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Enchanted Hills Camp

An Enchanted Update from EHC!

An Enchanted Update from EHC!

A new structure at EHC with external wood paneling, large windows, and is surrounded by redwood trees and newly paved paths

After an incredibly productive autumn and a peaceful holiday break, our friends at Wright Construction have made their way back up Mt. Veeder Road as our re-building and re-imagination projects at Enchanted Hills Camp continue. We are thrilled to share with our beloved EHC Community the progress we’ve made up at camp and what new, beautiful and accessible features our campers can look forward to experiencing this summer.
 
After breaking ground on the new Redwood Grove in November, we are excited to report the speed and grace at which this project is moving along—thanks in large part to all our generous donors at the LightHouse Gala who raised their paddles to contribute to the execution of this breathe-taking space. We can’t wait until these gorgeous redwood benches are filled with happy campers sharing lifelong memories together!

Our family cabins are nearly finished! Accessibility and innovative creativity can be found in every nook and cranny of these home away from homes. We can’t wait to welcome families in to explore and enjoy a cozy stay in these new little cottages!

Our campers aren’t the only ones with new and improved spaces to explore. Staff Commons is awaiting summer counselors to inhabit this beautiful new structure! For those interested in working at Enchanted Hills Camp this summer, be on the lookout for job postings and details in the coming months.

From the freshly paved roads to newly cut trails, our sparking pool and ponds to cozy evening retreats, to our structures built for group gatherings and friendship forming, we are proud of every inch of this incredible 311 acre space. The thoughtful architects at Perkins & Will have put their hearts and souls into creating a fully accessible space for blind and low vision patrons that is as beautiful as it is functional.
 
“We’re not creating forms and shapes for the sake of aesthetics alone. Rather, we’re thinking about straightforward navigability,” says Helen Schneider, EHC’s lead architect with Perkins & Will. “A lot of the effort with our master plan is creating cane-detectable paths throughout camp that will provide an accessible route from top to bottom.

“This summer, the anticipation at camp is reaching new heights as we eagerly await utilizing our brand-new and renovated buildings,” says Enchanted Hills Camp Director, Tony Fletcher. “The buzz is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about the promise of brand-new experiences and a comfortable and accessible atmosphere that these structures will bring. From new cabins, designed for comfort and camaraderie, to new program spaces set to enhance our camp experience. There are new memories and adventures waiting to unfold, making this summer an eagerly awaited chapter in our camp’s history.”
 
EHC Summer 2024 is just a few months away! This year’s session schedule is posted on the Enchanted Hills Camp website. Be sure to block off your calendars and reserve your spot at our enchanting redwood oasis this summer! Camp registration  is now open.

RSVP for EHC Summer 2024 Sessions.

Enchanted Hills Camp Virtual Holiday Concert is December 7

Enchanted Hills Camp Virtual Holiday Concert is December 7

For the fourth year in a row, alumni staff of Enchanted Hills Camp (EHC) wish to show their appreciation for the LightHouse community by hosting a free virtual EHC Alumni holiday concert. These are performers who have served as program staff over the years and will join current LightHouse and EHC staffers to celebrate the spirit of EHC past, present, and future.

This year’s performers are Hanna Clemenson, Christina Daniels, Derek Dittmar, Rachael Grider, Mariana Sandoval and Masceo Williams.

Camp Director, Tony Fletcher says, “When we enter the cold and dark days of late fall and prepare for winter, many of the alumni of EHC truly look forward to any opportunities for us to gather and celebrate one of our favorite locations on earth. One of the special gatherings is the Virtual Holiday Concert. All the performers have deep connections to EHC as staff members, and for many, as former campers. This is a show built around gratitude. This year we focus on saying thank you to the many generous donors that supported Giving Tuesday for the LightHouse’s Little Learners Program that uses Enchanted Hills for a family camp weekend.

“We hope listeners will enjoy not only the music, but also the chance to hear and see the performers that have been their counselors and area leaders at EHC over the years.”

What: EHC Virtual Alumni Holiday Concert

When: Thursday, December 7 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Where: Enchanted Hills Camp Facebook page, no Facebook account is necessary to view the live-streamed concert.

An Enchanted Evening Indeed – A LightHouse Gala Recap

An Enchanted Evening Indeed – A LightHouse Gala Recap

It was a star-studded evening at the LightHouse Gala on Saturday, August 19. Our gala attendees showed up dressed to the nines ready to raise funds (and paddles!) for the rebuild and re-imagination of Enchanted Hills Camp.

As guests arrived, they were greeted with champagne and our signature gala cocktail, an Enchantini, as they perused the Silent Auction and caught surprise glimpses of framed legacy Enchanted Hills Camp photos, some dating back to the Rose Resnick days of the 1950s, sprinkled throughout the cocktail reception area in delicate gold frames.

When the doors to the Grand Ballroom opened, our guests were dazzled with twinkling bistro lights, fresh pine garlands adorning the tables and entry ways, and the rejuvenating scent of lush trees and crisp air that instantly transports your senses back to Enchanted Hills Camp. That night, the Westin St. Francis Hotel was the place to be!

LightHouse Gala Committee Co-chairs Kathryn Webster and Laura Allen, and LightHouse CEO Sharon (and dapper guide dog Pilot, dressed in a doggy-tuxedo) began the evening with a warm welcome, thanking our guests and gala sponsors for their time and generosity as we kicked off the evening’s program.

When keynote speaker Rebecca Alexander took the stage, she joyfully led our gala guests in a camp song, bringing the whimsy and silliness of summer camp to 350 audience members as they echoed her back with, “I said a boom-chicka-boom!” Rebecca told her story growing up with Usher Syndrome, her love for summer camp and passion for inclusive and accessible experiences for the blind, low vision, and deafblind community.

EHC Camp Director Tony Fletcher speaks into the microphone on stage

“Summer camps are a place where anyone, regardless of ability, can experience the power of community in nature. But I’m especially delighted to support LightHouse’s efforts to create a world-class facility to serve campers who might otherwise not have access to the confidence-building activities and opportunities Enchanted Hills offers,” says Rebecca.

As Tony Fletcher, EHC Camp Director, took the stage, he told the story of camp—about our start with Rose Resnick in 1950, our strength, and of our deeply-rooted community, then he spoke of the destruction from the 2017 Napa wildfires. A video played on the screen above the stage, and as images of a burnt and devastated redwood forest were shown, Tony told a story of resilience, of courage, and of determination.

As the moving and heartfelt words from Tony Fletcher hung in the air, we kicked off the live auction, led by auctioneer extraordinaire Greg Quiroga. The air became electric as the friendly (although at times, perhaps a bit fierce!) competition brewed in the room and auction paddles shot to the sky! As paddles raised, so did the funds to rebuild a beautiful, accessible, inclusive dream retreat for the blind community!

The evening ended with a beautiful musical performance by visually impaired singer-songwriter, Meghan Downing. As Meghan strummed her guitar, her angelic voice sang melodies reminiscent of the comfort and ease like the end of a perfect Enchanted Hills Camp day, warm and cozy around the campfire.

In total, the gala raised $680,000 for Enchanted Hills Camp! We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible love and support that was shown to EHC and the blind community. We’d like to specially thank Ben Jai for his unbelievably generous donation of $100,000 and a second significant donor who  gave an additional $90,000 to the building of the Redwood Grove Theatre! Accompanied by other special Gold and Silver donors, over $300,000 was raised for the rebuild of the theatre.

The construction of Redwood Grove will begin in mid-fall of this year! As construction of the theatre and other dream projects are underway, we will keep all of our friends, supporters, and campers updated!

As Enchanted Hills Camp approaches our 75th anniversary in 2025, we invite you to imagine the beautiful new space we are creating for generations of blind, low vision and deafblind campers to come. And who knows? The next gala just might take place in the heart of EHC as we celebrate growth, resilience, aspiration, and three quarters of a century of excellence in Summer 2025!

 

EHC Youth and Teen Camps Lead to Opportunities for Ellie Kneer

EHC Youth and Teen Camps Lead to Opportunities for Ellie Kneer

At EHC, Ellie, a young woman with pink hair, takes a selfie outdoors from the corner of a patio with a stream in the background

Next week, the summer sessions begin at Enchanted Hills Camp (EHC) with Changing Vision, Changing Life, a week-long “boot camp” for those new to blindness skills training. But that’s only the beginning of a season full of camp sessions for blind campers of all ages.
 
