Culinary Program
Culinary Corpsmembers at the Tahoe Center spice things up in a friendly competition!
The California Conservation Corps trains young adults for careers in commercial kitchens, resorts, catering companies, and restaurants.
Culinary Corpsmembers provide meals to residents living at CCC’s centers, prepare food for crews when they’re camping at project sites, and assist during emergencies – where they may cook for upwards of 500 people. CCC’s program is designed for aspiring chefs to build their confidence in the kitchen and develop the skills needed for long-term success.
Training Opportunities
Corpsmembers enrolled in the program earn industry-recognized credentials, starting with their ServSafe Food Handler certificate. They may also obtain their ServSafe Food Manager and ServSafe Allergen certifications. In addition, Corpsmembers learn essential culinary skills including, but not limited to:
- Menu Planning
- Specialized Diets
- Reading Recipes
- Measurements
- Conversions
- Basic Knife Skills
- Mise en Place
- Proper Food Storage
Tools We Use
Corpsmembers in CCC’s Culinary Program get hands-on experience with a variety of tools!
Know Before You Go
Schedule
Culinary Corpsmembers work four days a week, splitting their ten-hour shifts to prepare meals. Be prepared to work odd hours, including early mornings!
Responsibilities
The culinary crew is responsible for preparing breakfast and dinner for residential Corpsmembers seven days a week. This means Corpsmembers may work on the weekend.
Emergencies
On occasion, culinary Corpsmembers must respond to emergency assignments. This may include lengthy stays at basecamps or making large meals on short-notice!
Path to Success
Corpsmembers work with dedicated career navigators to land meaningful jobs. Read what CCC alumni have to say about the program!
“I was scared I wasn’t capable,” Jiji said, “but I concluded that if I run away cause it’s hard, I’m giving up on life.” Now holding two jobs with Otay Lakes County Park and Old Town Historic State Park, Jiji encourages others to join the CCC and move forward on their path to success. “Just do it. For one year, choose yourself and take every opportunity there is,” they said. “Do your best every day. You’re going to grow and learn so much. It’s life changing.”
Make friends. See new things. Make an impact. When Jonathan Avila applied to the CCC, these were his goals. Life at the Camarillo Center quickly surpassed his expectations. “The CCC gave me opportunities I never thought I’d have,” he said. From bonding over mealtime to tackling emergencies with his fire crew, Jonathan cherished every moment. Now he’s working with CAL FIRE in the Humboldt-Del Norte Unit. For folks wanting to follow suit, he says “Train hard, work harder. Learn as much as you can.”
Updates from the Kitchen
Beth – Test Blog Post
Josafat Ismael Alvarez III prepares to cast a net into the Delta, helping the U.S. Fish &...
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Read Our Updates
Beth – Test Blog Post
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