Welcome to the Campers in Leadership Program (CILT)! At camp, you will have the opportunity to make new friends and learn leadership and professional skills that can be applied to all areas of life.
Welcome Information
- Overviewadd
Welcome to the Campers in Leadership Program (CILT)! At camp, you will have the opportunity to make new friends and learn leadership and professional skills that can be applied to all areas of life.
There are three CILT Programs you can try this summer:
- Blue Camp CILT - campers ages 7-13. Full day at Golden Bear
- Explorer Camp CILT - campers ages 4-6. Full day at Strawberry Canyon
- Photography CILT - campers ages 4-6. Mornings at the Berkeley Art Studio, afternoons at Strawberry Canyon
This program is designed for teens who have completed 7th-10th grade and who are ready to learn responsibility, confidence and professional skills needed to be a counselor. CILTs follow a leadership curriculum and are paired with camper groups to practice the skills they learn from the CILT Coordinator.
This is the transition program between being a camper and a staff member. Depending on which age-group and camp selected at registration, CILTs are assigned Blue Camp or Explorer Camp. (There are specific details for each program, please see application.) Their day includes team building activities, leadership lessons, and assisting in activities. Various parts of the day involve working directly with campers. The CILT’s schedule will vary based on camp and actual ability to work with children. The CILT program is limited in enrollment to about 15 students per site and the ratio is approximately 1:15 for the large group activities.
Camp Dates & Program Selection
- Overviewadd
Session 1 June 12-23
Session 2 June 26-July 7 (no camp July 4)
Session 3 July 10-21
Session 4 July 24- August 4
Session 5 August 7-18
CILTs report to the facility of the camp they have registered for:
- Golden Bear Rec Center (GBRC) - Blue Camp CILT
- Strawberry Canyon Rec Area (SCRA) - Explorer Camp CILT
- Art Studio - Photography CILT
- Strawberry Canyon Rec Area in the afternoons
On rare occasion a CILT may start at one camp and be moved to another to provide better supervision. Only with permission from the Skate Director are CILTs assigned to work in Skate Camp.
Explorer Camp CILT- Campers Ages: 5-6 years
- Location: Strawberry Canyon Recreation Area: Centennial Drive, east of Memorial Stadium
- Phone: (510) 643-2477
- Campers Ages: 4-6 years
- Drop off Location: Berkeley Art Studio
- Pick Up Location: Strawberry Canyon Recreation Area
- Campers Ages: 7-13 years
- Location: Golden Bear Recreation Center: 25 Sports Lane, Berkeley, CA 94720
- Phone: (510) 643-2509
Contact Information & Locations
- Explorer Camp Officeadd
Strawberry Canyon Recreation Area
Office open June 12 – August 18, 2017
Phone: (510) 643-2477
Email: explorer.camp@berkeley.edu
- Blue Camp Officeadd
- Customer Service Officeadd
- UC Berkeley Emergency Hotlineadd
Phone: (510) 642-4335 or 1-800-705-9998
Activated in a campus wide emergency
Camp Directors
- Blue CampaddJennifer H. Selke, PH.D.: Jennifer has been with Strawberry Canyon since 1994 and oversees Blue Camp, Skate Camp, Social Skills Camp, and the Leadership Programs. She received her doctoral degree in Educational Psychology from the University of California at Berkeley and works part-time during the school year as a school psychologist and is a faculty member in the Graduate School of Education at UC Berkeley. She is actively involved with the American Camp Association. You can reach her at jenn8@berkeley.edu.
- Explorer CampaddRemi Mizuiri has been the Explorer Camp, Explorer CILT, Photography CILT and Science & Sports Camp director since 2012. Remi has excitement and dedication for her camps, encouraging new activities and goals each summer at Strawberry Canyon Rec Area. She focuses each day on building a supportive environment where learners can grow, build independence and confidence, and find their most effective way to learn and excel. This relates to both camp staff leaders and young campers. She builds strong, dedicated staff teams who have a passion in working with children and enhancing the lives of others. Remi will always find ways to improve the camp day and provide better opportunities for the campers and staff. She graduated from the University of California, Irvine with degrees in Sociology and Education. You can reach her at remimiz@berkeley.edu.
