Camp Paradise, Willow Creek's summer camp in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, sets the stage for dads and their kids to make memories together to last a lifetime. The rustic facilities boast an amazing camp kitchen, beautiful new chapel, river views and unbeatable, star-filled skies.

As the full time Camp Kitchen Manager/Chef you will manage all aspects of the food experience at Camp Paradise May - October. This includes leading a small kitchen support team of summer staff during each Camp session and upholding high food safety standards while providing timely, high-quality, well-balanced meals for staff, volunteers, and campers at Camp Paradise. You will be responsible for all kitchen operations and work closely with the Camp Directors for meal planning, product ordering, stock rotation, kitchen maintenance, and hospitality-related services before, during, and after meals.

During the work from home season (November - April), you will review, update, and create standard operating procedures and policies for Camp Paradise in the areas of food service, health and safety, summer staff and camper protocols. In addition, you will also review, plan, and prepare recipes and menus for the following camp season.

The salary range for this position is $43,000 - $59,000 and is dependent upon levels of experience and/or education. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, retirement savings with company match, paid time off, mental health counseling reimbursement, and more. Camp Paradise is located just outside Newberry, MI.

Job Responsibilities

Kitchen Responsibilities (May - October at Camp Paradise)

• Lead all aspects of the menu planning and food ordering process
• Supervise Kitchen Assistant (If Applicable) 
• Ensuring that all food items and products are stored, prepared, and served based on Health Department guidelines and Camp Paradise standards maintaining clean working environments
• Coordinate menus and track food service budget with Camp Director
• Manage all aspects of the meal prep, food procurement, and food service (thawing, cutting, cooking, plating, etc.)
• Plan, create, and serve all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the summer season with summer staff team and during volunteer team weeks
• Train, direct and supervise summer staff, individuals, and teams, as assigned
• ??Maintain adequate inventory levels and conduct weekly inventories
• Plan and coordinate meals for opening weeks prior to food delivery at camp.

Kitchen Planning and Research (November - April @ Willow South Barrington)

• Organize and create the camp Food Order Guide through Gordon Food Service (GFS)
• Research new GFS products and test new recipes as a way to continuously improve the camp food menu.
• Establish relationships with GFS and vendors of non-food Items (food service bowls, etc.)
• Coordinate season menu and forecasted budget with Camp Directors
• Work with Camp Director in recruiting and interviewing Kitchen Assistant position if needed
• Update and create a standardized SOP manual for various health and safety aspects of Camp Paradise 

Staff Values:

• Believing the Best | Trust is our default
• Commit to Candor | Kindness is our way
• Embrace Challenge | Grit is our style
• Setting the Tone | Joy is our attitude
• Choose Unity | Diversity is our strength

Success is Defined By…

• Smooth food service operations throughout camp season
• All elements of the meal out on time before the bell rings
• Well-rounded meals for staff and campers throughout season that fosters community building
• Engaged team dynamic among summer staff and kitchen team
• Clear policies and procedures available to all staff and campers as needed

Preferred Skills and Experience

Skills/Competencies:

• Action-Oriented with drive for Results
• Skilled in Delegation and Time Management
• Creative
• Process Management skills
• Good Composure and Patience
• Strong Customer Service focus
• Skilled in problem solving

Personal Characteristics:

• Hospitable
• Engaging
• Self-aware
• Driven
• Creative
• Willing to live at camp during the camp Summer season

Education and Experience:

• 2-5 years of culinary and/or kitchen management experience in a food service setting
• Familiarity with camp centers and/or a passion to serve in this context
• ServSafe Manager certification.