Posted: Dec 9, 2025

Miniwanca Food Program

Temporary
Salary: $500.00 - $800.00 Weekly
Application Deadline: Mar 15, 2026
Restaurant

A summer job at Miniwanca isn’t only a job – it’s an epic and unforgettable life experience! 

SUMMARY: Acquire valuable skills and real-world experience under the guidance of a skilled chef with 20+ years of experience in Culinary Arts and Food Management, utilizing the camp kitchen as a learning environment where knowledge is demonstrated in practice.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Participate in the preparation and service of three from-scratch meals for camp participants and staff daily, managing a variety of food allergies and dietary restrictions
  • Maintain a clean and organized kitchen, and manage inventory and resources responsibly
  • Ensure a positive environment and healthy, safe meals for all
  • Demonstrate a desire to learn new skills and display knowledge in practice, a passion for serving youth, and respect for social and cultural diversity
  • Demonstrate solution-based problem solving and positive communication skills
  • Be receptive to receiving and adept at providing constructive criticism clearly and respectfully
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs. and stand for extended periods
  • Ability to move through potentially rugged terrain
  • Additional tasks as assigned

EMPLOYMENT TYPE

  • Seasonal, Full-Time
  • 8-12 weeks, May-September
    • The 8-weeks of staff training and summer camp sessions are mandatory for all staff (June 10-August 8th)
    • Employment can be extended for Community Programs before or after the mandatory period

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS

  • Competitive salary
    • Weekly base salaries: $550 – Specialist position / $700 – Leader position
    • Increases available dependent on training/experience, and for returning staff
  • Independence, without the bills
    • On-site, dorm-style housing & all meals provided – FREE!
    • Safely practice living away from home without the commitment of household expenses
      • Must be 18 years or older to stay in dorms
  • Vacation vibes
    • Enjoy camp activities like kayaking, sailing, swimming, river floats, hiking, archery, rock-wall climbing, high/low ropes courses, campfires, crafts, woodworking, and more – FREE!
    • Experience the ultimate “Michigan summer” living amongst friends on 360 acres of woodlands nestled between the shores of Lake Michigan and Stony Lake – a breathtaking setting for fun and adventure
  • Develop your Best Self
    • Learn valuable skills, and gain real-world experience
    • Experience a uniquely diverse and inclusive community where you are respected, supported, and empowered to be yourself, and encouraged to learn from the cultures and experiences of others

REQUIREMENTS

  • SPECIALIST position:
    • Be at least 17 years or older
    • Current ServSafe Manager certification
    • Minimum of 1 year food service experience and/or culinary training
  • LEADER position:
    • Be at least 18 years or older
    • Current ServSafe Manager certification
    • Minimum of 3 years’ food service experience and/or culinary training, with at least 1 year in management or supervisory capacity
    • Experience in a “from scratch” kitchen, managing food allergies and dietary restrictions
    • Receptive to receiving and adept at providing constructive criticism clearly and respectfully

PREFERRED

  • Experience cooking for large groups
  • Experience with dietary restrictions and allergies

Recognizing the full value of all, the American Youth Foundation affords equal opportunity for employment and program participation to all individuals on the basis of merit and/or eligibility without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required for this position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

How To Apply:

APPLY NOW FOR A SUMMER THAT GOES BEYOND "JUST A JOB"

Application Instructions: This process is a bit clunky but we're working on it! The instructions below should help for now.

  1. Go to HTTPS://TINYURL.COM/MW-APPLY
  2. Complete NEW USER SIGN UP - CREATE ACCOUNT
  3. Start a NEW STAFF APPLICATION and complete each section. The info below will make this a little easier:
    • PERSONAL INFORMATION:
      • Select FOOD PROGRAM for question: "In which area are you most interested in working?"
    • POSITION PREFERENCES:
      • Select appropriate position(s): FOOD PROGRAM ASSISTANT, FOOD PROGRAM SPECIALIST, and/or FOOD PROGRAM LEADER
    • AVAILABILITY and CERTIFICATION:
      • Select all that apply
    • EDUCATION HISTORY:
      • Provide at least one
    • WORK AND RELATED EXPERIENCE:
      • You may select "MARK THIS SECTION COMPLETE" and email your resume to [email protected] instead
    • SKILLS INVENTORY:
      • You may respond to all, or only the FOOD section before selecting "MARK THIS SECTION COMPLETE"
    • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
      • Please be sure to answer all questions identified as being specifically for "FOOD PROGRAM APPLICANTS"
      • You may skip "FACILITIES" and "FOUR TRAILS" questions
    • REFERENCES:
      • Provide 3
  4. SIGN THE APPLICATION - you're done! 

Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.