EHC is a transformative experience for those who attend. One longtime camp attendee is Ellie Kneer, who shared her experiences on the impact and opportunities attending Youth and Teen camp gave her.
 
Tell us about your history with EHC. When did you start going and how did you hear about it?
 
“My first summer at EHC was 2016, I was 12 or 13. For three years, my TVI had been begging me, ‘Hey, Ellie, go to this camp for the blind. It’s really close to home. You’re going to have fun. You’re going to make a lot of friends.’ But I didn’t want to go. What did my TVI know? How to teach me blind skills?

“After three years, I finally went, and I had a great time. As soon as I hit the pavement on the first day of camp, I heard the buzz of everyone talking and catching up. I smelled the camp air and the camp smells, and I was so excited. All of a sudden [EHC Director] Tony Fletcher did his ‘Hello EHC!’, and when everyone responded with ‘EHC is the place to be!’ and then did their clap, I knew it would be a great summer.
 
“I’ve been associated with camp now for eight years, and I’ve worked my way up the ranks. I was Counselor, then Enrichment Area Leader. Now this summer I will be Assistant Director.”
 
What do you say to campers who might be going away from home for the first time? What about their parents?

“For the campers, you can always call home if it’s your first year, if you’re ever homesick. We also have plenty of counselors who have been campers and plenty of campers who had a first time before. It’s a very loving community that will empower you left and right, and if you know you’re homesick, some of the guide dog users will let you play with their dogs for a minute, especially since a lot of kids miss their [non service] animals. I get it. I miss all my puppies at home, too. I just have my guide dog up at camp. He misses his puppies, too!
 
“Parents are always encouraged to send mail or little gift baskets up to their kids. But let your kid have fun if they don’t need to constantly check in. It’s their time to branch out and be independent.”
 
Can you talk about your move up the ranks from camper to Assistant Director? What are some lessons you’ve learned and things that have helped you grow as a person?

“You need to model the behavior you want to see from your students. Even though I may not always want to, I’ve got to always use my cane or guide dog at camp. Also, you have to be willing to share your experiences with the campers and other counselors. Sometimes that’s hard, since a lot of people don’t want to share their story, and it’s very personal to many people, but I find it’s a way to connect with people.
 
“Also, as you rise up the ranks, you have to have strong personal and professional boundaries with everyone. It’s something that is really hard, because you might have a best friend who is the Art Area Leader or the Kiva Area Leader and you’re Assistant Director. But when it comes to evaluating camp staff, you have to be very unbiased.”
 
You’ve been interning here at LightHouse for the last few months. Can you tell us more about that?

“I’m currently in my final week as the EHC Administrative Intern. I got this internship through the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR). They are the ones who are funding my internship, and they did a collaboration with Tony and my college. Not only do I get paid for this internship, but I also am getting college credits.”

At LightHouse, Ellie smiles as she holds up the EHC American Camp Association accreditation binder she has worked on during her internship

What are the differences between working in an office environment and at camp?
 
“To work in an office, I had to learn a lot. I learned how to take public transit at commute times rather than other times when I was going out to meet friends. It’s completely different time management to wake myself up at an earlier time.
 
“Comparing camp to working at LightHouse: they’re completely different worlds. At camp, you might be doing your office work on the breezeway next to the lake, or you could do it on a picnic table. Whereas my little office at LightHouse was a windowless room that was very quiet, and I didn’t hear nature. I heard traffic sounds from outside, or I’d hear people walking around, and I just had to learn to navigate the completely different realms of office life versus camp life. It was very foreign to me, but I think I navigated it well. I learned a lot of professional jargon and learned what [office environment conversation] volume was appropriate, and how to appropriately talk to someone who works in a different department.

Any final thoughts on why people should come to EHC or things that people should know?
 
“The most important part about camp is that we are very mission based. The camp was started by a fully blind woman named Rose Resnick in the 1950s when there was no protection of the ADA or Section 504. She wanted to be a teacher, and she couldn’t be a teacher, so she decided she’d make a camp so she could teach blind kids. Throughout the years we’ve had so many staff members who have started off as campers who are blind or low vision, and have risen up the ranks and become Assistant Directors, Area Leaders etc. Some have gone on to the teaching profession.

