Culinary Lead Camp Counselor - NJ

DEAN Adventure Camps • Lawrenceville, NJ

1d • $20 - $24 • Onsite

About The Position

As a Lead Culinary Counselor (Multi-Age) , you’ll facilitate hands-on culinary experiences for campers across multiple age groups, teaching different groups week-to-week based on site needs. You’ll adapt recipes, tools, and expectations to ensure campers of all ages feel safe, successful, and excited to cook. This role is ideal for a culinary educator who enjoys teaching across developmental stages and creating inclusive, confidence-building kitchen experiences.

Requirements

• An adaptable instructor — comfortable teaching campers ages 7–16, adjusting tools, language, and expectations accordingly.
• Safety-driven — confident teaching kitchen safety, food handling, and age-appropriate knife skills.
• Organized and prepared — able to plan recipes, prep materials, and manage shared kitchen spaces.
• Encouraging and patient — skilled at supporting beginners while challenging more experienced campers.
• A clear communicator — calm, positive, and effective at giving step-by-step guidance.
• A collaborative team member — works closely with co-counselors and leadership.
• Full on-site availability during the summer: June–August, Monday–Friday
• Hours: camp operates 7am–6pm, leads typically work 35 hours per week within this timeframe, generally 8am-4pm
• Ability to commute to: 2500 Main St, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must be up to date on all immunizations and willing to provide emergency health information upon hire.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs , respond quickly to emergencies, and work in an active, outdoor environment.
• Must have valid First Aid & CPR certification .

Nice To Haves

• Experience in culinary education, camps, teaching kitchens, or youth programs.
• Familiarity with dietary accommodations or food allergy awareness.

Responsibilities

• Leading culinary programming for both younger and older campers , typically ages 6–15, with one age group per week.
• Adapting recipes and techniques so younger campers focus on foundational skills (measuring, mixing, safety), while older campers engage in more complex cooking (knife skills, timing, presentation).
• Teaching and reinforcing kitchen safety, hygiene, and organization across all age levels.
• Guiding campers through multi-step recipes and collaborative cooking experiences tied to weekly themes.
• Encouraging creativity by allowing age-appropriate customization, experimentation, and presentation.
• Structuring projects to fit the weekly camp arc, ensuring successful completion and camper pride.
• Managing supplies, maintaining a clean workspace, and preparing materials in advance.
• Collaborating with leadership to support smooth transitions and positive camper experiences.

Benefits

• Pay range: $ 20-24/hr – exact rate is determined by state minimum and experience.
• FLSA Status: This is a seasonal full-time, exempt position under the FLSA.
• Paid training: remote training on: including safety, DEI, classroom management, and more + in-person staff training the weekend prior to camp; please note that training is paid at state minimum wage, or $12/hr, whichever is higher.
• All required background checks and certifications fully reimbursed.
• Summer Bonus : Earn an additional $40 per week for working six or more weeks with no absences.
• Referral Bonus : Earn $50 per hired referral , with no referral limits.
• Daily perks : Free snacks, coffee, and parking + Monday breakfast.
• Employee discounts on camp rates for family members, outdoor gear, art supplies, electronics, and more.
• Career growth : Gain resume-building experience, letters of recommendation, and networking opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed