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: Monday–Friday 8:30am–3:30pm daily, *8am Mondays 
  • Ability to commute to both:
    • 1301 Potomac School Rd, McLean, VA 22101
    • 3229 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Falls Church, VA 22042
• 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: 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 $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.