Youth Leadership Program in Berkeley

Grow as a Leader. Make a Difference. Have Fun!

Monkey Business Camp’s Youth Leadership Program in Berkeley gives teens ages 11–17 the chance to build real-world leadership skills, mentor younger campers, and create lasting memories — all while having a blast outdoors. With hands-on experience, coaching, and mentorship, this is where future camp counselors and community leaders begin their journey.

Youth Leadership works best when participation is youth-driven. Teens should feel excited about contributing and growing in responsibility. We encourage families and youth to talk together about whether this opportunity feels like a good fit.

This page covers Youth Leadership details for both Summer Camp and School Break Camps.
Session dates and availability are listed on the individual camp pages.

“His confidence, sense of responsibility and empathy have all grown tremendously with this experience—and, most importantly, he loves it!” —Parent of a 13-year-old youth leader

Looking for something specific?

Start Your Leadership Journey

Complete the survey that fits you best:

👉New Youth Leader Interest Survey (10–15 minutes)
For youth who are new to Monkey Business or former campers applying as Youth Leaders for the first time.
Includes a short (about 2-minute) video introduction — this helps us get to know the youth applying and is an important part of the review process. Both the survey and video are needed for us to review the application.

👉 Returning Youth Leader Interest Survey (5 minutes)
For youth who have already participated as a Youth Leader.

We typically respond within about a week for break camps.
Summer responses may take longer (up to about a month) due to the number of applications we review.

Quick Facts

What is it? A leadership training program for youth interested in working with children and recreation. Participants receive coaching and hands-on leadership practice.
Ages: 11–17 years old; if your child is 11, and prefers to remain a camper, read more [PDF] about that process
Cost: Families pay tuition (see Fees below)
Schedule: Matches staff hours (typically 8:25–4:35, with a 30-minute break). Full attendance is required; exceptions only for illness or emergency.
Group size: About 3 Youth Leaders per group; 8–15 total per session, depending on number of groups. Spots often fill quickly.
Summer attendance guidance:
- New CITs: 3–4 weeks
- Returning Youth Leaders or former Tilden campers: up to 6 weeks

Who This Is For

This program is a strong fit for youth who:

• Enjoy playing with younger kids and helping create a fun, safe, magical camp experience
• Love being outdoors and part of a camp community
• Have strong social-emotional skills and can lean into kindness, patience, and flexibility
• Are willing to dedicate part of their vacation to giving back and growing as a leader
• May be interested in joining the paid staff team in the future (consistent attendance and skill growth matter)

Youth may be longtime Monkey Business campers or new to our community — what matters most is readiness, interest, and a desire to contribute.

A Note About Readiness & Growth

Monkey Business Camp is built around growth over time — from camper to Youth Leader, and sometimes from Youth Leader to staff.

Each stage carries different responsibilities and expectations. Placement depends on readiness, group needs, available space, and age guidelines. Not every youth moves through every role — and aging out is a natural part of growing up.

Age 11 is typically the starting point for Youth Leadership. In some cases, depending on readiness and group balance, youth may continue as campers for another season if that feels like the best fit.

Our goal is always to support youth in the role where they can thrive and contribute meaningfully for the season they are here.

Roles

Youth Leaders typically begin as CITs and may move into JC roles as their skills, experience, and readiness grow.

CIT (Counselor-in-Training)

First step in the Youth Leadership Program

• Ages 11–16
• Most participants are former campers, but newcomers are welcome
• Focus on learning camp routines, supporting campers, and building leadership skills

JC (Junior Counselor)

Next step before paid staff positions

• Ages 14+
• Must have previously participated as a CIT with strong feedback
• Take on increased responsibility and leadership within the group
• Typically age out at 17, though some move into paid staff roles earlier

⚠️ Important: Even if a youth is age 14 or older, new participants always begin as CITs.

Fees

Specific Youth Leadership fee tables are listed on the Summer Camp and School Break Camp pages.

CITs (ages 11–12): Same rate as campers
Older CITs (13+ for return CIT; 15+ new CITs with group leadership experience): May request reduced fees via the Interest Survey, limited spaces
JCs (14+): About 25% of camper tuition

💡 Why fees? Program tuition helps sustain quality leadership, year-round planning, and mentors like Zach Bigelow who nurture this community.

Orientation & Program Expectations

Youth Leadership works best when teens are genuinely interested in participating and growing in responsibility. We encourage families and youth to talk together about whether this feels like a good fit.

Orientation

Summer Camps
• In-person orientation and appreciation dinner & tie-dye making
Tuesday, May 19 (5:15–8:00 pm) (recommended)
• End-of-day check-ins (4:30–4:35 pm)
• Tuesday team check-ins (2:30–3:30 pm) for multi-week sessions

School Break Camps
• Introductory team meeting on the first morning of camp
• End-of-day check-ins (4:30–4:35 pm)

Program Preparation (Required)

• Youth Leader Handbook
Required reading with guidance on songs, games, and art activities

• Review Questions Survey
Submitted once per year; similar to our staff onboarding process.

Leadership Pathway

Over 80% of Monkey Business Camp staff began as Youth Leaders. This program builds real-world skills, confidence, and experience that often lead to paid staff roles.

“These camps have been wonderful for her confidence as a CIT. Thank you so much!” —Parent

Ready to Apply?

Take the first step today:

👉New Youth Leader Interest Survey (10–15 minutes)
For youth new to Monkey Business or Youth Leadership.
Includes a short video hello — both the survey and video are needed for us to review the application.

👉 Returning Youth Leader Interest Survey (5 minutes)
For youth who have already participated as a Youth Leader.

When will you hear back?

We typically respond within about a week for break camp placements and within about a month for summer placements.

Summer placements can take a little longer because we review 60+ applications while thoughtfully building four different youth leader teams, balancing experience levels, ages, and group dynamics., ages, and group dynamics.

Applications are reviewed once all pieces are submitted.
If you complete the survey but don’t send the video, we won’t be able to review the application yet.

If you haven’t heard from us within those timeframes, feel free to email programs@monkeybusinesscamp.com to check in.

Youth Leadership Overview