What’s it Like in a Summer Camp Kitchen?
Life in the kitchen and dining hall at a summer camp is certainly never dull. Mealtimes are always eventful – expect songs, chants and games at any time! From preparing food and cooking meals to table setting and washing up, it’ll be your job to help keep the dining hall running smoothly. As the keeper of the chocolate brownies, you know everyone is going to want to be your friend (staff and campers alike).
Skills & Experience
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Cooking
You don’t need any prior experience or qualifications in cookery in order to work in a camp kitchen & dining hall. Most Camp Directors are just looking for someone with the right personality to fit in with their camp and keep their campers fed and happy.
However, if you do have any experience working in a kitchen or any qualifications in cookery and food tech then this will be great on your Campower application.
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Food Service
Just like with cookery, you don’t actually need any specific food service experience to work in a kitchen or dining hall at a summer camp. Most Camp Directors are looking for the right personality to fit in with their camp and keep their campers fed and happy.
However, if you do have any experience working in food service of any type, this will look great on your Campower application.
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Teamwork
Summer camp kitchens are a well-oiled machine. You’re part of making sure that campers get fed right on time, not only important for keeping them healthy and happy throughout the day but also for sticking to the very regimented camp schedule! You don’t want them to be missing out on activities because the kitchen is running late.
Being able to work well as part of a team is a key part of working in the kitchen and dining hall. It might descend into chaos when the campers take their seats, but you can guarantee you’ll have great fun in the process.
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Fun & Friendly Attitude
You might be working in the kitchen & dining hall, but you’re still an integral part of the summer camp experience as a whole. This means Camp Directors will expect you to help make sure their campers enjoy the best summer ever.
By approaching every day and every activity with enthusiasm and fun, you’ll make sure your campers feel the same way too. Face challenges with a smile and the campers will also be much more willing to step out of their own comfort zones and embrace new experiences, especially if they’re first-time campers who might already be feeling a bit unsure or nervous.
Requirements
Ready to go? Make sure you tick all the boxes.
Check out our requirements
Check out our requirements
Typical Day
How to Apply
Real Experiences
Don't just take our word for it - this is just a snapshot of the amazing summers our participants have had at summer camp and why they keep coming back for more.
To anyone considering Camp America, go into it with an open mind and take the opportunity with both hands. It’s an unforgettable experience.
Camp is a magical place where you can truly be yourself and escape reality. I love making my campers’ summers amazing and I’ve made friends for life. It really is a life changing experience.
Not only do I love everyday camp life and ensuring the campers have the best time possible but I also love connecting with different cultures! Camp is one of the best experiences you can have.
The friendships you gain and the memories you make are like nothing you will have experienced before. Camp America turned me from a boy to a man and I am so grateful for what they have done for me.
The best thing about working at a summer camp is getting to literally be a kid again - we did so many activities at camp from paddle boarding and low ropes to performing arts!
You join this bubble of people who are extremely caring and supportive, they help you grow as a person and unlock new confidence. I would recommend Camp America to anyone!
Can I Get Involved with the Rest of Camp?
Absolutely! Your role in the kitchen & dining hall will be more like shift work. Unlike counselors, who will be working around the clock, you’ll get more standardised time off. During that time off, you’ll always be encouraged to involved with the amazing camp activities on offer at different times of the day. Your accommodation will probably be separate to the campers, but you’ll still be close by, so be sure to join in cabin games and activities too.