CILT Evaluation & Advice
- CILT Evaluation During the First Few Daysadd
During the first few days of camp the CILTs are evaluated for the appropriateness of their placement in the program. CILT who take initiative, follow directions, communicate and are mature enough to handle the expectation are most successful in the program.
CILTs who are older, more mature, and have past experience working with children are given more field placement time with campers. Those who need more supervision, may have less experience, or are still learning about camp and working with children, are given a more supervised curriculum. This is designed to help them learn the ropes of camp and get all the necessary skills to be successful.
- Advice From CILTs to New CILTsadd
The CILTs from previous sessions would like all new CILTs to know the following:
- “Always get enough sleep! Coming to camp tired is NEVER a good idea.”
- “Get to your classes on time/early.”
- “Don’t be afraid to ask questions (How can I help? What should I do?)”
- “Always help clean up after classes or lunch”
- “Be aware of your campers and help keep them organized”
- “Chat-up counselors so they will like you, but don’t be too social during class”
- “Don’t be afraid to help campers on technique during activities”
- “Be enthusiastic and involved, but don’t get competitive”
- “Remember: Camp is for the camper!”
- “CILT is awesome!”
We look forward to meeting you and providing a great camp experience this summer! Please don’t hesitate to let us know how we can improve your CILT experience.
- Can We Repeat Sessionsadd
Yes! The CILT program has some repetition of the content areas but each session brings in new campers and new CILTs. We find many CILTs spend 2 summers in the program depending on their age, previous experience, and maturity level.
The coordinators of the program take into account the teens who are repeating a session and work to incorporate different activities as well as integrate them as leaders into the lessons. Nearly all of the CILTs who repeated sessions found the extra development time essential.
Check-In and Check-Out
- Camp Hours & Check-Inadd
Camp Hours
Staff provide supervision for CILT participants from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
All Campers Check-In - 8:30-9 a.m.
CILTs sign themselves in with their Coordinator. We prefer CILTs to arrive closer to 8:30 to help with preparation of activities.
Late Check-In After 9 a.m.
If you arrive after 9:05 a.m., you will need to check in at the camp office and they will tell you how to find your CILT Coordinator.
- Off-Campus LunchaddIn your application packet you gave permission for your CILT to have Off-Campus lunch. This allows them, during their assigned break time, to leave camp if they choose. Some teens like to be able to walk down to Telegraph Ave. or somewhere else for lunch. Please set your family rules for where they are allowed to go.
- Leave On Own Planadd
All CILTs teens are on the Leave-On-Own Plan. They are allowed to sign themselves out and leave camp on their own at 4 p.m. We prefer CILTs to stay as late as 4:30 to help with camp check-out. It is advised to give the teen a specific place to meet their pick up person.
It is best to pick up teens after 4 p.m. from Explorer Camp as the large rush is from 3:45 – 4:00. From Blue the best time to pick up CILTs is after 4:10 p.m. Unless otherwise specified, pick up is at Golden Bear after 4 p.m.
- Need to Leave Camp Earlyadd
Send a note or an authorized pick-up person must sign the CILT out in the office. You may give permission for your child to leave early on his/her own. Send a note signed by you or the legal guardian to the office at the start of the camp day.
Include the following on the note:
- Camper’s name
- Time and date the camper needs to leave
- Permission for the camper to sign out himself or herself. The camper will be released on his/her own at that time.
Parking & Traffic Flow
- Carpool ListsaddIn an effort to reduce the number of cars on campus, we encourage you to put your name on the carpool list. If you agree to be on this list, your phone number and address will be listed for the camp session for which you are registered. You can get one e-mailed to you or you can pick one up at camp. If you would like to get on the carpool list or if you would like to request a copy, e-mail camps@berkeley.edu.
