Join a team that makes camp unforgettable for kids—and meaningful for staff.
At Monkey Business Camp, we get to spend our days outdoors playing games, making art, laughing with kids, and building community together. Staff describe camp as joyful, supportive, and a place where friendships (and memories) last long after camp ends.
If you’re dependable, creative, and love working with kids, we’d love to hear from you!
Staff Position applications are now open for our Autumn, Winter, February, and Spring Break Camps. Summer positions will open in the early winter.
👉 How to Apply:
-
Complete our online application- fill out either the new or return staff one!
“Working at Monkey Business Camp was such a wonderful experience. Being hired to play, have fun, and show love to amazing kids — all with a supportive staff team — was incredibly fulfilling!” —Former Staff
Seasonal Positions
Quick Comparison
| Position | Hours (include 1 hr break, 15 minutes paid) | Main Focus | Pay Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site Director | 8:10–4:50 | Lead camp, mentor staff & youth leaders, connect with families | $22.09–$26.09/hr (+$5/hr potential summer bonus) |
| Group Leader | 8:10–4:35 or 8:20-4:50 | Assist Site Director, manage details, sometimes step in as SD | $19.09–$22.09/hr (+$3.50/hr potential summer bonus) |
| Counselor | 8:10–4:35 or 8:20-4:50 | Engage directly with kids, co-create activities, support team | $18.67+/hr (+$2/hr potential summer bonus) |
| Floater | 8:00–4:50 (or some variation) | Support multiple groups or fill in where needed | Varies |
Full Position Descriptions
Site Directors
Lead camp in close collaboration with their team. They create rapport with families, mentor staff and youth leaders, and bring the daily magic and fun to life. With support from a structured schedule (circle time, field games, art, food projects, hikes, nature exploration), Site Directors inspire staff to create engaging and emergent activities. Groups are often co-located, providing opportunities for connection and all-camp events.
Group Leaders
Like Assistant Directors, Group Leaders support the Site Director in leading the program, maintaining leadership details, and ensuring camp runs smoothly. They may greet families at drop-off and pick-up and occasionally step in as Site Director for the day. Some teams may include two Group Leaders alongside the Site Director.
Counselors
Bring caring, playful, and energetic vibes to camp. They co-create activities, support daily rhythms, help with setup and cleanup, cover breaks, and sometimes rotate between groups. Most counselors are 17+, though younger staff join if they’ve grown up at camp and the team is large enough. If you’re under 18, you need a California work permit. We’ll help guide you through the process.
Floaters
Connected with one main group but available to step in wherever needed. Floaters ensure coverage if someone is out and sometimes can work a shorter day (11:15–4:15). Applicants can note preferred hours in their application.
Wages & Bonuses
-
Site Directors: $22.09–$26.09/hr
-
Group Leaders: $19.09–$22.09/hr
-
Counselors: $18.67+/hr
-
Floaters: varies
Summer Wage Bonus (for 6+ weeks full-time):
-
Site Directors: +$5/hr
-
Group Leaders: +$3.50/hr
-
Counselors: +$2/hr
“Thank you for continuing to offer benefits and a big bonus this year! Your work to offer a living wage is important and deeply appreciated.” —Staff Member
Year-Round Employment (Up to $3,000/year in Benefits)
For those able to commit to all school break camps plus at least 6 weeks of summer, Monkey Business Camp offers:
-
Above-average wages for the field
-
Quarterly bonuses that can be used toward health care or anything staff wish
-
Vacation and sick time
-
A supportive, intergenerational team (ages 15–65)
-
A chance to make a lasting impact on campers and community
Required dates are tied to school breaks and summer sessions (see our School Break Camps and Summer Camp pages for specific dates).
We follow best practices recommended by the American Camp Association to ensure safe, fun, and high-quality programs.
Required Dates (Year-Round Commitment)
-
Autumn Camp: 3 days before Thanksgiving (setup/team meeting the Sunday before)
-
Winter Camp: 2 weeks around the holidays (setup/team meeting Sunday before first week)
-
February Camp: Tuesday–Friday after Presidents’ Day (setup/team meeting on Monday)
-
Spring Camp: Usually first week of April, aligned with Berkeley Unified (setup/team meeting Saturday before)
-
Summer Camp: Two 3-week sessions + shorter sessions, with staff orientations and shadow days beforehand. Leadership staff also attend a Tuesday Youth Leader orientation evening (around May 19).
Additional work may be available at day programs or events throughout the year.
Messages from Previous Staff
“I had the best time feeling free and joyful working at camp. Monkey Business is structured so well for youth (as well as staff) to explore and connect with community. Bring on the fun!!”
“MBC is amazing on so many levels—fun, professional growth, and lasting relationships. Everyone is a huge family—campers and staff alike.”
“The behind-the-scenes support makes camp easy to create with a sense of fun at every turn. You can’t help but fall in love with the campers.”
Ready to Apply?
👉 Email your cover letter and resume to office@monkeybusinesscamp.com
👉 Or complete our [online application] (when open).
