Emma Kaufmann Camp is located along Cheat Lake in Morgantown WV. Owned and operated by the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, EKC is a co-ed residential camp with an emphasis on teambuilding, developing positive values, independence, premiere programming and activities. This child-centered environment includes campers ages 6-16. As a staff member at EKC, you will enjoy the opportunity for personal growth and develop friendships that will last a lifetime. Visit our website at www.emmakaufmanncamp.com.
Emma Kaufmann Camp is open and accessible to everyone, regardless of age, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or special need by welcoming individuals of all backgrounds, embracing their uniqueness and diversity under our communal tent.
General Responsibility:
A Cooking Activity Counselor is responsible for leading engaging, fun, and safe cooking experiences for campers of all ages. They bring enthusiasm, creativity, and a passion for food to every session, helping campers build confidence, independence, and teamwork through hands-on cooking activities. By teaching basic cooking skills, kitchen safety, and simple recipes, they create a supportive environment that promotes personal growth, collaboration, and a love for trying new foods. Cooking Specialists will collaborate with their supervisor on all activity planning and execution. This is an “in-residence” position, requiring staff to live onsite during employment. Dates for the summer are June 14–August 9, with days off.
Desired Qualifications:
- Prior experience cooking, baking, or working in a kitchen setting (camp, school, restaurant, or at home)
- Interest in teaching cooking skills to children and teens
- Knowledge of basic food safety, cleanliness, and kitchen organization
- Commitment to creating a safe, inclusive environment that fosters creativity, confidence, and teamwork among campers
- Ability and willingness to accept supervision, feedback, and ongoing training
- Enthusiasm for working with children and guiding them through fun, hands-on activities
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and abilities
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a team and take initiative when working independently
Responsibilities/Expectations:
- Attend General Staff Orientation, June 14–20, 2026
- Lead cooking activities by developing and facilitating safe, age-appropriate cooking experiences for campers
- Teach basic cooking and baking skills, including measuring, mixing, prepping ingredients, and following recipes
- Maintain strong kitchen safety practices including proper use of tools, heat sources, and hygiene procedures
- Support campers in building independence and confidence while cooking in a group setting
- Work closely with other cooking staff and specialty staff to plan and execute dynamic and engaging programming
- Collaborate with Co-Counselors and Specialists to support campers’ behavioral, emotional, and social needs
- Ensure all cooking supplies and equipment are properly maintained, cleaned, stored, and used responsibly
- Facilitate and participate in clean-up and organization of the cooking area as required by the specialty team
- Be punctual and prepared for all programs, meetings, and responsibilities
- Follow and uphold all safety procedures and guidelines set by camp leadership
- Set a positive example in all areas of camp life; act as a role model for campers and peers
- Be a supportive and engaged member of the camp community
Additional Responsibilities:
- Set a good example for campers including cleanliness, punctuality, sharing cleanup and chores, and sportsmanship
- Follow camp rules and regulations
- Keep a clean and tidy cabin and living space
- Complete duties as assigned
- Attend all staff meetings as directed
- Encourage respect for personal property, camp equipment and facilities
- Manage personal time off in accordance with camp policy
- Additional responsibilities as assigned
(These responsibilities are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed.)
Benefits:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided every day
- Free on site housing all summer
- Staff appreciation throughout the summer
- Curated staff social experience
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
While performing the above duties, this position routinely requires handling persons and/or objects and moving safely throughout the building. This position may include walking, sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling. This position requires communicating, either verbally or in writing. This position frequently requires moving items weighing up to 25 pounds. This position occasionally requires moving items weighing up to 50 pounds. Must be able to complete all essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.
CERTIFICATIONS:
PA Criminal History Clearance
PA Child Abuse Clearance
FBI Clearance
PA Mandated Reporter Training
First Aid/CPR Certification
Equal Opportunity Employer
To apply, please submit resume and cover letter to:
Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh
Attn: Human Resources Department
5738 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Fax: 412-521-7044