“You can always find valuable life skills and life lessons from camp by just attending. EHC is somewhere I’ve used to recharge my social batteries after living in a very non-inclusive society. When I go to EHC, I’m not the only blind person, and we can share all of our stories of not being able to find a specific location because Google Maps was outdated, or we talk about teachers who didn’t help us because they didn’t want to give us ‘special treatment’. It’s helped show us that we’re not alone and that we’re not the only people who go through it. That’s something that’s empowered me so much throughout the years growing up. I cannot give camp more than enough credit for everything it’s done in helping me become the person I am today. I’m very grateful for camp, and I know families will be grateful to see what it’ll do for their kid.”
 
Are you or your kid ready to go to camp? Sign up for an EHC Camp Session today.

Register for an Enchanted Hills Camp Summer 2023 Session.

Gearing Up for Enchanted Hills Summer Camp

Gearing Up for Enchanted Hills Summer Camp

Federal Reserve Bank employees take a break from clearing the archery range at EHC to turn towards the camera and smile.

It’s mid-May! The snow that once blanketed the 311 acres of Enchanted Hills Camp has long since melted, the sun is shining bright and warm over Napa Valley, flowers and trees are in full bloom, and the first 2023 EHC Summer Camp session is just three weeks away!

Our friends at Wright Construction have been working diligently during the off-season to prepare the grounds for the hundreds of happy campers this summer. The drainage and waterflow redirection systems that were put in place prior to the winter storms kept camp safe from flooding and water damage, and the waters of Lake Lokoya are full and sparkling.

Youth Programs Coordinator Jamey Gump watches an Oakland Unified student shoot an arrow at a target.

Spring brought many volunteers and visitors to camp. Last month, our friends from the Federal Reserve Bank – San Francisco spent some time at EHC clearing trails and getting them hiker-ready, as well as restoring our archery range. And, just to make sure those bows and arrows are ready for summer, a few blind and low vision students from Oakland Unified School District came up to camp to put the new and improved archery range to the test! (It’s a bullseye!)

Perhaps the most anticipated (and soon to be celebrated!) finished project of the season is our gorgeous, glistening swimming pool! After the grand opening of the beautifully designed redwood Bath House a couple years ago, we finally have a pool just as lovely to complete the aquatic oasis. So, who’s ready to dive in?

The pool at EHC is flanked by the deck and the redwood bath house.

Our Enchanted Hills Camp staff will report up to Mount Veeder soon. Changing Vision Changing Life returns to camp this June, followed by our Little Learners Family Camp, then Adult Session. July will kick off our Youth and Teen Camp sessions, followed by Music, STEM, and another Family Camp in August. It’s not too late to sign up for EHC Summer 2023. You can view the available sessions and register for camp here.

Who of you will be joining us for the best summer ever?! See you soon, campers!

Sign up for EHC 2023 summer camp sessions!

Gala Committee Chairs Share Why They Are So Passionate about EHC and the Gala’s Success

Gala Committee Chairs Share Why They Are So Passionate about EHC and the Gala’s Success

Spring has sprung, Enchanted Hills Summer Camp season is just around the corner, and the LightHouse Gala: An Enchanted Evening is just four months away! Our gala committee has been busy working out every detail to bring all the beauty and wonder of Enchanted Hills Camp (EHC) to the grand ballroom of the Westin St. Francis Hotel this August. With all these exciting plans in motion, we decided to sit down with LightHouse board members and gala committee chairs, Laura Allen and Kathryn Webster, to give our Lately readers the inside scoop and share why they are so dedicated to making this year’s gala a truly incredible experience for all our attendees.
 
Why have you volunteered to be on the LightHouse Gala Committee?
 
Kathryn: “The short answer? I absolutely love galas and I love event planning. But to me, of course the gala is a fundraiser, but it’s really more about broadening awareness of the work that we’re doing, so every person in their seat during the event is learning something new. It’ll be so great having the opportunity to see people really react to the impact that LightHouse is making. I think that’s what gets me super excited, and being in the co-chair seat with Laura, we get to structure it in a way where we’re making an experience for folks more so than just a fundraiser. That’s what got me really excited to be in this leadership role.”
 
