We are excited to announce Camp Arcadia’s new Chef is Kyle Toms. Chef Kyle brings with him 10 years experience as a district chef for the Benzie school system as well as 10 years experience on the culinary team at the Crystal Downs Country Club just north of Frankfort. With a degree from the Great Lakes Culinary Institute in Traverse City, he also has culinary experience at Walt Disney World, Crystal Mountain, and the Interlochen Arts Academy.
As a professional Chef, Kyle has distinguished himself through continuous learning and his calm and professional approach to staff leadership. Kyle takes his role in mentoring and teaching his staff seriously, working with staff of all ages and levels of experience.
Kyle lives in Frankfort, where he was raised, with his wife Jenna and their three sons – Kolten (8), Braylon (10), Travon (14) – and daughter – Kyleigh (12). Kyle is also active in coaching youth sports in Frankfort, including baseball, football and wrestling.
“I am very excited to serve with Kyle. I am impressed with Kyle’s work history, not only that he has big-batch cooking experience at the schools, but also his fine dining experience and resort experience at Crystal Downs. Kyle’s commitment to his past employers (10 years) is a clear asset, especially in an industry where turnover rates are high. I believe Kyle’s culinary experience and desire to lead and mentor young people will be a great fit for Camp Arcadia,” remarked Chip May, Executive Director.
Kyle’s first day will be January 9th. He will spend the off-season preparing the food service department for the upcoming season, helping interview and hire seasonal staff, learning a lot about Camp Arcadia’s ministry, and helping assist Caretaker Franco Marano with caretaking responsibilities.
I am looking forward to mentoring young people and bringing out a passion for culinary arts. My family is very excited to be a part of this adventure with me. We are looking forward to what the future holds for us with Camp and the connections we will make for life.
“I am so excited for the chance to prove myself even more in my journey with joining Camp Arcadia. I am looking forward to mentoring young people and bringing out a passion for culinary arts. My family is very excited to be a part of this adventure with me. We are looking forward to what the future holds for us with Camp and the connections we will make for life. Thank you for the opportunity to keep pursuing my passion, and thank you to everyone that has made me and my family feel welcome in joining the Arcadia Family,” commented Chef Kyle.
Camp Arcadia started the search for a new chef early in the 2022 season, publicizing the position within the Camp Arcadia community. This fall, we began a broader and more public search process. Sixteen screening interviews and five in-depth interviews were conducted over the past few months.
Please join us in welcoming Kyle! Please also keep him and the rest of the Camp Arcadia management team in your prayers as he begins his service at Camp Arcadia & we prepare for the 2023 season.
19 Responses
Welcome. Looking forward to wonderful meals 😋 🎄
Thrilled to welcome you!
God’s blessings-
Welcome, Kyle! We hope you and your family come to love Camp Arcadia as much as the rest of us. (And those chickens look great…)
Welcome Chef Kyle!
Kelly and Paul Culler
Great to have you onboard Kyle!!! Camp Arcadia is truly a unique experience that is enhanced with an excellent chef and food!!
Congratulations, Kyle. Though I will not be able to meet you any time soon, and have not been able to be at Camp for years, I am glad that you have been led to serve at RKD.
Welcome Kyle to Arcadia.
All the best to you and your family
Kathleen & Bill Parsons.
The Parsonage
Welcome Kyle, and we hope you will love the camp we all love best!
Welcome, Kyle and family. We are looking forward to seeing you during Starter Week and enjoying Kyle’s delicious meals.
God’s Blessings, Paul and Peggy Burow
Welcome 👨🍳Kyle, our family is really looking forward to the new and awesome dining experience we will have with you on board!
Bob and Judy Finck
Welcome, Kyle.
Looking forward to your meals at Lutherhostel in August. I pray you will enjoy Camp Arcadia and that the Lord blesses you and your family during your tenure.
Welcome Kyle! I know you won’t forget us vegetarians, will you??? 🙂
Welcome, Kyle and family! We look forward to being blessed by your cooking and leadership on staff. We also look forward to Camp blessing you and your family!
We cannot wait to meet you! Welcome to our favorite place in the world and we pray you come to love it as we do!
Welcome Chef Kyle! Looking forward to meeting you and your family – and tasting your culinary creations!
Gary and Jeude Landhauser
Welcome to a most special place. We look forward to meeting you and your family and pray God’s blessings on your new ministry of meals.
Stan & Karla Woell
Welcome to Camp Arcadia, Kyle. We’ve been connected with Camp for years & look forward to meeting you. God bless your family as you transition into this new job.
Welcome Kyle. Please allow your culjnary creativity to push the campaign to new delights. We await the time of meeting and wish your introduction be well recieved!
Rich and Laura Greiner and family…….
Looking forward to meeting you and enjoying some delightful meals prepared by your hands. God’s blessings to you and your family.
The Kienmans