Camp Chef

Galena Creek Summer Exploration Camp is a renowned overnight camp located at the scenic WeChMe Lodge within Galena Creek Regional Park. Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, this camp offers immersive environmental education experiences aimed at connecting families and students with nature. It operates across a blend of Washoe County and U.S. Forest Service lands, providing a unique outdoor setting for campers to explore and learn. The camp emphasizes fostering a respectful and engaging environment where campers can develop a deeper appreciation for natural ecosystems while enjoying traditional camp activities.

This summer, Galena Creek Summer Exploration Camp is hiring two Camp Chefs to join their dedicated team. The Camp Chef role is contracted for the period from July 8th, 2025, to August 7th, 2025, with a Monday through Friday schedule averaging around 40 hours per week. Compensation is set at $500 weekly, paid bi-weekly, and comes with provisions for on-site accommodation and meals during working hours. This position offers more than just culinary responsibilities: it presents an opportunity to be part of an impactful program that nurtures environmental learning and promotes community.

The responsibilities of a Camp Chef extend beyond meal preparation. Chefs are charged with planning, preparing, and serving nutritious, engaging, and allergen-conscious meals for up to 40 campers and 4 staff members who stay overnight. They work within a professional kitchen equipped with industrial cooking apparatus in the WeChMe Lodge, ensuring all food safety and cleanliness standards set by the Washoe County Health Department are strictly observed. One distinctive aspect of this role is mentoring up to three culinary interns from the camper group weekly, providing on-the-job learning for youths interested in culinary arts and kitchen operations.

Camp Chefs manage menu development that covers all daily meals including breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner, and dessert. They also handle sack lunch preparations, especially for off-site field trips which usually occur mid-week. Beyond cooking, Camp Chefs oversee kitchen management duties such as food procurement, storage, and kitchen hygiene, ensuring an efficient and safe culinary environment. They collaborate closely with camp directors to adhere to strict budget requirements while maintaining high meal quality. Furthermore, flexibility is a key attribute, as chefs might need to adjust schedules or menus in response to camp needs. Occasional weekend commitments for planning or shopping could also be required.

Overall, this role requires someone with a passion for cooking and for working with children, who values teamwork, excellent communication, and organizational skills. Proven experience in cooking for large groups or institutions, along with relevant certifications such as ServSafe, are crucial. The role offers the chance to be part of a unique outdoor educational experience, making a tangible difference in the campers’ lives through wholesome meals and culinary mentorship.