Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are looking to run a Summer 2021 program, that would have aspects of our “On the Go” programs for older kids, but focus on a more traditional camp format, with arts and other maker activities, games, and other fun, with some walking trips from one park to another. We know that some kids still want to be campers, not only youth leaders for younger kids, which is another option for our older campers and you can find out more about that here. We will have Covid prevention protocols in place, including smaller groups, with two staff, and longer sessions (likely 3 weeks in length, so we are looking to at least do two this summer). We will post more here once we are more clear.
If you are new to camp, please add yourself to our mailing list to be notified of upcoming camp programs.
We are including information about our camp, pre-Covid, below. THIS INFO WILL CHANGE FOR SUMMER 2021.
For the camper who may feel he has outgrown other camps! Adventures about town on foot, train, bus, and ferry. Being part of a positive, cooperative, welcoming community. Games, food treats, kayaking, ice-skating, art workshops, movie going, trampolining, and more. See schedule for each week below.
Our program is designed to inspire boys’ innate curiosity about what’s going on for themselves and in the world around them. We are dedicated to empowering these soon to be young men to be curious, competent and compassionate people.
“Every day started with a gratitude circle and every day ended with appreciations for everyone in the group. In between there was…fun, fun, fun. This is such a cool camp, not really a camp. I don’t know what it is but it’s cool getting to hang with other boys like this.” -11 year old
2020 DATES AND HOURS
One week sessions: usually 2-4 weeks each summer
3 Day Week Option- Limited spaces available each week, and must include Monday, when group meets one another.
Youth Leader Session runs for the full three weeks.
Basic Hours: 8:30-3:30
Drop off flexible until 9:00 except for Wednesdays, when 8:30am sharp.
PM Extended Care Fun at Tilden Park Monkey Business Camp Program (3 spaces/week and must sign up in advance)-no drop-in:
3:30-6pm
AVAILABILITY & TIERS (we update these weekly-online registration has most up to date info) *
*camps are priced at first (Buckeye), second (Redwood) and final (Oak) tiers- so, if at 2nd or final tier, camp is more full. We will update info with a low space alert when 5 or less spaces
LOCATION
Base Camp:
Cedar-Rose Park, 1300 Rose Street, North Berkeley
Basic Day drop-off and pick up there (except Wednesday morning drop-off, which is at North Berkeley BART). Afternoon camper pick-up is different-see below. A large climbing structure, field, and picnic tables await us! The site is an easy stop on way or from our Girls on the Go, Tilden, and Pre-K camps if your child has siblings.
Afternoon Extended Care campers are transported via RideZum to join the incredible Monkey Business Camp Tilden Park program, led by Dara Ackerman. Parents pick up there by 6pm.
AGES AND WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Campers are ages 9-13 and Junior Counselors 14-17.
Schedule includes trips to local destinations by foot and public transit, including doing things like kayaking, art, playing lots of games-running around kind and board games too, rock climbing, getting snacks about town, ice-skating, bowling, trampolining. Lunch provided on Tuesdays.
A look at camp in photos and words
Camp Schedule – usually posted in March
“I am so grateful that my sons had this opportunity.”
FEES (NO COST PAYMENT PLANS OFFERED), SPECIALS AND FINANCIAL AID INFO
Camper Fees
Summer Camp 2021 fees will be added here when registration opens
**Choose which 3 days by May 1st (must include Monday) or if after May 1st, within one week of registration
***Campers transported by RideZum to Tilden Park site to be with Monkey Business Camp program. After a day in urban environments, Tilden park is perfect place to be, surrounded by nature, with friends, awesome staff, a nutritious snack, and fun activities. Parents pick up camper from Tilden site.
Able to Share (it takes a village!)? Consider rounding up your tuition during enrollment in the “add-on” section. We double all donations!
Need Financial Aid, or know someone who might? We offer up to half tuition cost, as well as payment plan options for up to 6 months, and full tuition work exchange. Read more on our financial aid page.
“I didn’t really want to go to a camp but this was all boys and we were like a team. It was soooo much fun. The staff were really chill.” -13 year old
LOGISTICS, FAQs AND POLICIES
- Click on links above for refund policy, last minute registration, carpools, etc.
- Campers bring their own morning snack and lunch, except lunch Tuesdays, when provided by camp. We provide an organic, vegetarian, Kosher afternoon snack for extended care PM campers once they arrive in Tilden Park. We are a nut and nut butter free camp, to help keep our campers safe.
- Campers need to be able to handle themselves well in our group of 16 boys and with staff: camper ratio of 1:8
STAFF
Our staff from diverse backgrounds are nurturing, creative and enthusiastic. They are hired to guide and enrich our programs and foster friendship among campers. All children, returning and new campers alike, are actively welcomed, and staff seek ways for all campers to understand themselves and their communities just a little bit more, to make this world a more positive place. We will post details as confirmed. Click here to see bios and photos of some regular staff.
“Boys on the Go is the one thing my son is very clear he must do this summer. He had a great time playing at the park, walking and Barting around the area, and visiting the fun spots with a great group of guys. The counselors were that perfect mix of firm and sensitive, and the youth leaders/teenagers were present and up for any game the boys wanted to play. So great to know my son was with playful, creative, and grounded people!”
JUNIOR COUNSELORS (WE’RE ENROLLING YOUTH LEADERS, AGES 14-17)
We are looking for youth who want to help make camp even more fun and welcoming. Check out more about our youth leadership program here.