- Parking & Traffic Flowadd
If Assigned Explorer Camp (SCRA)
The SCRA parking lot is monitored by UC Parking and Transportation and all parking regulations are in effect (e.g. paid metered parking). Be sure to pay the parking machine if you plan on parking.
For the afternoon pick-up between 3:45 – 4:15 p.m., your CILT will be waiting at the Softball Field and its gate opens up to the parking lot. Most of the 5-6 year-old campers are picked up at the beginning of this time frame and we recommend that you pick up your CILT between 4:00 – 4:15 p.m. to avoid the rush.
Please enter from the bottom (west) driveway and follow the directions from our staff wearing the orange vests. When our staff approach your vehicle, please Identify your child by name and mention that s/he is a CILT, and remain in your vehicle. Continue to pull forward and we will send your child to you.
If Assigned Blue Camp (GBRC)
For Golden Bear – the only way to drive in is through Sports Lane at the top of Dwight Way. During drop off and pick up hours (8:45AM – 9:05 and 3:55 – 4:30PM), traffic staff are in vests on Sports Lane and we keep traffic flowing one way with the exit at Derby St.
A large number of the campers at Blue Camp get signed out via the curb-side check-out system. CILT teens do not get signed out, they can leave on their own. Once you pull onto Sports Lane, you can meet your camper in front of the Blue Camp Office and then move to the left side of the street for a quick exit to Derby. Cars in the right lane are waiting for curb site pick up.
We do not have ANY control over the parking citation services. All parking regulations are in effect, please bring quarters if you plan to park in metered spaces. Park in designated spaces only, not between the trees or in the RED fire zone.
Help Us Reduce the Traffic Impact
Carpool lists are printed one week prior to the start of camp. If you did not get your name on this list at registration, e-mail your request to be on this list to camps@berkeley.edu.
We have bike racks at camp if campers would like to ride their bike.
What to Bring & What to Leave Home
- What to Bringadd
Food: You will need to bring a lunch, water bottle, and any other snacks to eat during the day. Food is not sold onsite.
Great Attitude: This program is hard work. Those who do well have a great attitude, even when they may not feel their best.
- What to Leave HomeaddCell Phones/iPods: You are learning what it takes to be a leader, a great staff member. Therefore, cell phones are not to be used during camp hours. If you need to call home for any reason we ask that you come to the office and either use your cell phone there or use the office phone. Ipods and other expensive electronics are not advised because they can get stolen. You are responsible for what you bring to camp.
- Camp UniformsaddOn the first day of camp CILTs are given a name tag and three CILT t- shirts. You must wear your t-shirt and name tag every day. Wear comfortable pants or shorts as well as closed- toed shoes. If you need to wear a sweatshirt or jacket, it must be navy blue with no obvious writing or it can be a CAL navy blue sweatshirt (Not royal or light blue). The uniform helps identify you as part of the camp CILT team.
Behavioral Guidelines and Consequences
- Camp Rulesadd
Each camp will have specific rules related to their program and site. Below is a general list of rules. Please make sure your teen is familiar with them. They will spend time talking about norms and behavior as part of leadership training.
- Respect other campers, instructors, facilities, and equipment.
- Teasing and put-downs are not tolerated at camp. It is your responsibility to tell someone if you are aware of anyone being teased.
- Accept responsibility for your choices, even when you make a mistake or bad choice.
- Use appropriate language – no cursing.
- Stay with your group. During camp hours, campers can never go anywhere alone. If you have forgotten something, we will go with you.
- Trash is EVERYONE’S responsibility. If you see trash, pick it up.
- No electronic games, CD players/ipods, cell phones are to be used during camp hours. Playing cards often get lost and ruined, do not bring your expensive cards.
- Please tell us immediately if something is not going the way you would like.
