Cooking Lead Counselor

Jardin Infantil Academy; Toronto; On-site; CAD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Jardin Infantil Academy seeks a Cooking Camp Lead Counsellor to lead engaging culinary activities for children ages 5 to 12. This full-time role includes planning camp activities, promoting safety, and fostering an inclusive environment where children can grow through hands-on learning and exploration. Candidates should have a culinary background and first aid certification.

Qualifications

• Cooking / Culinary Arts background essential.
• Knowledge of additional languages is beneficial.
• First aid / CPR certification required.

Responsibilities

• Create a welcoming environment; gather children for family circles.
• Emphasize kitchen safety and guide meal prep activities.
• Supervise lunch and outdoor activities.

Skills

Cooking / Culinary Arts

Knowledge of second and third languages

Education

First aid / CPR certification

Job description

The Cooking Camp Lead Counsellor will refer to our website for the Summer Cooking Camp weekly theme. Schedule, plan, and develop activities accordingly. The children, ages 5 to 12, should all be included and encouraged to participate. The successful candidate will follow and execute the program as outlined on our Week At A Glance page.

Primary Responsibilities

• Create a welcoming and inclusive environment by gathering the group for a “family circle” to introduce themselves and discuss the day’s activities.
• Emphasize safety rules in the kitchen and explain that the daily task each day is to cook lunch together!
• Explain the theme of the week/day. Encourage children’s input and participation. Ask if they have tasted the foods we are about to prepare during the day.
• Get the children involved in a discussion about what specific tasks need to be done in the kitchen and have each child decide what they would like to do, such as washing fruits/veggies, chopping, mixing, etc.
• Be mindful of safety while guiding and supervising the children during their daily tasks.
• Regulate oven and stove use strictly for the cook mentor/assistant only! Children engaged in activities using knives MUST be closely supervised by the cook mentor or assistant.
• Facilitate utensils and ingredients as needed and assist younger children if necessary.
• Supervise lunch, snacks, and bathroom routines.
• In the afternoons, include outdoor activities such as nature hikes, cooperative games, reading, singing, etc.
• Ensure each child participates in meal preparation and encourage them to try/eat at lunchtime, understanding that some children may bring pre-made lunches from home.

Qualifications, Education, and Experience Requirements

• Cooking / Culinary Arts background
• Knowledge of second and third languages is a plus
• First aid / CPR certification

Full-time: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (2 hours unpaid lunch)

Hours may vary on P.A. Days, March Break, Easter Monday, and Summer School Break, depending on program needs.

Company Description

At Jardin Infantil Academy, every child is welcome.

We create a nurturing, inclusive space where children explore, create, and grow through hands-on, outdoor learning. Our camps foster confidence, resilience, and curiosity while providing early exposure to multiple languages and a mixed-age learning environment.