Youth Leadership Program in Berkeley

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

Monkey Business Camp’s Youth Leadership Program in Berkeley gives youth ages 11–17 the chance to have fun with younger campers, build real-world leadership skills, and take on new responsibilities — all while staying connected to the camp community. With hands-on experience, coaching, and mentorship, Youth Leaders grow over time, and many eventually become camp staff.

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 Camp or former campers applying as Youth Leaders for the first time.
The survey includes a short 1–2 minute introductory video so we can hear from your child in their own words and help them begin thinking about their new leadership role.

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

Response times vary depending on the time of year. We typically respond within about a week for break camp placements and within about a month for summer placements.

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-session attendance is required; exceptions are for illness or injury. Appointments, travel, and other plans should be scheduled outside the camp commitment.
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: Recommended maximum of up to 3 full weeks + 1 shorter session
- Returning Youth Leaders: Up to 6 full weeks; most attend 1–4 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
• Work well with others 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. Ages listed for Youth Leader roles are general guidelines. We sometimes consider returning Youth Leaders who are close to the next age level, depending on their experience and readiness.

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 begin as CITs and may grow into Older CIT and JC roles as their skills, experience, and readiness develop.

CIT (Counselor-in-Training)

First step in the Youth Leadership Program — learning camp routines, supporting campers, and building leadership skills

• Typically ages 11–16
• Most participants are former campers, but newcomers are welcome
• All new Youth Leaders begin as CITs, regardless of age

Older CIT

Growing into more responsibility and leadership while continuing to develop Youth Leader skills

• Typically ages 13+
• Usually for returning CITs with experience in the program
• May be invited to take on additional leadership, such as leading games or helping model the role for newer Youth Leaders
• New CITs age 15+ with significant group leadership experience may request Older CIT pricing; see Fees below

JC (Junior Counselor)

Taking more initiative and stepping into a stronger leadership role within the Youth Leader team

• Typically ages 14+
• Must have previously participated as a CIT with strong feedback
• Expected to take initiative, check in with staff about how they can help, and be a role model for newer Youth Leaders
• Take on more opportunities to lead activities, games, announcements, and other parts of the camp day
• Typically age out of Youth Leadership around age 16, though individual pathways vary and some move into paid staff roles earlier

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+): Significantly reduced rates; see individual camp fee tables.

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

Orientation & Program Expectations

Orientations Once Camp Starts

• Introductory team meeting on the first morning of camp
• End-of-day check-ins (4:30–4:35 pm)
• Summer: Tuesday team check-ins (2:30–3:30 pm) for multi-week sessions

Pre- Camp 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 — where we ask 5 questions.

👉 Returning Youth Leader Interest Survey (5 minutes)

When will you hear back?

Response times vary depending on the time of year. 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.

Applications are reviewed once the Interest Survey is submitted and you’ve emailed us to confirm your submission.

After review, we’ll email you to let you know if enrollment is an option and share next steps.

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

Youth Leadership Overview