Overnight Summer Camp Jobs in Ridgefield, CT (NOW HIRING)

Camp Kaufmann Prep Cook-Summer Camp

Position Description

The Prep Cook is responsible for supporting the timely preparation and serving of all camp meals and the maintenance of a clean, safe work environment.

They act in accordance with the New York Department of Health (NYDOH), Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), and the American Camp Association (ACA) standards, and demonstrate the mission of Girl Scouting and the positive impact of camp.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Cook with preparing and serving meals and snacks to all campers, adults, and staff from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
• Plan, prepare, and serve smaller family-style staff meals independently.
• Help maintain inventory and receive food deliveries, ensuring proper storage by sorting, sealing, labeling, and dating.
• Assist in maintaining the kitchen, storeroom, cooler, freezer, and dining hall, ensuring proper equipment care.
• Work with Kitchen Staff and Camp Staff to set up equipment before meals.
• Support kitchen cleanliness by sanitizing utensils/equipment, removing trash, and sweeping/mopping floors.
• Arrive on time at camp and the kitchen according to your schedule.
• Maintain all safety standards and equipment according to NYDOH and ACA standards.
• Maintain and follow all health regulations in the kitchen, including handwashing, keeping hair back and undercover, and not wearing open-toed shoes or tank tops.
• Immediately report incidents, accidents, illnesses, and maintenance issues to the Camp Director and ensure proper documentation.
• Submit an end-of-weekend report of all inventories and records.
• Demonstrate quick thinking, excellent communication, sound problem-solving techniques, and the ability to work as a team player.
• Become a member of our camp community by enthusiastically participating in all aspects of camp, including staff training, team building, and debriefing.
• Model and teach camp expectations for campers and staff regarding cleanliness, personal hygiene, punctuality, mutual respect, appropriate language, and appropriate attire.
• Comply with all policies communicated in the staff manual.
• Abide by the mission and values of the Girl Scouts.
• Provide excellent customer service to campers, caregivers, camp visitors, and other staff.
• Perform other tasks and responsibilities assigned by the Camp Leadership Team.

Minimum Qualifications

• Be at least 19 years of age by July 1, 2026.
• Certified or is willing to obtain required certifications, including Food Handlers License and kitchen equipment-specific training.
• Desire and ability to work with and relate to campers and staff from diverse backgrounds in an outdoor environment.
• Patience, sense of humor, integrity, and an ability to adapt well to changing situations.
• The acceptance and understanding that employment is at a sleepaway (overnight) camp and that work hours are long and irregular.
• Possess the strength and endurance required to succeed in a sleepaway camp environment.
• Clearance through the Sex Offender Registry and Criminal Background Check.
• Willingness to prioritize the needs of Girl Scouts of Greater New York and Camp Kaufmann.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior professional kitchen experience.
• Prior experience operating industrial/restaurant-grade kitchen equipment.
• Prior camp experience and/or interest in the outdoors.
  

• Must live local to camp or on site and be available to work the ENTIRE duration of:
• Staff training: June 21– July4(Saturday, June 27th off) Additional certification classes may be required.
• Summer camp programming (5 sessions):July5– August7.
• Camp closing/clean up:August8– August9.
• Time off: Friday evening to Saturday evening weekly, except July4.
• In advance meal prep required for staff staying onsite during time-off 
• Potential for additional weekend shifts year-round.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Ability to lift 40 pounds.
• Good health and the stamina necessary to work in a camp setting.
• Ability to stand and/or walk for long periods of time while leading programming.

Compensation

• $100 - $150 per diem rate range, based on prior experience and certifications.
• Room and board while at camp.
• Cost of travel to/from NYC weekly, plus other off-camp excursion opportunities.

No phone calls, please.

The Girl Scouts of Greater New York are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description. Any essential function or requirement of this job will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent or applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation(s) for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent or applicant when possible