Company description

Path to Panacea is a dynamic youth education organization dedicated to empowering the next generation through hands-on, holistic learning experiences. Rooted in the belief that wellness, creativity, and sustainability are essential to thriving communities, Path to Panacea offers seasonal camps, school programs, and youth enrichment experiences that inspire curiosity, build life skills, and foster a deep connection to food, culture, and the natural world.

Our camps are thoughtfully designed to be joyful, inclusive, and engaging—blending culinary arts, nutrition education, and creative expression. From cooking with seasonal ingredients to exploring global traditions and practicing team-building in a collaborative kitchen, students are encouraged to explore, experiment, and grow in a supportive and vibrant environment.

Job description

Path to Panacea | Creative Culinary Camps for Youth 10-17

At Path to Panacea, we believe that cooking is more than a skill — it’s a way to connect, nourish, and celebrate. Our summer camps offer teens and tweens a chance to slow down, engage all their senses, and discover the joy of preparing seasonal meals together. We are looking for a few Culinary Camp Counselors to help us create an environment where young people feel safe, inspired, and empowered in the kitchen.

This role is ideal for:

• Chefs ready to trade late nights for mornings filled with laughter and new experiences
• Parents with serious home cooking skills looking for meaningful summer work
• Educators or caregivers with the summer off who love cooking as a medium for teaching
• Anyone passionate about passing on a love of food to the next generation
   

✨ Position Overview

• Role: Teen Culinary Camp Chef/ Counselor
• When: Camps run between June 9 – August 8 | Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM. With a few built in weeks off.
• Expect to work between 4 and 7 weeks.
• Where: Albany, CA or Piedmont, CA (select your site). We are not able to offer relocation, you must live locally or be willing to commute.
• Compensation: $25–$30/hour depending on experience
   

🍑 What You'll Be Doing

• Lead teens and tweens (ages 10–17) in creative cooking projects. They will be making between 3-6 dishes per day.
• Guide campers through hands-on kitchen tasks while modeling proper technique, safety, and creativity
• Create a supportive and inclusive environment where youth of all backgrounds and abilities (including some with disabilities) can thrive
• Adapt recipes and activities based on seasonal ingredients, allergies, and camper needs
• Keep the kitchen organized, safe, and joyful
• Collaborate with other staff to integrate games, storytelling, gratitude, and fun into every day

🌿 The Essentials

• Love for cooking and working with youth
• Experience working with teens and tweens, ideally ages 10–17
• Ability to lead with patience, kindness, and flexibility
• Strong communication and team-building skills
• Comfort adapting when ingredients (or plans) change
• Organized and efficient, with a commitment to working clean 
• Committed to inclusivity and creating a kitchen space that feels welcoming for all
• Willingness to mentor teens with varying levels of kitchen confidence
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and be on your feet during camp hours

🌻 Bonus if you have:

• Previous experience in culinary education, summer camps, or working with youth
• Experience with inventory and ordering
• Familiarity with seasonal, nutrient dense, plant-forward, and scratch cooking
• Food Handler’s Certification and First Aid/CPR (or willingness to obtain) 

At Path to Panacea, we’re making more than just memories — we’re growing community, creativity, and confidence. See www.pathtopanacea.com to learn more about us. 

 

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

Deadline

May 23, 2025