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Camp Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City of Cotati

Summer Camp Director

Cotati, CA · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Camp activities include games, crafts, science, cooking, drama, and sports with an emphasis on skill development, cooperation, and promoting enthusiasm in camp activities. Duties will include, but ...

Girl Scouts of Orange County

Weekend Camp Staff

CA · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Camp in Riverside County. Other responsibilities include: * Cooperate and participate to the ... Massey food supply and delivery, preparation, serving, cooking, cleaning and dishwashing as needed.

Blackstone Consulting, Inc.

Camp Parks-Jr. Cook

Dublin, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $21/hr

The Cook Jr at Camp Parks Dublin is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals in a timely manner while maintaining high standards of food safety and cleanliness. The Cook Jr will work as ...

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Blackstone Consulting Inc.

Camp Parks-Jr. Cook

Dublin, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $21/hr

The Cook Jr at Camp Parks Dublin is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals in a timely manner while maintaining high standards of food safety and cleanliness. The Cook Jr will work as ...

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How much do camp cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for camp cook in California is $19.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $23.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a camp cook do?

A camp cook efficiently budgets, plans, and prepares large quantities of food for guests of a camp. In this career, you create a unique menu that takes special diets and dietary restrictions into consideration. Your responsibilities are also to monitor food inventory and prepare dishes that are within budget. As the camp cook, you hold a leadership role in the kitchen, meaning you manage kitchen staff, cooks, food preparation workers, and dishwashers. Additional duties include ensuring the kitchen and appliances are clean and organized, maintaining meal records, and following health department food-safety regulations.

What does a camp cook do?

A camp cook is responsible for preparing and serving meals at campsites or outdoor settings, often for groups of campers, staff, or outdoor enthusiasts. Their duties include meal planning, cooking over open fires or portable stoves, managing food supplies, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. Camp cooks must be resourceful, able to work in challenging environments, and ensure food safety. They often accommodate dietary restrictions and help create a positive dining experience for campers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a camp cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Camp Cook, you need strong food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety, and experience planning menus, often gained through prior culinary or camp cooking experience. Familiarity with camp kitchen equipment, outdoor cooking methods, and safe food storage systems is typically required. Adaptability, time management, and teamwork are essential soft skills for managing unpredictable conditions and serving groups efficiently. These skills ensure safe, satisfying meals and a positive experience for campers in remote or resource-limited environments.

What are some typical challenges a camp cook faces, and how can they be managed effectively?

Camp Cooks often encounter challenges such as limited kitchen facilities, unpredictable weather, and accommodating diverse dietary needs among campers. Managing these challenges requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and creative problem-solving. Planning menus in advance, prepping ingredients ahead of time, and maintaining clear communication with camp staff can help ensure smooth meal service, even under less-than-ideal circumstances. Working closely with other team members is key to handling unexpected changes and delivering nutritious, satisfying meals for everyone.

What is the difference between Camp Cook vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCamp CookKitchen Assistant
CredentialsFood safety certification, cooking experienceBasic food handling, no specialized certifications often required
Work EnvironmentRemote, outdoor, seasonal settings like camps or outdoor resortsIndoor, restaurant or catering kitchens, more consistent environment
Employer & IndustryCampgrounds, outdoor adventure companies, seasonal resortsRestaurants, catering services, hospitality industry
Job DutiesPreparing meals for groups, managing outdoor kitchen setupsAssisting with food prep, cleaning, supporting chefs

While both roles involve food preparation, a Camp Cook typically works in outdoor, seasonal settings preparing meals for groups in remote locations, requiring specific food safety certifications. A Kitchen Assistant works indoors in restaurant kitchens, supporting chefs with prep and cleaning tasks. The roles differ mainly in environment and scope, but both are essential in food service operations.

More about Camp Cook jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Camp Cook jobs in California?

The most popular types of Camp Cook jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Camp Cook jobs in California?

For Camp Cook jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Camp Cook jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Camp Cook jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Camp Cook jobs?

Cities in California with the most Camp Cook job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Camp Cook jobs in CA?

