Overnight Camp Kitchen Crew Job at The Dream Program in East Fairfield

Salary: $750 biweekly

Overnight Camp Kitchen Crew

Summary

The Kitchen Crew at Camp DREAM will be responsible for planning and cooking 3 meals and 2 snacks daily for 60 people. By providing nutritious, interesting, and delicious meals, the kitchen crew contributes to our goal of ensuring a safe, fun, enriching overnight camp experience at our Camp DREAM property to the youth we serve who come from Vermont, Boston, and Philadelphia.

Dates: June 2 - August 13

Commitment to DEIB

The DREAM Program is committed to dismantling systems of oppression that affect our youth and families. This organizational commitment means that members should join this space with an intention of learning, unlearning, and diving into ways that your involvement will directly contribute to DREAMs mission of reducing the Opportunity Gap while also supporting the dismantling of other systemic inequities. We seek members who contribute to The DREAM Programs diverse community, as having different perspectives, identities, and skills are what allow us to excel in our service. DREAM seeks members who are ready to engage in and foster an inclusive environment, and who strive to deliver culturally appropriate and relevant programming to the youth we serve. Incoming members and staff should understand that we serve marginalized communities, which means that it is imperative that diversity, equity, and inclusivity are infused into every aspect of our work as an organization.

Job Responsibilities

• Attend scheduled meetings and training events, including pre-camp training sessions, which will start on your first day.
• Create the meal plan for each session based on allergies and dietary restrictions for:
  • Three daily meals
  • Two daily snacks
  • Special events (themed nights, popcorn for movie nights, special snacks for all camp games, etc.)
• Ensure food is ordered on time and within budget
  • Kitchen staff are responsible for placing the food order twice a week, as well as extra trips to the grocery store or Costco that are needed.
• Implement the daily preparation, serving, and cleaning up of meals and snacks using food safety protocols and guidelines of general nutrition for children between the ages of 8-18.
• Clean and tidy the kitchen, pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. This includes wiping down surfaces, sweeping, mopping, scrubbing; taking out the trash, recycling, and compost.
• Share a living/sleeping space with 1-5 other staff members
• Regularly communicate with staff and the leadership team about the status of kitchen responsibilities (timing of meals, food order status, etc.), potential hazards, concerns, or incidents that may need follow-up based on individual circumstances.
• Get to know campers and develop positive, healthy relationships. Maintain appropriate boundaries with campers and follow camp policies regarding disclosure, confidentiality, and social media involvement.
  • Kitchen staff will have the option to assist counselors in running one of the following activities: Nature (environmental education), Garden, or cooking
• Interact with and observe campers. Immediately report all injuries and illnesses, regardless of severity, to leadership staff after the nurse has taken control of the situation.
• Know the scheduled work and rest times. Report to work on time as scheduled.
• Abstain from the use of personal electronic devices, such as tablets or cell phones, in sight of campers. These devices may be used during time off.
• Perform additional functions or assume additional responsibilities throughout the facility as needed or as requested by the camp leadership.

***Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. As part of the Camp community, it is likely that circumstances will arise which require you to do things that are not on this list. If you have specific questions about this, please email us or ask for clarification in your interview.

Description of Camp:

Camp DREAM is a joyfully rambunctious camp! We are a rustic forest environment with minimal electricity and wifi, and no phone reception. You should be able to supervise campers at all times while on duty at camp, which is broadly described in the following:

• A communal living situation that means actively socializing and being surrounded by other campers and staff from sun up to sun down;
• Lots of active outdoor activities, such as sports, swimming, boating, archery, low ropes course, and more. Every camper attends these activities, and there is a focus on collaboration and teamwork;
• 3 daily meals in the lodge or outdoor pavilion with up to 60 people who create a busy, bustling, and often loud environment, with excited talking, cheering, large-group singing, and games;
• A screen-free environment (during work hours) in which we disconnect from cell phones, video games, and the internet. Campers do not use devices during any part of the program day nor are campers permitted to wear headphones outside of the cabin.

