Cooking Counselor – Summer 2026
Camp Chateaugay – Adirondack Mountains, Upstate New York
Dates: June 13 – August 12, 2026 (includes pre-camp training)
Compensation: $2,500 + we pay for any travel expenses and includes all, room & board & meals
About Camp Chateaugay
Camp Chateaugay is a premier co-ed sleepaway camp for children ages 7–17, located in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York. We pride ourselves on creating a supportive, energetic, and inspiring environment where campers grow, build confidence, and create lifelong memories. We are seeking an enthusiastic and creative Cooking Counselor for Summer 2026. This is a two-month residential role combining hands-on cooking instruction with full cabin counselor responsibilities, offering the opportunity to teach life skills, creativity, and cultural appreciation in a fun camp setting.
Cooking Instruction
- Plan and lead engaging, age-appropriate cooking classes for campers of all skill levels
- Teach kitchen safety, hygiene, and proper use of cooking equipment
- Introduce core cooking techniques, recipe-following, and understanding flavors and ingredients
- Provide hands-on learning experiences that build confidence and independence
- Explore foods from different cultures and nationalities
- Adapt recipes to accommodate dietary needs and allergies
- Maintain a clean, organized kitchen, including all equipment (e.g., full kitchen, ice cream machine)
Cabin Counselor Role
- Live in a bunk with 6–12 campers alongside 1–2 co-counselors
- Support daily routines including wake-ups, meals, activities, and bedtime
- Maintain a clean, organized cabin and ensure camper well-being
- Provide supervision at all times, including rest hours and overnight
- Build strong relationships with campers, serving as a mentor and role model
- Foster independence, friendship, and personal growth within the cabin
- Participate in at least one cabin trip or campout per session
- Bring confidence, energy, leadership, and enthusiasm to all aspects of camp life
- Participate in evening programs, special events, and camp traditions
- Collaborate with staff to create a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay: $2,500
- Transportation allowance provided
- All meals, housing, and laundry included
- Access to a wide range of camp activities
- Opportunity to work with an international staff team and build lifelong friendships
Who We’re Looking For
- Experience or strong interest in cooking, food preparation, or culinary arts
- Passion for working with children in a fun, hands-on environment
- Organized, responsible, and safety-conscious individuals
- Ability to engage a wide range of ages, skill levels, and backgrounds
- Creative, adaptable, and enthusiastic team players
As a Cooking Counselor at Camp Chateaugay, you’ll do more than teach recipes—you’ll inspire creativity, build confidence, and help campers develop lifelong skills while creating meaningful and memorable summer experiences.