SupportFinity™
Lead Culinary Counselor (ages 6-15)
At DEAN Adventure Camps, we create life-changing opportunities for young people to discover their passions, explore endless possibilities, achieve meaningful goals, and navigate thrilling adventures—all while developing character and skills that last a lifetime.
Guided by our core values of Compassion, Trust, Growth, and Creativity, we foster an environment where learning, discovery, and personal development thrive. Our vision is to inspire generations of resilient, compassionate, and confident individuals who contribute positively to their communities and the world.
We operate across DC, MD, NJ, PA, and VA, offering all-inclusive programs that make summer exciting for children and easy for families. Learn more: DEAN Adventure Camps.
What You’ll Do 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. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
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
What Makes You a Great Fit This role is ideal for a culinary educator who enjoys teaching across developmental stages and creating inclusive, confidence‑building kitchen experiences.
You are:
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
Experience in culinary education, camps, teaching kitchens, or youth programs
Familiarity with dietary accommodations or food allergy awareness
Schedule and Requirements
Full on‑site availability during the summer: June–August, Monday–Friday
Hours: camp operates 8:30 am–3:30 pm daily *8 am Mondays
Ability to commute to: 5100 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814
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
Perks and Benefits
Pay range: $21–24 /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 safety, DEI, classroom management, and more + in‑person staff training the weekend prior to camp; 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
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement DEAN Adventure Camps is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based on a candidate’s qualifications as they relate to the position’s requirements and are made without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, religion, or any other category protected by applicable law.
Join our team and make a difference this summer! Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis — apply early to secure your spot.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Guided by our core values of Compassion, Trust, Growth, and Creativity, we foster an environment where learning, discovery, and personal development thrive. Our vision is to inspire generations of resilient, compassionate, and confident individuals who contribute positively to their communities and the world.
We operate across DC, MD, NJ, PA, and VA, offering all-inclusive programs that make summer exciting for children and easy for families. Learn more: DEAN Adventure Camps.
What You’ll Do 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. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
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
What Makes You a Great Fit This role is ideal for a culinary educator who enjoys teaching across developmental stages and creating inclusive, confidence‑building kitchen experiences.
You are:
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
Experience in culinary education, camps, teaching kitchens, or youth programs
Familiarity with dietary accommodations or food allergy awareness
Schedule and Requirements
Full on‑site availability during the summer: June–August, Monday–Friday
Hours: camp operates 8:30 am–3:30 pm daily *8 am Mondays
Ability to commute to: 5100 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814
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
Perks and Benefits
Pay range: $21–24 /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 safety, DEI, classroom management, and more + in‑person staff training the weekend prior to camp; 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
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement DEAN Adventure Camps is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based on a candidate’s qualifications as they relate to the position’s requirements and are made without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, religion, or any other category protected by applicable law.
Join our team and make a difference this summer! Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis — apply early to secure your spot.
#J-18808-Ljbffr