Kids Summer Camp – Lead Educator (Program OR Culinary Focus)

Overview

Culinary Artistas is hiring for TWO SEPARATE LEAD roles to bring our youth culinary camps to life this summer! Our camps serve up to 26 kids, ages 4–10, and are designed to spark curiosity, inspire young chefs, and connect children to cooking, culture, and each other through hands-on experiences.

As a Lead Program Educator, you will co-lead camp alongside the Lead Culinary Educator, managing daily camp flow, transitions, outdoor activities, STEAM projects, morning/closing circles, and supporting cooking sessions. You’ll also be the main point of contact for parents and grownups, ensuring every child feels safe, engaged, and excited to learn.

As a Lead Culinary Educator, you will co-lead camp alongside the Lead Program Educator, managing all things in the kitchen—executing menus, teaching hands-on cooking to campers, managing operations, and mentoring assistants and CITs. We’re looking for someone who can run a safe, organized, high-energy kitchen while making cooking joyful, inclusive, and inspiring for every camper.

Commitment *SUMMER ONLY*

For San Francisco Camps

• Location: Ghirardelli Square (851 Beach Street, San Francisco)
• Shifts: June 8 – August 28, 2026; Monday–Friday, 8:00/8:30 am – 3:30/4:00 pm
• Duration & Availability: Must be available at least 10 weeks (full summer availability is preferred); you will be assigned 6–8 weeks

For East Bay Camps

• Location: Albany Community Center and Piedmont Community Center
• Shifts: June 8 – August 7, 2026; Monday–Friday, 12:00 – 4:30/5:00 pm
• Duration & Availability: Must be available for full duration; you will be assigned 4–8 weeks

Responsibilities

Lead Culinary Educator (Kitchen & Kid Focused)

• Lead daily kitchen operations and cooking sessions (brunch, lunch, snack/dessert) using pre-developed recipes
• Teach age-appropriate culinary lessons, techniques, and food culture to campers ages 4–10
• Oversee kitchen safety, cleanliness, food handling, and allergy protocols
• Manage mise en place, prep schedules, inventory, and equipment
• Supervise and mentor Assistant Culinary Educators, kitchen staff, and teen CITs
• Guide up to 26 campers in age-based stations, maintaining a 6:1 ratio
• Collaborate closely with the Lead Program Educator throughout the day
• Co-lead daily post-camp debriefs and feedback circles

Lead Program Educator (Program, Kid & Parent-Focused)

• Serve as the primary point of contact for campers and families, representing our mission and values
• Lead drop-off, pick-up, circle time, transitions, and daily flow of camp
• Plan and facilitate STEAM activities and outdoor play
• Manage camper behavior, safety, and group dynamics
• Supervise, train, and mentor Assistant Educators and teen CITs
• Ensure staff coverage, ratios, and smooth transitions between activities
• Handle parent communication, daily updates, and incident follow-up
• Co-lead daily post-camp debriefs with the Lead Culinary Educator

‍

Skills + Experience Required

For Lead Culinary Educator

• 3+ years professional culinary experience in a leadership role
• Experience teaching or working directly with children ages 4–10 (required)
• Strong knowledge of kitchen safety, food handling, and allergy management
• Experience supervising staff and mentoring teens
• Ability to adapt recipes and lessons for young learners

For Lead Program Educator

• 3+ years experience teaching or leading programs with elementary-age children
• Strong classroom or camp management skills
• Experience supervising staff or volunteers (including teens)
• Ability to lead age-appropriate activities, transitions, and group dynamics
• Strong communication and organizational skills

You Are…

• A clear, kind, and confident leader who models our Code of Conduct
• Passionate about working with kids and creating engaging, inclusive experiences
• Calm under pressure and comfortable managing busy, high-energy environments
• Highly reliable, organized, and adaptable
• A strong collaborator who communicates proactively and respectfully
• Comfortable moving between kitchen, classroom, and outdoor settings
• Physically able to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 lbs

SF Lead Bonus Perk*:

Eligible Lead Program Educators and Lead Culinary Educators may earn a bonus of 5–8% of total summer camp shift pay, paid after the last shift. Eligibility is based on:

• Working 6+ weeks as a Lead in SF
• Completing all scheduled shifts
• Calling out 3 or fewer times (following policy)
• Fully performing the duties outlined in your job description
• Applies to SF Leads only, as those camps run longer hours and more weeks. Actual bonus amounts will be determined based on weeks worked, hours, and performance.

English