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 want to take part and feel excited about contributing — it shouldn’t feel like a parent-only decision.

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

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 — nothing fancy.

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

We typically respond within a week (email if you haven’t heard back).

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 wants to remain a camper, read more [PDF] bout 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)

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+): May request reduced fees via the Interest Survey
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 appreciation dinner & tie-dye / orientation
Tuesday, May 19 (5:15–8:00 pm) (recommended)
• 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

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 staff onboarding

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).