Monkey Business Summer Camp is an outdoor, play-based summer camp in Berkeley where kids build friendships, confidence, and a deep connection to nature.
Outdoor Summer Camp in Berkeley: What Days Look Like
Days at Summer Camp include a lively mix of outdoor play, creative projects, group games, and community-building. Campers spend time at picnic tables for art, food projects, and quieter moments, as well as time moving and exploring in open and wooded park areas. The days are active, playful, and grounded in connection.
Activities may include:
• Field and board games
• Art and creative projects
• Nature exploration and park walks
• Storytelling, singing, and group games
• Occasional surprises like bubble dance parties, carnival games, food projects, and special guest artists
We gather in the same beloved picnic areas we’ve used since 1998, returning year after year to familiar spots that feel like home.
👉 New to Monkey Business? Visit our Camp Basics page
(How camp works, ages, locations, hours, fees, and what to expect.)
“No, I want to do Monkey Business all summer!” —Camper
Summer 2026 Dates & Availability
Sessions with Camper Openings
June 29–July 2 — 4 days–6 spaces ages 5-6; 6 spaces ages 6-7; 8 spaces ages older 7-9; 9 spaces ages 9-10
July 27–Aug 7 — 2 weeks-2 spaces ages 5-6; 3 spaces ages 6-7; 3 spaces ages older 7-9; 7 spaces ages 9-10
Aug 10–14 — 1 week-10 spaces ages 5-7; 10 spaces ages 7-10
Aug 10–11 — 2-day option-9 spaces ages 5-7; 10 spaces ages 7-10
Full Sessions for Campers-Join Waiting Pool:
June 8–26 — 3 weeks
July 6–24 — 3 weeks
July 27-31 — 1 week
Aug 3-7 —1 week
Alternate Request Info: We have usually fill our spaces, so for any alternates to full sessions, we do not consider until closer to camp start, usually about a month or less before. Please e-mail at that time, if you see spaces still open.
Fees (Sliding Scale)
We offer three fee tiers to support inclusivity. Families choose the tier that works best for them. Higher tiers help fund scholarships, year-round staff, and diverse programming.
👉 Learn more about payment plans & financial aid
👉 See Camp Basics for details that apply to all camps
💡 Register by April 30 for best pricing.
Fees increase beginning May 1 (approximately $20 per week).
Camper & CIT Fees — Choose a Tier
| Tier | 3 Weeks | 2 Weeks | 1 Week | 4 Days | 2 Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $1,928 | $1,298 | $668 | $538 | $268 |
| Tier 2 | $2,128 | $1,448 | $738 | $578 | $298 |
| Tier 3 | $2,328 | $1,548 | $778 | $618 | $318 |
Families choose their tier during registration. Financial aid may be available.
Junior Counselor (JC) Fees — Choose a Tier
| Tier | 3 Weeks | 2 Weeks | 1 Week | 4 Days | 2 Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $389 | $289 | $149 | $129 | $89 |
| Tier 2 | $569 | $389 | $199 | $169 | $119 |
| Tier 3 | $869 | $579 | $299 | $239 | $139 |
Older CITs (ages 13+) may request a discounted rate on their interest survey. Approved discounts typically fall between mid- and upper-tier JC rates.
“We are so grateful for the experience that Monkey Business Camp provided this summer. Our son had a wonderful time in Tilden: making new friends, playing so many games, and exploring the wilderness. He came home each day happy and full of exciting stories to share. The connections and experiences he had at camp brought out the best in him.” —Parent
🌱 Youth Leadership (Ages 11–17)
Youth leaders assist staff, mentor younger campers, and gain hands-on leadership experience.
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Full-day and full-session participation required
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Limited summer spaces available
👉 Learn more & apply for Youth Leadership
Summer 2026 Youth Leader Availability (Updated 2/13/26)
Many sessions are nearly full, and some enrollments are still being finalized. In most sessions, there may be only 1 space remaining. (Aug 10–11 still has several openings.)
It is still worthwhile to complete a Youth Leader Interest Survey (and video for new applicants). Final placements are not yet fully set.
Note: JC spaces may convert to CIT spaces if needed. CITs require approval to take spaces originally designated for JCs.
Youth Leader Session Availability
Session 2 (June 8–26)
• 1 JC space available (1 in process)
Session 3 (June 29–July 2)
• 4 CIT spaces available (3 in process)
Session 4 (July 6–24)
• Full (JCs & CITs)
Session 5 (July 27–Aug 7)
• 3 CIT spaces available (2 in process)
• 1 JC space available (1 in process)
Session 6 (Aug 10–14)
• 1 CIT space available
• 1 JC space available (1 in process)