Laura: “In my role at Google, I’ve done a lot of different things over the years. A few years ago, I was one of the people who helped to put on our different events for Google Accessibility – the  big conferences and whatnot. I think there’s just something really special about the ability to bring the community together in a physical place and celebrate. Especially as we’ve gone through the pandemic, so much has been virtual and many of us are remote, I think that this gala will be a really special moment for LightHouse. Being able to bring the community back together in person to celebrate this incredible cause [Enchanted Hills Camp] and have a wonderful time as one community is what made me want to be part of the gala committee.”
 
What is your connection to Enchanted Hills Camp?
 
Kathryn: “I think a really unique thing about Enchanted Hills Camp is how it brings the community in, whether they are from other blindness organizations or are folks who are new to blindness and low vision; it gives people that experience of camping and walking around in a beautiful area in California, and interacting in some of the extracurricular activities that they may not have been exposed to in the world outside of EHC. To me, that’s the biggest draw. It sounds cliché, but it is absolutely a beautiful place where so many memories can be built. It’s very special, and I think the community bonds and the conversations that happen there are really what drew me to being so passionate about, of course, rebuilding camp [after the 2017 Napa wildfires] but also making sure that we’re bringing new people in to experience the beauty and opportunity that we’ve built as LightHouse at Enchanted Hills Camp.”
 
Laura: “I wish that I had had a camp like EHC to go to when I was younger. I grew up in New Jersey. I didn’t really have anybody in my circle who could relate to losing vision. I am low vision; I have a rare visual condition that impacts my central vision. I lost central vision in both eyes very abruptly when I was young, and I navigated that journey very alone. It’s incredible the way that EHC brings blind children and their families and blind adults together to learn from each other and share their experiences. It’s something so many blind people can benefit from – just feeling that sense of belonging. It’s something I wish I had when I was younger.”
 
If you had the opportunity to have attended EHC as a child, how do you think that would have affected you?
 
Laura: It would have given me a lot more confidence as a preteen and a teenager. I didn’t know anybody who experienced a similar sort of vision loss, or more vision loss than me until I got to Google. I didn’t have anybody in my circle who was blind or had low vision. If I had that sense of community when I was younger, I think it would have been very life-changing. I think it would have given me confidence in how to navigate vision loss and would have taught me how to be proud of my disability. Having pride in one’s disability is a journey, and it’s a spectrum. I’ve gotten to the point now, where I can absolutely say, ‘Yes, I am so proud to have my visual condition. I’m proud to be in the disability community. I am proud to work on accessibility at Google, and level the playing fields for people with disabilities through the use of technology,’ but I was not always that way. Experiencing the empowerment campers feel at EHC as a child, to find friends who were navigating something similar, that would have been so valuable.
 
Kathryn: “I completely agree. For me, I lost my vision fully when I was 22, but prior to that, I had a ton of residual vision, and then less and less and less. I also was the only visually impaired or blind person in my high school and throughout college. I didn’t have a blind person to look to and think, ‘I can do this!’ I never knew what opportunities I could have. I didn’t grow up seeing representation of folks who are blind, let alone have the experience of going to camp for blind people! Even just, you know, going kayaking, swimming, running around like ‘normal kids,’ all that kind of stuff. I wish I would have had exposure to blindness early on and built those connections and friendships and have had those shared feelings rather than the internal struggle. And that’s always my goal with the EHC – that we can spread the word and get as many people as possible to experience what EHC has to offer, for both kids and their families. I think the family experience is a big piece, too.”
 
What are your goals for this gala?
 
Laura: “Yes, raising funds is a big piece of this because camp was jeopardized. Camp was hugely harmed by the fires, and some of the rebuild has started, of course. But what we really hope the gala does is bring camp back to better than ever. We want to be able to help the most people we possibly can in the years to come. I feel like the impact of EHC on campers’ lives is a story that needs to be told.” 
 
Kathryn: “I love the concept of having campers in the seats of the gala along with our donors, board members and staff members, and then brand-new people that have never heard of us. Letting gala guests hear from the campers directly and building those connections is so important. Telling the story of who we are and everything else LightHouse does, and how every piece of the gala will be centered around blindness – having a blind musician, having a keynote speaker who has vision loss, etc. I think seeing all those pieces put together will be really remarkable to watch. For others to see the power and hear the voices of so many blind people within one room will be so, so special.”
 
