Kitchen Assistant (Spring Break Camp) Housing & Meals Provided

Austin-Sunshine-Camps; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 4,500 - 8,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free lodging and meals during camp

Paid staff training

Internship credit possible

Job summary

Austin Sunshine Camps (ASC) is seeking a Kitchen Assistant to partner with the Kitchen Manager and feed a vibrant camp community with nutritious meals. You will help plan, prep, and serve three daily meals plus snacks, while safely managing portion control and dietary accommodations.

You will review health profiles, support inventory and budgeting tasks, and ensure strict sanitation aligned with ACA standards.

Qualifications

• Must be 16 years old or older and able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience assisting in kitchens is required.
• Must have or be able to obtain a Food Handler’s License.
• Knowledge of food health and safety regulations.
• Ability to work well with others and pass a background check.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve three daily meals plus snacks for a large camp community with top quality, portion control, and safety standards.
• Review camper/staff health profiles to plan meals for allergies and dietary needs.
• Assist with food ordering, inventory tracking, and stock organization.
• Maintain kitchen sanitation and comply with Health Dept and ACA standards.
• Mentor and supervise Counselors-in-Training in kitchen tasks while keeping a safe, fun atmosphere.

Skills

Food prep

High-volume cooking

Food safety

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Food Handler’s License (or ability to obtain)

Job description

About Austin Sunshine Camps (ASC):

The mission of ASC is to provide the magic of overnight camp without the barrier of cost. We envision a world where all children have a place to grow, connect and explore. Since 1928, ASC has provided free, fun-filled overnight summer camp programs for children by partnering with families who face barriers to accessing such programs.

ASC’s Overnight Summer Camp is our flagship program and is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), which represents the industry’s highest standard. Each summer, we provide four sessions of overnight summer camp to 500-600 children ages eight to 15. Our eight to 11-year-olds attend our Zilker Camp in Zilker Park and our 12 to 15-year-olds attend our Lake Travis Camp in Marble Falls. For 10 days and nine nights, they swim, canoe, hike, learn new skills, create crafts, make music, and much more.

During the school year, we engage with our camper families, providing a variety of programming and events that allow them to feel a part of the larger ASC family as well. By deepening the relationship with our campers’ families throughout the year, we significantly increase the likelihood that campers will return year-after-year, increasing the opportunity to create lasting impact on the child’s life, education, and future career.

The Commitment:

Camp runs March 14, 2027- March 20, 2027 . Note that staff members live on-site.

• Paid Training & Support: Paid Staff Training will take place : March 5-7
• Pro-Tip for Students: You can use your experience at ASC for internship credit while still receiving your seasonal pay

Our Locations

• Lake Travis (Ages 12-15): A classic hill country setup in the Turkey Bend Recreation Area. Think lake swimming, high ropes courses, and sunset sports.
• Zilker Lodge (Ages 8-11): Located in the heart of central Austin. You’ll spend your days canoeing Lady Bird Lake, hiking the Greenbelt, and exploring Zilker Park.

About the Role: Kitchen Assistant

As a Kitchen Assistant, you will partner with the Kitchen Manager to keep our camp community energized with delicious, high-quality, and nutritious meals every day.

We are looking for flexible, team-oriented candidates with experience in high-volume food prep, inventory tracking, and dietary accommodations who are excited to embrace the energy and fun of summer camp nutrition!

• Food Preparation & Service: Help prepare and serve three daily meals plus snacks for a large camp community, maintaining top quality, portion control, and food safety standards.
• Dietary Accommodations: Review health profiles and partner with leadership to safely plan and serve meals tailored to specific camper/staff allergies and dietary needs.
• Inventory & Budgeting: Assist the Kitchen Manager with food ordering, inventory tracking, bi-weekly order spreadsheets, and stock organization.
• Kitchen Sanitation & Compliance: Oversee dishwashing, station cleaning, garbage removal, and deep cleaning routines in strict accordance with Health Department and American Camp Association (ACA) standards.
• Mentorship & Teamwork: Guide Counselors-in-Training (CITs) through kitchen chores and meal cleanup, modeling high safety standards while maintaining a fun, supportive atmosphere.

Requirements:

• You believe in the mission of Austin Sunshine Camps, and you genuinely want to make a positive, lifelong impact on a young person’s life
• You are 16 years old or older
• You have proven experience assisting in kitchens
• You have a Food Handler’s License, or you can obtain one before training
• You have a sound knowledge of food health and safety regulations
• You have the ability to work well with others
• You are able to work in a fast-paced environment
• You have excellent organizational and time management skills
• You have effective communication skills
• You have the ability to pass a national criminal background check
• $400 for the camp session + additional paid training
• Full Room & Board: Free lodging and all meals/snacks provided while camp is in session
• Opportunity to earn internship credit or extra credit while being paid

Impact: A camp session of personal growth and the chance to make a lifelong difference in the lives of a diverse group of campers.