Summer Staff with Food Service Assistance as Primary Task

January 10, 2018

Our Mission

Our commitment is to provide transforming:
  • Settings for re-creation
  • Intensives for spiritual formation
  • Hospitality to all 

Our Task

Camping and Retreat Ministry in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference:
  • Equips local churches for ministry and provides a connection for ministry beyond the local church.
  • Provides intentional places apart
  • Extends genuine Christian hospitality and community
  • Nurtures Christian faith and discipleship
  • Develops Christian spiritual leaders
  • Teaches creation care and appreciation
  • Collaborates with United Methodists churches and agencies
  • Equips guests to go forth and serve

Essential Qualifications

It is expected that the applicant:

  1. Is certified in American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescue (training provided if needed)
  2. Possesses excellent organizational and communication skills
  3. Will pass a criminal background check (if 18 or older)
  4. Is a mature person with faith consistent with The United Methodist Church
  5. Has energy and passion for camping and retreat ministry
  6. Possesses a welcoming spirit of radical hospitality
  7. Is able to communicate and work with groups and individuals of varied ages
  8. Has a passion for making a difference in the lives of others through hospitality

Other Qualifications

It is expected that the applicant:
  1. Loves working with adults, children, youth, and special needs campers in outdoor and indoor ministries
  2. Listens to others and observe others’ actions
  3. Reads text and information
  4. Comprehends instructions and manuals
  5. Moves about the camp property in various environmental conditions
  6. Withstands prolonged exposure to sunlight and other inclement weather
  7. Maintains concentration for prolonged periods
  8. Performs physical functions of food service

Expectations and Job Description

Expectations of All Staff

  1. Model a lifestyle of love and grace consistent with the life of Jesus Christ, assisting gently in conflict management and in responses to unacceptable behavior
  2. Demonstrate a willingness to grow and learn along with others
  3. Commit to the mission of the ministry, which is to create a sustained community of love and acceptance where children and youth may encounter God-Love in nature, in friendships, in study, in worship, and in play
  4. Assist campers in management of crises and conflict
  5. Recognize and respond quickly and effectively in emergencies
  6. Abide by child abuse prevention rules, ACA standards, policies of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, and public ordinances
  7. Sign off on the Illinois Great Rivers Conference personnel policy
  8. Live on camp (unless otherwise arranged) and work irregular hours
  9. Participate in the required training
  10. Attend all staff meetings, weekly in-service training, and community gatherings, including worship
  11. Maintain fitness level (strength and endurance) 
  12. Complete additional duties as assigned by supervisor or member of the management team

Expectations of Staff Whose Primary Task is Food Service Assistance

  1. Assist in the daily operations of the camp food service as directed, recognizing that excellence in job performance and attitude is critical to a camper's and guest's experience of hospitality
  2. Assist in the preparation of food as the food service manager or head cook directs
  3. Set up food, supplies, and utensils for service in the dining hall
  4. Assist in routine sanitation of the kitchen and related equipment
  5. Clean and maintain all food-preparation and storage areas
  6. Wash all dishes, serving and preparation equipment, and utensils according to regulated washing methods and temperatures
  7. Reduce waste, reuse items, and recycle as indicated through the camp’s procedures
  8. Store food and leftovers according to food service standards
  9. Work with cooks and other staff in reviewing pack-out requests to ensure food safety and adequate and accurate amounts,
  10. Reporting any malfunctioning, broken, and/or unsafe equipment to the food service manager
  11. Other tasks as the food service manager or head cook may direct
  12. Assist with clean-up of the dining area(s)

 Working Conditions

  1. Participate in daily routines of campers, including meals and worship.
  2. Live on site and sleep in cabins, lodges, or tents with campers.
  3. Work irregular hours, including some evenings and weekends  
  • Ability to lift and carry 30 pounds including unloading food, carry trays of dishes, lifting supplies and equipment as needed.
  • Visual ability to identify and respond to environmental hazards.
  • Physical ability to operate kitchen equipment according to safe recommended methods.
  • Physical mobility and endurance to perform tasks while standing for long periods of time (60 minutes or more).
  • Determine cleanliness of dishes, food surfaces, and kitchen area.