- Behavioral Guidelines & Consequencesadd
In order to provide a pleasant environment and to ensure the safety of all our staff and participants, destruction of equipment and property and disruptive and/or dangerous behavior by campers are not allowed. If a camper should engage in such behavior our camp staff usually follow the disciplinary steps outlined below. If the behavior threatens his or her safety or the safety of others, the camper will be removed from the program. In some cases, a child may be suspended or dismissed immediately from the program. Below is a general outline however; each case is handled individually. When a child is dismissed from camp, a refund is not given.
Level One Staff Intervention: The camp staff handles minor rule infractions and misbehavior immediately. Staff, along with the campers, go over rules and set consequences for rule infractions on first day of camp.
Level Two Parent Intervention: If a camper’s behavior does not respond to staff interventions, staff completes an Incident Report Form and parents are contacted to discuss ways to correct the child’s behavior.
Level Three Camper Sent Home: If the behavior is still not within the supervision level of the program, a second Incident Report Form is completed and the camper will be sent home for the remainder of the day. At this point the parents are notified that one more occurrence may result in dismissal from the program.
Level Four Camper Dismissed: If the camper’s behavior results in a third Incident Report, the camper may be dismissed from the program.
While most disruptive behavior often progresses through the above stages, some behavior results in immediate classification at Level Three or Level Four. Examples include but are not limited to:
- Anything that endangers the health and safety of campers and/or staff of the program.
- Possession of or use of illegal drugs, alcohol, cigarettes.
- Possession of firearms, weapons, explosives, etc.
- Intentional destruction of property or theft.
- Leaving camp boundaries or property without permission.
Emergency Evacuation and Procedures
- Emergency Evacuation Proceduresadd
In the event of a major emergency, campers may be moved to a university designated evacuation and management area or an alternate location. Please refer to phone numbers and web sites below for pick up information. The campus may have specific instructions you will need to follow.
As always, campers will be supervised until a pre-authorized sign-out person arrives to pick them up. These pre-authorized sign-out people are the ones you indicate when you register. If someone arrives that is not on his or her list or if there is any question about who your child can go home with, we will continue to provide supervision until you arrive. In the event of an evacuation, campers will not be released on their own, even if that is their sign-out option. Please list any and all individuals who would likely pick- up your camper in the event of a major disaster or campus evacuation. If you would like to add names, please e-mail camps@berkeley.edu and allow at least 24 hours notice. Your child’s safety and accountability is our first priority.
- Program Campus Designated Evacuation SitesaddGolden Bear Recreation Area (Blue Camp, Skate Camp)
Initial evacuation site: Tennis Courts at Golden Bear
University evacuation site: Clark Kerr Campus main entrance at Warring Circle (Warring & Parker)
Strawberry Canyon Recreation Area (Explorer Camp)Initial evacuation site: Levine Fricke Softball Field
University evacuation site: Witter Rugby Field on Centennial Drive
Science & Sports CampMorning: Lawrence Hall of Science at the Vista Parking Lot
Afternoon: Grades 1st-3rd are at Strawberry Canyon Recreation Area. Grades 4th-6th are at Golden Bear Recreation Area.
- Contact Numbersadd
UC Berkeley Campus Emergency Hotline (510) 642-4335 or 1-800-705-9998 (Activated in the event of an emergency)
Main Web Page: www.berkeley.edu
Emergency Web Page: http://emergency.berkeley.edu/ (Activated if main UCB web page is down) Depending on the nature of the event, phone lines may be out of service. In this case, parents should listen to local emergency radio broadcasts for information, such as, 1610 AM (city of Berkeley) or KALX 90.7 FM (campus radio station).
- Family Planning in an Emergencyadd
We highly recommend that parents develop a family emergency plan. Most families prepare their children for emergencies in the home. Prepare and educate your child on what to do when an emergency happens and the family is not at home. The American Red Cross has information on Family Emergency Plans at http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared.
