. A camp day presents many opportunities to flex these muscles.
Teamwork: Camp is not about the individual. Success is not defined by what you do alone, it’s about what we do as a team. Learning to work together and rely on each other to achieve our goals is what’s most important.
Responsibilities:
June 15th - August 7th, Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm. Full-time and part-time opportunities available.
4 staff training dates prior to June 15th. (30 hours of online and in person paid training prior to the start of camp)
Salary Range: $22-$30 per hour. Our pay scale is based on level of schooling and experience.
Employment Requirements
SDJA is unable to provide immigration sponsorships such as H1B Visas.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and be willing to undergo both Live Scan background check (for age 18 ) and TB screening as part of the hiring process.
California Compliance Notice
In accordance with California law (Education Code
Camp Carmel Creek is a community of learners who value the rich diversity of its members. We welcome campers, and staff with differences based on (but not limited to) race, color, ethnicity, age, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, family structure, and economic background.
Camp Carmel Creek is committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. The Camp will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant or an employee unless undue hardship would result. You are not required to note the presence of a disability on the employment application. If, however, you require reasonable accommodation in the application and/or interview process due to disability, requests must be made in a timely manner.
Welcome to your job description!
Camp Carmel Creek is a program of The San Diego Jewish Academy. We create summer adventures filled with joy, growth, curiosity and intention through a unique model combining classic day-camp, the focus of a specialty camp, and the connection of a sleepaway camp. We believe life's most valuable lessons come from independent discovery and perpetual curiosity. That is why we built a summer camp that inspired curiosity by putting kids in charge of their own adventures.
Our 4 core values are Joy, Curiosity, Adventure and Community.
What You Can Expect To Gain From This Role.
We are committed to providing you with the skills to not just be successful at this camp, this summer, but rather we are providing you with skills that you can take into any career path in the future.
Leadership: As an activity specialist you are responsible for your program area. You design it, you plan it, you enact it, you own it. You have the opportunity to be creative and build the best program possible for our campers.
Communication: Good communication between you and your campers, between you and your supervisor, between you and your co-workers, is essential to a successful day at camp.
Organization: Following the schedule, being at activities on time, being creative, having your lesson plans ready and all supplies available to run your class effectively.
Problem Solving: Good problem-solvers are adaptable, resilient, collaborative, and open-minded. A camp day presents many opportunities to flex these muscles.
Teamwork: Camp is not about the individual. Success is not defined by what you do alone, it’s about what we do as a team. Learning to work together and rely on each other to achieve our goals is what’s most important.
Responsibilities:
- Plan, organize, and lead engaging, hands-on cooking experiences for campers in kindergarten through 6th grade.
- Design and develop age-appropriate culinary activities that align with the Nature Track theme.
- Create meaningful farm-to-table inspired experiences within a kitchen setting.
- Source, purchase, and manage all ingredients and supplies needed for daily cooking activities.
- Teach fundamental culinary skills including safe food handling, measuring, chopping, mixing, baking, and basic cooking techniques in a developmentally appropriate way.
- Create a positive and energetic kitchen environment where campers of all skill levels feel confident, included, and excited to participate.
- Collaborate with the Nature Specialist to ensure thematic alignment between garden learning and kitchen experiences.
- Maintain and manage kitchen tools, appliances, and supplies, ensuring cleanliness, safety, and organization at all times.
- Participate in staff training before camp begins to align on safety procedures, kitchen protocols, and camp values.
- Assist with camp setup and cleanup at the start and end of the season.
- Ensure the safety and well-being of campers at all times, enforcing kitchen safety, hygiene, and proper supervision.
- Design and implement a structured cooking curriculum that complements the Nature Track experience.
- Create engaging lessons that help campers understand where food comes from and how it connects to nature and sustainability.
- Plan recipes and activities in advance, ensuring all ingredients and materials are prepared prior to each session.
- Manage inventory, track ingredient usage, and maintain organization of all food supplies.
- Ensure all food safety standards are followed, including proper storage, allergy awareness, sanitation, and safe tool usage.
- Adapt instruction and recipes for different age groups and skill levels to ensure all campers feel successful and included.
- Work collaboratively with other camp staff to incorporate cooking into camp-wide events, theme days, and special programming.
- Participate in staff training before camp begins to align on instructional strategies, safety protocols, and camp culture.
- Assist with setup and cleanup of the kitchen space before, during, and after the camp season.
- Prioritize camper safety by teaching proper tool usage, supervising all cooking activities, and responding appropriately to any incidents.
- Ability to instruct and adjust techniques for campers of various skill levels.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills to create an engaging and supportive learning environment.
- Strong attention to safety and risk management.
- Ability to work collaboratively with camp staff and contribute to a team-oriented environment.
- CPR and First Aid certification (preferred but not required).
- Must be available for pre-camp staff training and the full camp season.
June 15th - August 7th, Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm. Full-time and part-time opportunities available.
4 staff training dates prior to June 15th. (30 hours of online and in person paid training prior to the start of camp)
Salary Range: $22-$30 per hour. Our pay scale is based on level of schooling and experience.
Employment Requirements
SDJA is unable to provide immigration sponsorships such as H1B Visas.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and be willing to undergo both Live Scan background check (for age 18 ) and TB screening as part of the hiring process.
California Compliance Notice
In accordance with California law (Education Code
- 44939.5, as amended by SB 848), applicants for all positions with SDJA are required to disclose all current and former employment with educational institutions. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon the completion of required employment verifications.
Camp Carmel Creek is a community of learners who value the rich diversity of its members. We welcome campers, and staff with differences based on (but not limited to) race, color, ethnicity, age, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, family structure, and economic background.
Camp Carmel Creek is committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. The Camp will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant or an employee unless undue hardship would result. You are not required to note the presence of a disability on the employment application. If, however, you require reasonable accommodation in the application and/or interview process due to disability, requests must be made in a timely manner.
Salary : $22 - $30