Aside from the community building, storytelling, and fundraising we hope to achieve at An Enchanted Evening on August 19, 2023, what else are you most excited for?
 
Kathryn: “Dancing! I’m also really excited for the giant wooden tactile art piece that is being made for the gala. I can’t wait to run my fingers over the EHC landscape they are re-creating – it’s going to be incredible! I think everyone, blind and sighted, is really going to love it!”
 
Laura: “I’m just so excited to see everyone together in one room, and meeting people in person – some for the first time!”
 
You can purchase tickets to An Enchanted Evening on August 19, 2023, on the LightHouse Gala website. For information about sponsorship tiers, donations, or in kind auction item donations, or general gala information, visit LightHouse gala website.

Simply Sinatra: EHC Benefit Concert at Museo Italo Americano

Simply Sinatra: EHC Benefit Concert at Museo Italo Americano

After the wonderfully successful benefit concert for Enchanted Hills Camp, Simply Sinatra, on March 4, Steve Gill and Alex Perez are back for an encore performance! This time, the concert will be held at the Museo Italo Americano at Fort Mason in San Francisco. Join us on Sunday, April 30, for another fantastic concert to benefit our beloved EHC.
 
When: Sunday April 30, 4:30 – 5:45 PM
 
Where: Museo Italo Americano, 2 Marina Blvd., Building C, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
 
Tickets: $20 Simply Sinatra tickets can be purchased here
 
More About the Gill Family Concert for EHC:
 
These concerts are organized by Nancy and Steve Gill to support Enchanted Hills Camp (EHC). In 1997 their daughter, Anne, was in a car accident that caused blindness and a traumatic brain injury. Nancy and Steve were frustrated with the lack of programs that served people with multiple disabilities until they found out that EHC holds a yearly camp session for adults with developmental disabilities. Anne enjoyed her first time at EHC and has returned as a camper over the years. In 1999 Nancy and Steve organized the first concert to benefit EHC.

Enchanted Hills Campers tell why “EHC is the place to be!”

Enchanted Hills Campers tell why “EHC is the place to be!”

Enchanted Hills Camp is gearing up for summer! After nine months of off-season construction, we cannot wait to reopen our cabin doors, show off the improvements and works-in-progress, and most importantly, have another truly awesome summer with our campers! The location and activities alone make EHC a great place to spend the summer, but it is so much more than just another summer camp. For many of our campers, EHC is a life-changing experience in a nurturing and encouraging blind-positive environment where lifelong friendships and community bonds are made.
 
“Enchanted Hills has been special to me ever since I started going back in 2010. It’s a place where I was free to be me and be ‘normal.’ I’ve made lifelong connections, and it is a great place for networking, and I have been able to meet new people who have helped me in a bunch of different ways. Because of EHC, I learned about guide dogs and was able to get mine in 2019 and help promote the blind community in [the Disney+ series] Pick of the Litter. Going to EHC changed my life in the best way.” – Camper Liv
 
Camp has changed my life from being someone who didn’t fit in to knowing exactly where I belong. I feel confident in who I am. I now know how to advocate for myself. I have made so many lifelong friends at Enchanted Hills who have taught me that my disability doesn’t define me, but my voice and personality do. EHC is the place to be!” – Camper Ellie
 
As a camper, camp opened my eyes to all the possibilities of someone who is visually impaired. Before camp, I thought I was alone and awkwardly in-between the blind and sighted world. I thought college and my dream of a teacher was too far for me to grasp. But camp opened my eyes and not only provided friends of same age/experience, but also mentors on staff who I could ask questions, as well as look up to. Camp got me out of a dark place and rut I was in. I now knew I could go away to college, get a degree, and have a family. I thank camp and everyone here for changing my life. I would not be where I am if it were not for EHC, Tony and other staff/campers.” Camper Annalisa
 
This summer, Enchanted Hills Youth Camp is open to blind and low vision campers in grades 3 – 8 and will be held July 10 – 15. Teen camp session is open to blind and low vision campers in grades 9 – 12 from July 17 – 29. Register for EHC Summer 2023 here.