It is important to remember that by the nature of overnight camp:

• You will likely have a lot less alone time than you might find at home.
• You or your campers' schedules may change with little notice due to weather or other circumstances, and flexibility is key
• You should feel ok being away from home and having an independent group-living experience with 50-60 other kids and staff.

Sleeping accommodations include:

• A large canvas tent (12x12) shared with 1-2 other staff members
• A wooden bed frame with a 5 camp mattress, or a camping cot (you can choose)
• Composting toilet facilities up to a 5 minute walk from your tent
• No water or electricity at the tent site

Benefits of Serving at Camp DREAM

• You will grow your adaptability, flexibility, and problem solving skills
• You will build your skills in behavior management.
• This position offers the opportunity to see new perspectives and connect with folks of many different backgrounds and lived experiences.
• This role involves high levels of teamwork, collaboration, and interpersonal communication.
• You will provide youth with magical, memorable, enriching summer experience in an outdoor environment.

Required Qualifications:

• Previous experience cooking or working in a kitchen.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time and set priorities while giving consideration to those serving, your fellow team members, the organization, and the self.
• To be an AmeriCorps member you MUST be 17 years or older, and be a US Citizen, US National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien.
• Commitment to the entire service term (June 2nd-August 13th).
• Commitment to the mission of AmeriCorps and DREAM.
• Desire to enhance existing skills and develop new skills necessary for service.
• Commitment to serve as a role model for youth.
• Elevated awareness of issues of social equity and social justice with a commitment to continued learning as it relates to serving our diverse community in a manner that is respectful and aware.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of nutritional principles for the age range of youth ages 8-18.
• Current Servsafe Certification
• Experience preparing and serving food for large quantities of people.
• Experience in youth services environments.
• Current drivers license, proof of insurance, and clean driving record. (**NOT REQUIRED but preferred to support session transportation)
• Mental and physical ability to manage stressful situations, work well under pressure, and maintain a positive attitude while working long days on less sleep than accustomed to

Term and Compensation:

• June 2, 2024-August 13, 2024.
  • 60-75 hours per week, 450 total service hours.
  • $750 biweekly, $4,500 total (6 pay periods)
    • These are PRE-TAX amounts.
• Upon completion of dates and total hours, you will receive an education award of $1,956.35 (pre-tax). Click here to learn more about the Segal Education Award.

• Free housing for your entire term is included.
• AmeriCorps members are also eligible for:
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (food stamps)
  • Child care assistance
  • Student loan deferment (forbearance)
  • Other publicly-funded benefits, such as heating and utility assistance.
• If you engage in work-related travel outside of your commute, DREAM will provide reimbursement for mileage.
• As an AmeriCorps member at DREAM, you will have the additional support of a DREAM AmeriCorps Director to help you navigate your service term and apply for publicly funded programs.

Travel: Staff who meet the driving requirements for DREAM will be expected to assist with camper transportation to and from camp at each session. Drives will be done in pairs, and may be 1-9 hours long. Out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be occasionally expected.

Work environment: This position primarily operates in an outdoor environment with active children and other service members, for extended periods of time, and in all types of weather and environmental factors (heat, cold, wet, etc.). The Kitchen Crew operates primarily in Camp DREAMs industrial-sized kitchen with typical kitchen appliances and food preparation gear.

Physical demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee/member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• This position requires comfort working in outdoor environments, regardless of the weather. This position can be very active and frequently requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee/member is regularly required to communicate with individuals who talk and hear.
• The employee/member will occasionally be required to lift and/or move items over 50 pounds.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee/member is regularly required to observe and comprehend using vision abilities that include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Responsibilities of the kitchen mean that you will be on your feet for most of the day.

AAP/EEO Statement: The DREAM Program is an equal opportunity employer and an incorporated 501(c)3 charitable organization. The DREAM Program prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

At will employment: The DREAM Program is an at will employer. Employment with The DREAM Program is voluntary and is subject to termination by you or The DREAM Program at will, with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time. The policy of employment-at-will may not be modified by any officer or employee.