please browse FAQs about kitchen/bakery/coffeehouse work trades

Where can I learn more about Lark Camp (not just working)?

Please visit https://www.larkcamp.org/about/ to learn more about the history of Lark, how to get to camp, the types of workshops offered, and more FAQs!

What does 'kitchen crew' mean?

'Kitchen crew' is commonly used as a catch-all term for any folks working with us in a kitchen, coffeehouse, or bakery position.  

What type of work trades are offered when working with the kitchen, coffeehouse, and bakery?

Please visit our page dedicated to the types of work trades we offer.

Can I apply for more than one type of trade?

Of course! The more flexible you are with the types of trade you sign up for, the greater chance we'll be able to find a spot for you at camp!

I filled out the application to be on crew. When will I hear back about whether or not I got a spot on crew?

Yes! We do welcome individuals under 18 to work on the kitchen crew. There are, however some policies in place around our crew that's under 18 and, if we approve your application, your legal guardian must grant their permission. Please read more about working on the kitchen crew if you're under 18.

What types of jobs might I be assigned?

When you sign up using the application, we will ask about your experience working in high volume kitchen, coffeehouse, and bakery settings. If you don't have any experience, no need to fret- we can find a spot that fits your talents. It is important to understand that we are working to feed the equivalent of a small village in the middle of the woods. Being prepared to work as a team and help with whatever is needed is essential to successfully feeding our community. A limited number of full trade positions may receive a stipend in addition to receiving tuition and meals. 

Types of jobs may include any combination of the following tasks: 

Kitchens manager*, lead cook*, line cook, prep cook, counter server, dishwasher, dishwasher manager*, meal check-in/cashier, inventory & stocking

Coffeehouse manager/lead*, counter service, prep, cashier/tab book, maintenance, inventory & stocking

Bakery lead baker*, morning baker, afternoon baker, night baker, dishwasher, inventory & stocking

Overarching positions* camp liaison, runner, maintenance, inventory

*these positions are only assigned to individuals with previous experience working at Lark.

How will I be assigned my job and shift?

Prior to camp but after the initial workshop schedule has been posted, we will send a questionnaire to everyone signed up for a work trade with the kitchen crew. The questionnaire will ask (in addition to other things) the time of day you would like to work (in order to attend workshops) and the type of job you would like to have. Based on that questionnaire, we will make every effort to assign you to a shift during the time slot you prefer as well the area you prefer to work. Please understand that due to the nature of this event, we cannot make any guarantees about your final work assignment/shift.

What are the types of lodging and how do I get assigned? 

Full trade campers If you are a full trade worker and are staying in camp 1, you will most likely be in the cook's cabins (until filled to capacity). There are very few tent spots in camps 1 & 2 for full trade workers. If you are a full trade worker in camp 2, there are limited spots available in the cook's cabin, screened cabins, and tent cabins there. Most full traders are lodged in camp 3, either in the canvas tent cabins on site or in a tent brought from home. 

Partial pay campers You have the option of either staying in regular cabins or tent camping in whichever camp you choose. Camp one has stone cabins with glass windows, camp 3 has canvas tent cabins, and camp 2 has wooden cabins with screens (no glass windows). Unless you make a specific request to room with other folks who you know are attending camp, you will most likely be housed with strangers. You may request a cabin with all women or men, or a quiet cabin, and the registrar will do their best to meet your needs. If you sign up after June, we may recommend you are lodged in the camp where you are needed most. Your lodging is finalized with the Lark Camp Registrar once you have made payment. 

Food traders your lodging is arranged as you prefer through the Lark Camp Registrar. 

About Camping In Your Vehicle

If you want to bring a vehicle to camp in, it will have to be approved by Lark Camp Registrar. There are very few vehicle camping spaces. Due to these space constraints, there are no guarantees that you will receive a vehicle camping space if you are accepted as a "Full Trade" or a "Partial Pay Trade" as described above.  Food Traders make their lodging arrangements (including vehicle camping if that's what is preferred) directly though the Lark Camp Registrar. 

I am on Kitchen Crew. When should I arrive at camp? 

Thanks for joining the crew! Please look for the type of trade you are signed up for to find out when you should arrive.

Full Trade (5 hours daily) Should arrive on Thursday the 31st 12PM or after. Your trade includes a daily 5 hour trade from 7/31-8/9.

Partial Pay Trade (3.5 hours daily) You may arrive as early as 12pm on the 31st if you like. Your trade includes a 3.5 hour trade for each day you are on site at the Woodlands. 

Food Trade (2.5 hours daily)  You may arrive as early as the 31st if you like but you need to let us know if you plan to arrive on the 31st. Your trade includes a 2.5 hour trade for each day you are on site at the Woodlands.

What is the campus like? 

If you've never been to Lark Camp before, it is held at the Mendocino Woodlands and spread across all three camps there. Please check out the map: http://www.larkcamp.com/giffiles/campgraphics/WoodlandsMap.gif  and also browse their site to see images of this beautiful location: https://www.mendocinowoodlands.org/ 

What if I signed up for a partial pay trade and paid but I can no longer come to camp?

If you can't come to camp, that's OK. Unfortunately, Lark Camp (separate from us) does not offer refunds however we may be able to put you in touch with a potential crew member who may be interested in independently buying your spot from you. Please note this will be a private transaction between you and this other individual and that they will also need to work 3.5 hours daily to take advantage of the partial pay rate. Contact us for more information: larkkitchen@gmail.com