Prep Cook/Dishwasher (Part Time)

POSITION:                            Prep Cook/Dishwasher

REPORTS TO:                        Head Chef/Lead Cook in the absence of Chef/ Cook II in the absence of Lead Cook and Head Chef

STATUS:                                 Seasonal, Part-Time, Non-Exempt (3 shifts per week)

                                                Will be needed roughly between Saturday, 4/15/23-Wednesday, 8/30/23

JOB CLASSIFICATION:       Associate II

WORK ARRANGEMENT:      In Person, EHC

SALARY RANGE:                   $20-$22/hr

APPLICATION DEADLINEUntil Filled

JOB PURPOSE:

LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is looking for a Prep Cook/Dishwasher to join Enchanted Hills Camp. This position will a key, full-time, seasonal staff position at Enchanted Hills Camp in Napa, CA. Our culinary teams knows that food is much more than fuel for busy campers. Food brings people together and is as much a part of the camp tradition as the songs we sing around the campfire.

There will be a shuttle service to transport employees up to camp, from the park-n-ride in Downtown Napa.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Previous experience as a cook or in a related role required
  • Validated knowledge of basic principles of food preparation, various cooking methods, and food safety regulations such as accurate food handling, sanitation, and storage
  • Must possess or have ability to obtain valid CA food handlers permit
  • Demonstrate basic math and counting skills
  • Ability to follow directions and willingness to ask clarifying questions
  • Candidate must be willing to be willing to work hours that include evenings and weekends
  • Ability to communicate in written and spoken English required
  • Must comply with dress code requirements
  • Employment is subject to satisfactory background check

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Capable of significant walking over uneven terrain
  • Ability to work in a standing position for long periods of time (up to 8 hours)
  • Frequently lift up to 50 pounds and occasionally team lift/move 50 pounds
  • Manage physical activities such as standing, some bending, stooping, and stretching as well as daily exposure to the sun and heat and varying environmental conditions
  • Ability to safely work with sensitive materials and/or chemicals

JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES:

  • Cooks and prepares a variety of food according to production guidelines and standardized recipes
  • Sets up workstation with all needed ingredients and equipment
  • Prepares ingredients by measuring, weighing, mixing, chopping, trimming, and peeling food items
  • Safely uses a variety of utensils and equipment including knives, ovens, stoves, slicers, mixers, etc.
  • Uses a variety of methods including baking, roasting, broiling, and steaming to cook meat, vegetables, and other foods
  • Cleans and sanitizes work areas, equipment, and utensils
  • Maintain cleanliness, organization and stocking of coolers and storage areas
  • Maintain high standards for work areas and personal hygiene
  • Properly stores food by adhering to food safety policies and procedures
  • Performs opening, closing and side work duties as instructed and according to proper guidelines.
  • Maintains excellent customer service and positive demeanor towards guests, customers, clients, co-workers, etc.
  • Adheres to all in house, local, and state hygiene polices and  

WORKING CONDITIONS:

LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is an equal opportunity employer to all. We strive to maintain a scent-free environment and a drug-free workplace. We also operate under a mutual “employment at will” policy.

Equal Opportunity

LightHouse is an equal opportunity employer. LightHouse policy and the law prohibit discrimination and harassment based on an individual’s race, ancestry, religion or religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, age (40 and over), sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin (including language use restrictions), marital status, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), physical or mental disability (including HIV and AIDS), military or veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions, denial of Family and Medical Care leave, height and weight, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or

local laws, regulations, or ordinances.  Our policy and the law prohibit co-workers, third parties, supervisors, and managers from engaging in such conduct.

LightHouse personnel are employed on an at-will basis.  Employment at-will means that the employment relationship may be terminated, with or without cause and with or without advance notice at any time by the employee or the Agency.

We strive to maintain a scent-free environment and a drug-free workplace.  Employees are expected to behave in accordance with these objectives.

All employees at LightHouse are hired for an indefinite and unspecified duration and consequently, no employee is guaranteed employment for a specified length of time. Employment is at the mutual consent of the employee and LightHouse. Accordingly, either the employee or LightHouse can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause (“employment at will”).

TO APPLY:

Please submit an application, cover letter and résumé as Word attachments (no. PDFs please), to hr@lighthouse-sf.org, including the job title in the subject line. We will not consider videos or hyperlinks to online profiles. Due to time constraints, we will only respond to complete submissions in which there is serious interest, thanks for your understanding. We strongly encourage applicants from the blind community to apply!