Contract Dates: June 22 – September 3rd 2026 (11 weeks)*Plus up to 3 training days to be scheduled the week of June 15.
About Canterbury Hills Camp:
Canterbury Hills Camp is a vibrant overnight and day camp located in the beautiful Dundas Valley. Each week, we welcome approximately 200 campers aged 6–16 and are supported by a dedicated team of 50 staff. Our commercial kitchen prepares three nutritious, home-style meals daily for our camp community, and three daily snacks. The kitchen is staffed by a team of seven and led by an experienced Kitchen Manager. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive, community-oriented work environment and are seeking a skilled and enthusiastic Head Cook who is passionate about creating meaningful experiences through food.
If you are excited about working in a dynamic camp setting and contributing to a mission-driven team, we encourage you to visit our website to learn more: https://canterburyhillscamp.ca/
Position Overview
The Head Cook plays a key leadership role in our kitchen, assisting with lunch service for approximately 250 campers and staff, and overseeing the dinner service for approximately 150 campers and staff. This position requires strong culinary skills, the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, and confidence in adapting recipes to minimize food waste while maintaining quality and nutrition, and managing dietary restrictions and food allergies.
Schedule
- 40 hours per week
- Monday through Friday
- 11:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare meals for approximately 150 individuals, ensuring quality and timeliness
- Assist with all aspects of kitchen operations during lunch service, which can include cooking, prep work, baking, serving, and dishwashing
- Under the guidance of our Kitchen Manager, lead the dinner shift, including prep, cooking, and cleanup
- As a key holder, perform opening and closing routines as scheduled
- Assist with food ordering and inventory management
- Supervise and support kitchen staff during evening service
- Adapt and improvise with available ingredients to reduce food waste while maintaining meal standards
- Manage and safely accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies
- Maintain a clean, organized kitchen that meets Public Health standards and camp policies
- Uphold and enforce all food safety and allergy protocols, including strict adherence to the camp’s Nut and Food Allergy Policy
- Contribute positively to the camp community and participate in staff activities as appropriate
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Kitchen Manager
Qualifications & Requirements
- Experience cooking for large groups
- Strong knowledge of cooking principles and kitchen operations
- Ability to problem-solve and improvise in a dynamic kitchen environment
- Comfort working in a fast-paced setting
- Previous experience in food preparation in a commercial kitchen
- Food Handler’s Certificate (required, or willingness to obtain prior to start date)
- Strong leadership and teamwork skills
- Ability to lift 25–45 lbs
- Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening (required)
- Reliable transportation to and from camp (509 Lions Club Rd, Dundas Valley)
Please note: While the camp is approximately 850m from the nearest bus stop, it is located down a steep, winding road without pedestrian sidewalks. Candidates should plan transportation accordingly.
Our Kitchen & Facilities Team
- Provide healthy, child-friendly meals and snacks that meet the needs of campers and staff
- Offer positive and friendly interactions with children
- Maintain a clean and safe kitchen and camp facilities in accordance with Public Health standards
Canterbury Hills Camp is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to promoting equity, inclusion and diversity within our workplace and greater community. We work to develop a barrier-free selection process and inclusive work environment that is increasingly representative of the communities we live and work in, and where all team members are able to express ideas, opinions and experiences.
Canterbury Hills Camp is affiliated with the Diocese of Niagara, Anglican Church of Canada.
Job Types: Fixed term contract, Seasonal
Contract length: 11 weeks
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Please list your relevant experience with preparing food / baking / cooking / serving and cleaning.
- What excites you most about the opportunity to work in a summer camp setting?
Work Location: In person