Please take into account persons who would most likely pick up your child (i.e. person closest in proximity to camp) in an emergency and add them to your child’s authorized pick up list. Discuss with your child, in advance, what would happen if a natural disaster occurred during his or her camp day. Who would pick them up? Where would they go?
Keep the emergency phone numbers inside your child’s backpack and keep the camp’s emergency information listed above with you. Please know that our primary role will be to ensure the physical and emotional safety of your child.
- Illness & EmergencyaddIn the event that your child becomes ill or an emergency arises, the camp staff will make every effort to contact you – or your emergency contact if you are unavailable. If necessary, your child may be transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
- Sun ProtectionaddAlmost all programs at SCRA are outdoors and there is limited shade. We encourage the use of multiple sun protection methods for maximum effectiveness. In addition to wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, we also recommend wearing protective clothing such as a hat.
- Immunizations, Communicable Diseases & Lice Policyadd
You will be notified as soon as possible regarding any communicable diseases affecting campers. If your camper contracts a communicable disease, please notify the camp. Cal Youth Camps has a “no nit” policy regarding lice. This means if your child has any signs of head lice (live bugs or nits, dead or alive), they will NOT be permitted at camp until all signs of head lice are no longer present.
The University of California, Berkeley has an immunization policy that is campus wide. This is the policy:
Proof of immunization is required for minors participating in camps and clinics.
Minors are exempt from vaccination only if: (1) they are unvaccinated due to medical contra-indications, as verified by a licensed physician or (2) a belief-based objection is asserted by a parent or an emancipated minor with respect to the Hepatitis-B vaccination.
- Medications/InhalersaddA parent-completed medication form and current prescription bottle must accompany all medication taken by a child. This includes prescription and potentially hazardous, if misused, over-the-counter medications. Prescription medication also requires a physician’s signature on the medication form or medication in their original container (with prescription label). Medications are secured in a locked location. Inhalers may be kept with the camper but still require a current prescription OR Camp Medication Form. To request a Medication Form, phone (510) 643-2267 or email camps@berkeley.edu.
- Lost & FoundaddLabel all items brought to camp (first and last name). Lost and Found items are donated to a local charity one week after the camp session ends. If you are going on vacation right after the end of camp, let us know so we can look for your lost items before they are donated.
Camp Organization & Activities
- Camp Programs at Golden Bearadd
- Blue Cubs (7-8 year olds)
- Blue Bears (9-11 year olds)
- Blue Grizzlies (12-13 year olds)
- S2 (4th–6th Grade – in afternoon)
- Skate Camp (8-16 year olds)
- Campers in Leadership in Training (CILT)
- Social Skills Tracks (9-19 year olds)
- Camp Programs at Strawberry Canyonadd
- Explorer Camp (5-6 year olds)
- S2 (1st–3rd Grade – in afternoon)
- Campers in Leadership in Training (CILT)
- Swimming Lessons
- Ropes Course
Enrollment, Receipts & Refunds
- Overviewadd
Questions about enrollment, receipts, dependent care letters, refunds, etc. are handled by the Customer Service Center. You can reach them by phone at (510) 643-CAMP (2267) or camps@berkeley.edu.
W-10 forms are available upon request. The Customer Service Center will not be sending out individual Dep Care letters. If you need a Dep Care letter, please contact our Customer Service Center.
A written request for a transfer, credit, or cancellation must be received in the Strawberry Canyon Enrollment Office no less than 30 days prior to the first day of camp to qualify for a refund, transfer, or credit. Request for transfers, credits, or cancellations received prior to one month before the first day of camp are assessed a fee of $25 per child per camp.
No refunds, credits, or transfers are issued for requests received within one month of the start of camp. Requests for transfer or credit in cases of illness or injury are considered with a doctor’s note and letter requesting the exception. No medical requests will be considered after the first day of camp. Camps are not prorated nor session dates individualized. Participant substitutions are not allowed.
Tax ID Number
- OverviewaddTax ID Number: 94-6002123.