My kids have envisioned themselves being future counselors at every camp they’ve attended. But how do they get there? Many summer camps have Junior Counselor or CIT programs, some that start as young as 11 years old, through which kids get a chance to get a little more behind the scenes, learn some leadership skills, and prepare for future employment opportunities. The details of CIT programs range greatly: some campers earn the title just by signing up and paying fees, while some require an application process.
This guide is for Counselor-in-training programs and other leadership opportunities for East Bay summer campers. We thank the following sponsors:
- Run for Fun Sleepaway Camp: 9th-10th graders build leadership skills while enjoying camp activities at Pinecrest Lake. CITs pay camper fees. Transportation is available from Castro Valley.
- California Historical Radio Society: Ages 17-21 are paid a $150 per week stipend to mentor young students in broadcasting and related communication technologies in Alameda.
- Call of the Wild: Free nature camp internship for 9th-12th graders in Berkeley/Oakland and 2 South Bay locations.
- Camp Galileo: 8th-10th graders pay $150 less than camper fees to build leadership skills and mentor young campers in many Bay Area locations.
- GrowFit Sports Camp: 8th to 10th graders pay $150 per week for leadership training in Berkeley, Walnut Creek, or other Bay Area locations. One week minimum.
- El Cerrito Martial Arts: Youth mentorship program available for ages 12-15. Details TBD.
- Monkey Business Camp offers youth leadership for ages 11-17 in Berkeley. CITs age 11-13 pay camp fees, ages 14+ save 25% off camp fees.
- UC Berkeley Youth Recreation: Fee structure varies. CILTs (age 12-14) pay $247 per week based on a 2-week session. CITs, age 15+, are volunteers. Jr. Counselors are paid wages beginning at age 16.
Find the Right East Bay Camp with CIT Programs (2026)
The following camps have let 510Families.com know that they have a youth leadership or CIT program. Find details such as age and application process on their websites. These other camps let middle school kids be campers >
Fairyland Summer Day Camp brings stories to life in a magical world where play, imagination, nature, arts, and storytelling intersect. Campers enjoy team-building games, thematic projects, classic camp activities, dramatic play, park exploration, puppet shows, and Fairyland rides and attractions!
7th-9th grade CITs are leaders and stewards of Fairyland Camp, serving as role models for younger campers. CITs assist in activities, games, and team-building projects.
CITs pay $200 per week.
- Oakland
Spark your K–10th grader’s creativity with epic STEAM projects and camp magic at 24 NorCal locations. Enjoy weekly 9am–3pm sessions with optional extended care. From rubber chicken cheers to lifelong friendships, make 2026 the most creative summer ever!
8th - 10th grade CITs mentor younger campers, build leadership skills, and create camp magic with an aged-up, behind-the-scenes twist on summer fun.
Fees vary by location. $150 less than camper fees
- Alameda
- Berkeley
- Castro Valley
- Fremont
- Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda
- Oakland
- Tri Valley
- Walnut Creek/Concord/Pleasant Hill
- San Francisco
- Marin County
- South Bay
100% unplugged and outdoors. Kids enjoy nature exploration, arts & crafts, food projects, games, songs and special surprises in Tilden Park! Popular longer 3-week sessions with same kids and staff, with some shorter length options. Campers ages 5-10. Youth Leaders 11+.
Youth leaders, ages 11-17, participate in activities, support campers, form bonds, learn from staff, and join fun coaching meetings.
CITs age 11-13 pay camp fees, age 14+ pay 25% of fees
- Berkeley
GrowFit Camps in Walnut Creek and Berkeley offer All-Sports Camps and Specialty-to-Sports programs in LEGO, art, science, and Inventor Lab. Campers enjoy active games and hands-on projects in age-based groups that support confidence, creativity, and friendships.
8th-10th grade CITs lead younger campers, build leadership skills, and stay active in every sport. They mentor, play, and bring positive energy while gaining confidence and real responsibility.
Fees are $150 per week
- Berkeley
- Tri Valley
- Walnut Creek/Concord/Pleasant Hill
- South Bay
Discover the magic of math at Firecracker Math Camp! Kids 6-16 explore number theory, geometry, and more through engaging games and puzzles each morning. Afternoons feature exciting activities like chess, art, and science in this dynamic summer experience.
