Cooking Specialist

Step into the role of Cooking Specialist and inspire young culinary explorers in our dedicated cooking studio. You will lead fun, hands-on cooking and baking activities that spark creativity, teamwork, and confidence for campers ages 3 through 15. Working alongside enthusiastic group counselors, you will create a safe, engaging, and allergy-aware environment where every child feels excited to learn new recipes. This role is more than just a summer job—it is a hands-on masterclass in classroom management, active mentorship, and curriculum implementation. Join the Willow Lake family this season to elevate your leadership skills while creating unforgettable summer memories.

- Maintain strict food allergy awareness and protocols, ensuring all recipes adhere to Willow Lake's nut-aware policies and coordinating with leadership to accommodate individual camper dietary needs.- Plan and facilitate creative, hands-on cooking and baking projects for campers ages 3 through 15 across all camp divisions.- Adapt culinary recipes, techniques, and pacing to match the developmental capabilities and fine-motor skills of each age group.- Uphold the highest standards of studio safety and hygiene, modeling and enforcing safe tool handling, kitchen cleanliness, and workspace sanitation.- Collaborate with and direct group counselors during each period to foster active participation, attentive supervision, and positive group dynamics.- Oversee daily studio operations, including prepping ingredients, organizing culinary tools, tracking supplies, and keeping the kitchen environment welcoming.- Inspire camper self-confidence, teamwork, and curiosity, bringing Willow Lake's Dream Big values to life in every cooking period.

- Prior experience working with children in a classroom, camp, after-school program, recreational setting, or youth activity group.- General knowledge of everyday home cooking, baking, food prep, and basic kitchen safety.- Proven track record of guiding groups, communicating clear instructions, and keeping young learners engaged and motivated.

- Strong verbal communication, interpersonal, and group leadership skills.- High enthusiasm, patience, warmth, and a genuine passion for working with children.- Keen attention to detail regarding kitchen cleanliness, sanitation, and food allergy awareness.- Ability to collaborate effectively with fellow staff members, unit leaders, and camp directors.- Must be available to work the full eight-week camp season, Monday through Friday, from June 21 to August 13, 2027.

- Bachelor’s degree or higher (Education, Family & Consumer Sciences, Culinary Arts, Nutrition, Child Development, or a related discipline).- Mature adult, certified educator, or established career professional/parent with proven real-world experience leading groups, managing instructional environments, or working with youth.- Professional teaching credentials, culinary certifications, or recognized youth development training are warmly welcomed.

- Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move around the cooking studio and camp grounds for extended periods throughout the day.- Manual dexterity required to demonstrate food preparation, handle basic kitchen utensils, and manage cooking equipment safely.- Capability to lift and carry culinary supplies, ingredient boxes, and equipment.- Stamina to maintain a positive, energetic, and active presence in a dynamic summer camp environment.

- Competitive seasonal compensation package.- Daily hot and cold lunch provided.- Pre-camp orientation.- Nights and weekends off to relax and recharge throughout the summer.- Meaningful resume-building experience in curriculum facilitation, group management, and mentorship.- Opportunity for your child(ren) to attend camp at discounted tuition.- A warm, supportive, and spirited community on 35 scenic acres.

Willow Lake Day Camp is a premier family-owned day camp situated on 35 picturesque acres in northwest New Jersey. For over 40 years, our Dream Big philosophy has created a nurturing, spirited environment where children ages 3 to 15 discover new passions, build character, and forge lifelong friendships. We pride ourselves on an exceptional staff culture, modern facilities, and an unwavering commitment to physical and emotional safety.

Our 35-acre campus is nestled along the scenic north shore of Lake Hopatcong in northwest New Jersey. The property features a blend of shaded outdoor activity spaces, private lakefront access, and modern, purpose-built specialty facilities.