2026 Summer Camp Cooking Specialist

JEWISH SILICON VALLEY•Los Gatos, CA

1d•$17 - $19

About The Position

The Cooking Specialist under the direction of the Assistant Camp and Youth Director be responsible for planning and leading cooking programs for campers ages 5-15. They will prepare and implement programming specific to the area of Cooking and will help conceptualize and conduct elective programming for older campers. In addition, they will be part of the Camp Leadership Team to assist in camps where needed when not leading cooking activities. Time commitment for this position is 20 hours preparation leading up to camp, then 8:30am-5:00pm Monday Through Friday during the months of June-August, additional hours as needed. Must be able to commit to a full 9 weeks, June 1st – July 31st, 2026, with the option to remain on through August 14th, or plan appropriate curriculum.

Requirements

Minimum four years of experience working with school-age children.
Minimum of 18 years of age preferred.
Experience in culinary arts and/or cooking
Current American Red Cross CPR for Child and Adult Certification or willingness to obtain.
Current American Red Cross Basic First Aid Certification or willingness to obtain.
Completion and clearance of background fingerprint assessment via the JSV Live scan location.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from supervisors, co-workers, parents, volunteers, members, donors, and the general public.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Must possess the ability to make sound independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
Ability and willingness to work as a “team.”
Organized and possess excellent interpersonal communication skills.
Able to set and meet deadlines.
Enthusiastic, dependable and have a sense of humor
Willingness to follow directions and take initiative.
Understanding of the JSV mission as well as a commitment to be a positive role model
Even-tempered and able to adjust tasks in accordance with changing priorities.
Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in emergency situations.
Ability to adequately observe participant activities, enforces safety regulations, and applies appropriate policies and procedures.
The physical ability to lead and interact in group activities and perform related skills.
Ability to work both in an outside and inside environment may involve different temperature extremes.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.
The employee regularly is required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, or crouch. Also, may be required to climb, push, and pull at times.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Minimum two years supervisory experience preferred.
ECE units or Recreation units desired.

Responsibilities

Be responsible for overall operations of the program including activity planning, implementation, and safety management for campers ages 5-15.
Develop a supply list for Assistant Camp Director approval prior to summer camp beginning and at the end of summer submit an inventory list.
Maintain a high quality of instruction for campers.
Attend and participate in pre-camp meetings and pre-camp preparation work.
Assist with the overall Camp Program, including the planning and implementation of camp programs, development of weekly schedules and camper satisfaction.
Develop activities that are innovative, creative, and exciting. Ensure that programs reflect the developmental level of each camper, as well as meeting the goals of Camp Shalom's Mission.
Arrange and maintain the activity area in an orderly manner, inventory, and direct clean-up operations of the area on a daily basis. If assistance is needed, communicate effectively with supervisors requesting additional assistance.
Enforce camp rules consistently. (Develop, implement, and post rules for your assigned area.)
Rotate camp responsibilities in conjunction with other Program Specialists under the direction of the Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director including lunchtime supervision, swim supervision, field trips, all camp activities, special events and other duties as needed.
Assume all other duties and assignments deemed appropriate by the Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director.
Be able to communicate with campers and provide instructions.
Visual ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
Ability to observe camper behavior, assess appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior management techniques.
Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid.
Cognitive and communication abilities to plan and conduct the activity to achieve camper ability and development objectives.
Must be able to commit to a minimum of 9 weeks between June 2nd - August 1st.
Ability to work traditional business hours as well as non-traditional hours as business dictates.