School Break Camps

Monkey Business Camp offers fun, creative, and community-centered camps during school breaks throughout the year. With 25+ years of experience, we create a safe, unplugged space where kids can play, make art, try new things, and build friendships.

💬 “Our daughter had an amazing time at camp. She was excited to go every morning and excited to tell us all the cool things she did at the end of the day. Your staff is the best of the best.” —Parent Review

📅 2025–2026 Dates

  • Autumn Camp (3 days): Nov 24–26, 2025

  • Winter Camp (2, 3 or 5 days total): Dec 22–23 and/or Dec 29–31, 2025

  • February Camp (4 days): Feb 17–20, 2026

  • Spring Camp (5 days): Mar 30–Apr 3, 2026

Spaces are available until listed as full. Most sessions fill in advance. If you’d like fewer than the full sessions, check the week or two before camp begins to see if partial options are available. 

👉 Register Now OR For Youth Leadership, Scroll Down to Fill Out Interest Survey

💬 “Both my kids absolutely love Monkey Business! They’ve done the summer camp before but this was our first time trying a school break camp and it was a huge hit. They’re very excited to return next month!” —Parent Review

🌟 Program Highlights

  • Safe, creative space with games, art, cooking, and community building

  • Lots of outdoor time

  • 80% of staff grew up at camp themselves

  • Over 25 years serving Bay Area families

  • Locally founded, woman & LGBTQIA+ owned family business

  • 🏆 Gold Winner: Parent’s Press Best of Camps – Holiday & Vacation

💬 “Monkey Business is a rare find… relaxed and fun, creative and innovative while still harkening back to simpler times.” —Parent Review

đź•’ Daily Schedule

Campers (ages 5–10)

  • Hours: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
  • Drop-off: 8:30–9:00 | Pick-up: 4:10–4:30
  • Additional set times: 10:15, 1:30, 3:30 (ideally sticking to one of our 5 total times, some flexibility, but keeping staff focused on campers)

Youth Leaders (ages 11–17)

💬 “Thankful for Monkey Business. Put it all together and our kid had great fun in a safe space.” —Parent Review

đź“Ť Location

Berkwood Hedge School – 1809 Bancroft Way, Berkeley

  • Large yard for games and sports

  • Sand box, swings, climbing structure, basketball hoops, 4 square

  • Indoor classrooms for art and group activities

  • Outdoor tables for drawing and board games

  • Walks to Washington Park and nearby Ohlone playground for older campers

đź‘Ą Ages & Groups

  • Campers: 5–10 years old; If your Child is Ages 5-5.25, read this camp fit letter before registering

  • Youth Leaders: 11–17 years old

  • Group size: max ~25 (campers + youth leaders + staff)

  • 2–3 groups split by age; we place friends together; siblings, depending on preference and possibility

  • ~1:9 staff-to-camper ratio

🎨 Activities

  • Daily art, outdoor play, field & board games, community-building, cooking projects, and each session includes special activities.

💬 “Social interaction, and warm, loving fun.” —Parent Review

🤝 Special Needs & Behavioral Policy

We aim to welcome a wide range of children, but at times additional support needs may exceed what our staff can provide safely. Please read our [Special Needs & Behavioral Policy] before registering.

đź’˛ Fees (Sliding Scale)

We offer three fee tiers to support inclusivity. Families choose the tier that works best—higher tiers help fund scholarships, our year round team and diverse programming.

Sample Early Bird Camper and CIT Rates (5-day week): $20 off if you register by the first of the month before camp, e.g. Nov.1 for Autumn, Dec 1 for Winter.

  • Base: $668

  • Mid: $738

  • High: $778

Junior Counselor rates: $139–289 (based on tier/length of session)

Financial Aid and Payment Options-Options include no fee payment plans, partial financial aid, and gift certificates. Learn More →

💬 “Thank you for offering such a high-quality camp and for the very personal feeling of Monkey Business.” —Parent Review

🌟 Staff

Our diverse staff are nurturing, creative, and enthusiastic. They guide activities, help build friendships, and bring warmth and energy to each camp day. Many of our staff grew up at Monkey Business themselves, giving your children the benefit of a long-running, caring community.

💬 “The staff were all so great—warm, energetic and enthusiastic but not overwhelming, meeting each kid where they were.” —Parent Review

🌱 Youth Leaders (Ages 11–17)

Youth leaders are an essential part of our community. They assist staff, mentor younger campers, and gain hands-on leadership experience.

Hours: 8:25–4:35 (full-day, full session participation required; includes a 30-minute break)

Next Steps to Join:

  1. Review the Youth Leadership Overview page

  2. Complete the appropriate interest survey:

💬 “Being a youth leader helps me put my leadership qualities to good use, and I have a great time hanging out with the campers.” —Youth Leader

 

Youth Leadership at Camp

Staff Working at Upcoming Camps

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