DEAN Adventure Camps

Culinary Lead Camp Counselor - PA

Haverford, PA - Seasonal

Lead Culinary Counselor (ages 6-15)

Who We Are

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 7am–6pm, leads typically work 35 hours per week within this timeframe, generally 8am-4pm
    • Ability to commute to: 370 Lancaster Ave., Haverford, PA 19041
  • 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: $20-24/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: including safety, DEI, classroom management, and more + in-person staff training the weekend prior to camp; please note that training is paid at state minimum wage, or $12/hr, whichever is higher.
  • All required background checks and certifications fully reimbursed.
  • Summer Bonus: Earn an additional $20 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.

Apply: Culinary Lead Camp Counselor - PA
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Are you aware that we are a day camp and do NOT provide housing to employees?*
This role has minimum age requirements; please certify your age.*
I understand and agree that I must work consistently from June to August and that my schedule may vary by camp and role.

Typical start times range between 7:30–8:30 a.m., and typical end times range between 3:45–5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. I confirm that I have the flexibility to work within these time ranges as required.

We require that counselors must be available to work at least 85% of the summer to be considered.*
I have read, understood, and agree to the following statement:

DEI STATEMENT
At DEAN Adventure Camps, we're dedicated to fostering a kind and inclusive community where everyone feels valued and respected. Embracing diversity in all forms, we ensure that kindness is more than a value; it's a practice embedded in our camp culture.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is reflected in everything we do, from inclusive hiring practices to comprehensive staff training. Every member of our team, from leadership to counselors, is equipped to support and celebrate campers from diverse backgrounds, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all.

We continuously strive to create a space of belonging, honoring each individual’s unique identity and fostering a community where every voice is heard and celebrated.*
Summer Camp Employment involves close contact with children. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, or convicted of Child Abuse, Neglect, or related charges?*
Summer Camp Employment involves close contact with children. Have you ever been the subject of an abuse or sexual misconduct investigation by any employer, state licensing agency, law enforcement agency, or child protective services agency?*
Are you authorized to work lawfully in the United States?

Note: If hired, a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be completed at the start of employment.*
Does your legal name differ from your application name?*
I have experience leading one or more of the following specialities:*
Human Check*