Food Service Jobs at Sleepaway Camps
Food service jobs at summer camps cover a wide range of essential support roles that keep camper meals running smoothly all season. From dishwashers and dining hall servers to prep cooks and kitchen managers, food service staff are at the heart of every meal at every camp. Whether you’re working at a traditional sleepaway camp serving family-style meals or a large co-ed residential camp running buffet service for hundreds, these positions offer steady work, strong community, and the satisfaction of feeding a happy crowd.
As a food service staffer at an overnight camp, you’ll support prep, line service, plating, dish room operations, and special event meals. You’ll work alongside chefs, kitchen managers, and dietitians while accommodating allergies and dietary needs across every meal. Many residential camps invest in scratch-made cooking, dietary inclusivity, and creative menus, giving even entry-level food service staff a chance to learn and grow throughout the summer.
What does a food service staffer do at a summer camp?You’ll support prep, service, plating, and dish room operations while accommodating allergies and dietary needs. Most sleepaway camps run three meals a day plus special events throughout the summer camp season.
What qualifications do I need for food service jobs at sleepaway camps?Prior food service experience is helpful but not always required. Strong work ethic, reliability, and a positive attitude matter most. All food service staff at residential camps undergo background checks before the season begins.
Are food service jobs seasonal or year-round?Most are seasonal, running from late spring through summer’s end. Some larger residential camps with year-round retreat operations hire year-round food service staff with summer being the busiest stretch.
What does the pay look like for food service jobs at summer camps?Pay is competitive and commensurate with experience and specific role. Overnight camps include room, board, and laundry alongside salary, which adds significant value to the overall summer camp package beyond the base figure.
Is food service a good entry point into camp work?Absolutely. Food service roles are an excellent way to break into the camp world, build community, and grow into chef, kitchen manager, or operations roles over multiple seasons at sleepaway camps.
Browse Summer Camp Food service Jobs for 2026
| Job Type | Setting |
|---|
| Full-Time Seasonal | Overnight Camp |
Start Date: June 1, 2026
End Date: August 31, 2026
Camp Med-o-lark is seeking Culinary Arts instructors for our one-of-a-kind arts camp for summer 2025. Responsibilities include teaching up to 5 one-hour classes per day of approximately 10-15 campers in a variety of classes. Examples include: baking, bread making, international cuisine, knife skills, cooking techniques and much more. We feature a wood-fired oven as well as a few culinary kitchens. There is flexibility and your input in the design, offerings, and menu over the summer. We encourage you to bring your own ideas! We are looking for someone who is either enrolled in a Culinary Program or who has a strong amount of experience working in a restaurant kitchen and with young people. Having an understanding of menu planning and inventory management is a plus.
Med-o-lark is a coed residential creative arts camp for ages 8-16 and specializes in visual and fine arts, performing arts, circus, music, culinary, digital media, waterfront, and more! Med-o-lark offers staff benefits including a competitive summer salary, free room and board, and ample time off. Staff live in a cabin with campers and have some evening responsibilities. Room and board, laundry and a generous time-off schedule is included. This is a summer job that can be a ton of fun, gives you the opportunity to meet others from all over the world (both counselor and camper), and allows you to teach what you love to do!
No matter what field you ultimately go into, a Med-o-lark summer will always be an asset on your resume. We’re always glad to provide letters of recommendation or reference describing the skills you’ve developed with us. As a Med-o-lark staff member, you will have a positive impact on campers’ summers. They look up to you, learn from your example, and leave camp at the end of summer with new skills and accomplishments because of your influence. It’s an enriching experience helping campers create, grow, achieve, and excel. Apply today!
