Live & work in the beautiful north woods of Wisconsin!

Camp Wipigaki is a historic, private family camp located in the Northwoods of Wisconsin near Lac du Flambeau. Established in 1922, Wipigaki has served generations of member families for more than 100 years and offers a unique environment centered around family, tradition, outdoor recreation, and exceptional hospitality.

The property encompasses approximately 1,500 acres of Northwoods forest with access to seven lakes, approximately 30 miles of private roads, an extensive trail system, and numerous waterfront areas. The property includes 12 member cabins along with staff housing, recreational facilities, docks, boats, and a central dining facility.

Our primary summer season runs from mid-June through Labor Day. During that time, the camp welcomes returning member families and their guests for extended stays. The kitchen and dining program are an important part of the Wipigaki experience, serving three meals per day and approximately 10,000 meals over the course of a typical summer.

Unlike a traditional restaurant or resort, Wipigaki develops long-term relationships with the families we serve. Many members have been coming here their entire lives, and our seasonal employees quickly become familiar faces within the Wipigaki community.

Working at Camp Wipigaki is much more than a typical seasonal hospitality job.

Our employees spend the summer living and working in one of the most beautiful areas of Northern Wisconsin. Staff members work alongside a small, close-knit team that includes employees from throughout the United States as well as international seasonal employees.

The summer season is busy and requires employees who are willing to work hard, remain flexible, and help wherever needed. At the same time, living on property creates an experience that is difficult to find in a traditional restaurant environment.

The Executive Chef works directly with Camp Management and leads the seasonal kitchen operation. The Chef is supported by a Sous Chef, kitchen and dining staff, and international seasonal employees who assist throughout the operation.

Because Wipigaki is seasonal, the position provides an opportunity to spend the summer in Northern Wisconsin without requiring a year-round relocation. For the right candidate, this can become a recurring seasonal position and a place to return to year after year.

Our ideal Executive Chef is an experienced culinary professional who enjoys leading a team while remaining actively involved in daily kitchen operations.

We are looking for someone who can take ownership of the food program while working collaboratively with Camp Management. The successful candidate should be comfortable preparing approachable, high-quality food for groups ranging from smaller family-style meals to busy peak services.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have professional culinary and kitchen leadership experience.

• Be comfortable managing breakfast, lunch, and dinner service.

• Lead by example and remain hands-on during preparation and service.

• Develop and execute menus appropriate for a private summer camp environment.

• Manage food ordering, inventory, storage, food cost, and waste.

• Maintain excellent food safety, sanitation, and kitchen organization.

• Train, mentor, and work effectively with employees of varying experience levels, including international seasonal staff.

• Communicate clearly and professionally with Camp Management.

• Be organized and capable of planning production several days in advance.

• Accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions appropriately.

• Remain calm, positive, and professional during high-volume periods.

• Understand that flexibility and teamwork are essential in a seasonal operation.

• Take pride in creating a memorable dining experience for members and their guests.

• More responsibilities and expectations will be discussed in the interview

This position is particularly well suited for a chef who enjoys the outdoors, appreciates a close-knit work environment, and wants the opportunity to take ownership of a food program without the year-round demands of a traditional restaurant.

Private housing is provided on the Camp Wipigaki property at no cost to the Executive Chef and to the Sous Chef.

Both Chefs are provided with a private, fully furnished one-bedroom, one-bathroom cabin that includes a living room area.

Living on property means there is no daily commute, and the Chef(s) can enjoy the Northwoods setting throughout the summer.

Meals are also provided while working.

The combination of private housing and meals allows seasonal employees to significantly reduce their living expenses during the summer.

One of the biggest benefits of working at Wipigaki is the overall summer experience.

Employees receive:

• Free, private on-site housing.

• Meals provided while working.

• Employee uniforms provided.

• No daily commute.

• A beautiful 1,500-acre private Northwoods property as your workplace.

• Access to outdoor recreation during time off, subject to Camp policies and availability.

• The opportunity to work alongside employees from around the United States and the world.

• A unique seasonal schedule that leaves much of the year available for other culinary opportunities, travel, or personal pursuits.

• The opportunity to return for future seasons when it is a good fit for both the Chef and Camp Wipigaki.

For someone who enjoys outdoor living, the location itself is one of the biggest perks of the position.

Camp Wipigaki is located in Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin, in the heart of Wisconsin's Northwoods.

Because of our rural location, having a personal vehicle is strongly recommended. A vehicle makes it much easier to explore the surrounding area, shop for personal items, and enjoy Northern Wisconsin during days and evenings off. If this is not an option, Camp does have a vehicle for the staff to utilize.

Once at Camp, the Executive Chef's housing and primary workplace are both located on the property, eliminating a traditional daily commute.

Candidates traveling from outside Wisconsin should discuss their travel plans with Camp Management prior to arrival so we can help provide information about the best options for reaching Camp.

If you enjoy being outdoors, Northern Wisconsin is an incredible place to spend a summer.

Camp Wipigaki itself encompasses approximately 1,500 acres and seven lakes, offering employees a unique environment to enjoy during their time away from work.

Depending on availability, Camp policies, and the season, opportunities may include:

• Fishing

• Boating

• Kayaking and canoeing

• Swimming

• Hiking and walking trails

• Biking

• Pickleball and tennis courts

• Basketball Court

• Staff Dock with a Canoe / Kayak / Paddle Board

• Campfires

• Wildlife viewing

• Exploring the surrounding Northwoods

• Shopping, Restaurants, and other activities available outside of Camp.

The Minocqua area also offers restaurants, shops, lakes, trails, golf courses, community events, and other summer activities.

For someone who wants to spend a summer away from city life, Wipigaki offers the opportunity to work hard during the season while experiencing a part of Wisconsin that many people travel hours to visit.