UC Berkeley Youth Recreation offers several experiential leadership opportunities for Junior High and High School aged youth. Our experiential leadership programs bridge junior and high schoolers from camper to leader.
Our best staff are often our former campers. Our alumni not only bring their own experience and memories, but they also bring an undeniable passion for camp! We offer several different ways for tweens and teens to practice their different leadership skills.
Campers in Leadership Training (Ages 13 – 14)
Campers In Leadership Training (CILTs) participate in leadership lessons focused on working with youth and learning general job skills at their chosen summer camp (Blue Camp, Explorer Camp, or UVA Summer Camp). Registered campers (CILTs) participate in leadership lessons focused on working with youth and learning general job skills at the camp of their choosing. Campers learn work skills while learning to be camp counselors. Fees are required, as participants are considered to be campers. Register Today
Counselors-in-Training (Age 15)
The goal of the Counselors-in-Training (CIT) program is to develop leadership skills that can be applied to all aspects of life and utilized in any future career. A Counselor-in-Training is a volunteer staff member, attends pre-camp training, and is assigned a schedule and duties with the camp they are assigned. Counselors-in-Training must have completed 9th grade to qualify. (Volunteer program; unpaid)
Apply Today!
In the CIT application process, it is the applicant who manages their own application, communicates with their potential supervisor, and schedules their own interview. When a parent needs to communicate on behalf of their child, it is a signal to us that they are not quite ready to be a staff member. If selected for an interview applicants will be notified by e-mail in mid-April. Apply or view the CIT Job Description.
Junior Counselor Program (Ages 16-17)
The goal of the Junior Counselor (JC) Program is to develop leadership skills that can be applied to all aspects of life and utilized in any future career. Junior Counselors are hired as paid junior staff who develop skills by setting and achieving personal goals while also leading and teaching children different activities at camp.
Apply Today!
In the JC application process, it is the applicant who manages their own application, communicates with their potential supervisor, and schedules their own interview. When a parent needs to communicate on behalf of their child, it is a signal to us that they are not quite ready to be a staff member. Please be sure to indicate that you are applying for the Junior Counselor program. If selected for an interview applicants will be notified by e-mail in mid-April.Apply or view the Junior Counselor Job Description.
Adventures Junior Leadership Program (Ages 13-14)
Junior Leadership is a small group of future outdoor leaders, experiencing all that Adventures has to offer while fostering their own leadership goals. This dynamic camp will expose participants to all of our program areas – both on land & water – and a variety of instructional & leadership styles. Junior Leaders will observe and support other programs, develop leadership goals, and cultivate relationships to last a lifetime. Learn more about Adventures Teen Leadership Programs.
Adventures Senior Leadership Program (Ages 14-15)
(Application only)
Senior Leaders are campers who are applying and refining their leadership and instructional skills. Under the supervision of our talented instructors, Senior Leaders will select a skill area from our program offerings where they will develop and achieve leadership goals.
Senior Leaders are often our oldest campers, often future team members for our highly-skilled staff. Participation in Junior Leadership is not required to apply to Senior Leadership. Learn more about Adventures Teen Leadership Programs.
