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 12 – 14)
The Campers in Leadership Training (CILT) program offers youth an opportunity to develop leadership and job-related skills while working with children at their selected summer camp—either Blue Camp or Gold Camp at University Village Albany. Through hands-on experiences and leadership lessons, participants gain practical knowledge and prepare for future roles as camp counselors. As CILT participants are registered as campers, program fees apply. Register Today
Counselors-in-Training (Age 15)
The Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program provides teens with age-appropriate opportunities to build foundational skills for future roles as Junior Counselors. CITs gain hands-on experience working with children, assisting with camp activities, and learning the basics of leadership in a supportive environment. As volunteers, their responsibilities are carefully tailored to match their experience level, ensuring a meaningful and educational experience that prepares them to take on greater challenges as Junior Counselors in the future. Counselors-in-Training must be 15-year-old and have completed 9th grade to be eligible to apply. (Volunteer program; unpaid)
Apply Today!
In the Counselor-in-Training 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 volunteer 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 Junior Counselor (JC) program is designed to cultivate leadership skills that extend beyond camp, empowering teens with tools they can apply to all areas of life and future careers. As paid junior staff members, Junior Counselors take on greater responsibilities than Counselors-in-Training (CITs), including opportunities to lead activities and teach children under the guidance of our experienced adult staff. Through goal-setting, hands-on leadership, and mentorship, JCs gain valuable skills and make a meaningful impact at camp, preparing them to advance into future roles as Group Leaders and Instructors. Junior Counselors must be a minimum of 16-years-old and have completed 10th grade to be eligible to apply.
Apply Today!
In the Junior Counselor 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 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.
Rock Climbing Leadership (Ages 14 – 16)
(Application only)
New for 2025!
The first four-week leadership offering by Adventures, participants in this aquatic and Rock Climbing-based program will spend the first two weeks based at the marina, where they will join other Senior Leaders in cultivating group awareness, developing familiarity with camp games, and observing instructional styles, both on and off the water. The final two weeks will be spent at our various climbing sites in the Berkeley hills (Cragmont, Remillard, Strawberry Canyon ropes course & the climbing wall at the RSF) aiding the Rock Climbing instructors. Rock Climbing Leaders will likely not spend a lot of time climbing, but will be growing as outdoor leaders while supporting instructors and younger campers.
Applicants must be able to: belay with ATC device, tie a figure 8, use helmet, harness & climbing shoes, understand concepts of: backup belay, safe lowering, safe climbing, safety checks for climber & belayer. Participation in Junior Leadership is not required to apply to Senior Leadership. Learn more about Adventures Teen Leadership Programs.