For Camp Cook jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Camp Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Camp Cook job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,839 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Summer Camp Food Operations Manager - Pleasanton

Steve & Kate's Camp

Pleasanton, CA • On-site

$22 - $24.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 27 days ago

Steve & Kate’s Camp rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 59 rated activity centers and activity clubs

Job description

Job Details

Location: 1125 Concord St, Pleasanton, CA 94566
 
Camp Dates: 6/1/2026 (Mon) - 7/17/2026 (Fri) -- (additionally, one weekend to set up, one weekend to breakdown, and an orientation date)
 
Camp Hours: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm (actual shifts will vary)
 
Hourly Wage: The hourly rate for this position is $22.00 - $24.50 per hour. The pay range listed here is what Steve & Kate's Camp in good faith anticipates offering for this job opening.  Actual compensation offers within this range will depend on experience and other relevant business or organizational factors.


At Steve & Kate's Camp, we’re pioneers in self-directed learning, and we're looking for meticulous multitaskers with strong time-management skills to run our on-site food program. As a Food Ops staff member, you’ll sharpen your inherent organizational skills, submit food orders, and maintain our kitchen and food service items using hygienic practices, all while doing meaningful work keeping hundreds of bellies full. Given the simplicity of the Food Program, there will also be opportunities to interact with campers, collaborate with interesting coworkers, and help with fun around camp. You won’t be making meals (just preparing and serving), so there’s no culinary experience required – it’s totally fine if you don’t own one of those silly chef’s hats.

Job Responsibilities
You’ll spend most of your day preparing and serving and cleaning up snacks and lunch, ordering and managing food-service items and supplies, and maintaining all food-related equipment and spaces in sanitary conditions. Actual cooking will be very minimal since all of our entrees are ordered as fully prepared, and we’ll teach you everything you need to know with our paid training and development program. 

  • Do you have a love of food, even if you don’t have professional experience preparing it?
  • Are you a fan of systems, organization, to-do lists, punctuality, and cleanliness? 
  • Can you multitask like you’re a Hollywood power agent all while keeping calm, level-headed, and nice? Especially the last one?
  • Would sparking up conversations with staff, campers, and parents fit in your comfort zone?  If it is out of your comfort zone are you willing to grow in this area?
  • Do you have the stamina to keep up (literally) with 4-12 yr. olds bursting with energy and creative potential? And, if needed, can you bench press the equivalent of a kindergartner (at least lift up to 30 pounds)?

Additional Responsibilities

  • Actively supervising campers
  • Maintaining an organized and approachable activity space
  • Ensure compliance with Camp Policies
  • Reporting & Recording details of notable concerns or incidents, and of injuries to campers, other staff members, or self
  • Keeping track and being aware of camper allergies and dietary restrictions
  • adding daily updates and photos to campers’ profiles

How do you know if you’re the right candidate? 

  • Does the idea of guiding kids while they make decisions for themselves excite you?
  • Are you calm under pressure and able to calm those around you?
  • Are you comfortable leading groups of kids on your own while still collaborating with a team?
  • Do you have the stamina to keep up (literally) with 4-12 year old’s bursting with energy and creative potential? And, can you bench press a kindergartener (just kidding -- can you lift up to 40 pounds)?
  • Are you passionate about sharing your knowledge & learning something new (even if a third grade is doing the teaching)?

Job Requirements

  • At least 18 years of age
  • Minimum of 2 months experience working with camp-age children, with 1 year preferred, in either a professional, personal or volunteer setting 
  • First Aid & CPR Certified prior to Day 1 of Camp (some locations may require additional certifications) 
  • ServeSafe Food Handler Certification (provided if needed) 
  • By applying and accepting an offer, you are giving Steve & Kate's permission to email or text you 
 
Physical Requirements

This position requires the employee to comply with all applicable federal, state, local, Steve & Kate's Camp, Bright Horizons’, and client site requirements concerning immunizations, employment physical/screening, and health and safety training. If hired, you will work in person in a schooled-aged camp setting to provide supervision, care, program delivery, and services per Steve & Kate's Camp and Bright Horizons’ policies, procedures and guidance, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations, and in a manner that will ensure the safety of children in Steve & Kate's Camp's care and the employee. 
Steve & Kate's Camp and Bright Horizons comply with all laws that require reasonable accommodations for qualifying disabilities and/or pregnancy-related limitations. The full set of physical requirements for this role are as follows:

  • Maintain and follow all safety and health rules of the location.
  • Organize and maintain clean and accessible activity spaces.
  • Assist in camp set-up and breakdown during move-in and out weekends.
  • Stand for long periods while supervising children and facilitating activities.
  • Participate in athletic games.
Benefits:
  • Where local regulations mandate, this position is eligible for sick time.
Deadline to Apply: This posting is anticipated to remain open until April 15, 2026. 

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