CITs are 11th & 12th graders who love math. Counselors are college students with a major or interest in math and science, and have leadership skills. Previous camp experience preferred, not required.
volunteer their time
- Berkeley
- Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda
- Oakland
- Tri Valley
- W. Contra Costa
- San Francisco
- Marin County
Camp Doodles brings STEAM to life with hands-on maker projects, art labs, creative challenges, and plenty of outdoor play. The new Techs program lets campers explore design, world building and problem-solving through Minecraft. Make extraordinary out of ordinary this summer.
6th-10th graders can step into the role of LIT (leader in training) to assist with daily operations and keep the magic flowing. Be the mentor who guides younger campers through projects.
LITs pay $290 per week. Save with additional weeks.
- Berkeley
- Oakland
- Walnut Creek/Concord/Pleasant Hill
- San Francisco
Footfire offers a traditional soccer camp with drills, conditioning, and exciting tournament play. Highlights are the daily home-style snacks and lunch and soccer-themed art. At Footfire children are immersed in vibrant, local soccer culture!
Ages 13+, Footfire CITs develop coaching skills over 4 years; 2 weeks each in the first 2 years and 3 weeks each year for the last 2 years. New to Footfire? Join as a Guest CIT!
Fee reductions apply; 4th year CIT stipend
- Berkeley
UC Berkeley Youth Recreation offers a wide variety of award-winning summer camps for ages 5-17: multi-activity day camps, swimming, sailing, martial arts, skateboarding, and rock climbing. 1- and 2-week sessions, extended care. Youth leadership starts at 12+.
UC Berkeley Youth Recreation offers a variety of experiential leadership opportunities designed to help youth ages 12-17 develop leadership skills and gain hands-on experience.
Fees/wages vary depending on age level. See website for details.
- Berkeley
Golestan’s dual-language English-Persian summer day camp serves ages 6–18 in a fully outdoor, nurturing setting. Campers engage in hands-on activities like cooking, mosaics, science, woodworking, and textiles, with fieldwork at Tilden Park and organic meals prepared by an in-house chef.
The CIT program is ideal for ages 12+ who enjoy the outdoors, love camp, and are eager to mentor and support younger children.
pay full reduced camper fees
- El Cerrito
Mr. D’s Music Club’s award-winning performing arts camps combine singing, dancing, acting, and art in a fun, inclusive setting. Kids build confidence, make friends, explore creativity, enjoy a pizza party, and share a Friday performance with friends and family.
Leaders-in-Training opportunities for ages 13–14. LITs assist campers and teaching artists, participate in activities, and have fun during summer camp.
pay full reduced camper fees
- Oakland
The Redwood Day Summer Program offers week-long camps that are rooted in project-based learning with diverse themes in art, academics, sports, cooking, and STEAM topics. Campers do not have to be Redwood Day students to attend.
7th-9th grade CITs develop skills in managing camper conflicts and planning lessons, and each week they have the chance to lead a lesson themselves.
Fees: $425 per week
- Oakland
More than an art camp, this creativity and character program builds leaders and a culture of belonging, courage, and kindness. Rising 1st–6th graders experience meaningful growth through interdisciplinary art explorations guided by professional teaching artists.
LIT program gives 7th-9th graders the opportunity to be role models, build confidence, and leadership skills while learning from (and leading alongside) professional teaching artists.
LITs pay $400 per 2-week session
- Oakland
This award-winning summer art camp on Solano Avenue in Berkeley provides materials and small group sessions (12-15 students). Campers create freely, developing problem-solving skills, confidence, and self-expression in a supportive, judgment-free environment that emphasizes exploration over perfection.
CITs (14-17) help campers make art, hand out supplies, and build skills to demonstrate techniques.
Fees: $725 per week. Earlybird savings before 4/1/26
- Berkeley
CAMP 510 is a multi-media art camp for K-8, featuring comics, sculptures, circus, mosaics and stained glass. Fabulous teaching artists foster confidence & creativity in young makers in a perfect balance of inside and outside activities. Unleash your child's creativity this summer!
CAMP 510 C.I.T. program allows young adults between the ages of 12-15 years old the opportunity to develop their leadership skills as they assist camp staff in daily operations of camp.
CITs pay $225 per week, receive small stipend if work more than two weeks
- Berkeley
One Generation is outdoor music and dance camp with West African Dance and Hand Drumming, Cuban Dance, Body Percussion, Brazilian Capoeira, and hiking! Kindness, community, and culture through music and dance. Campers age 5-10. CIT age 11-18.
CIT’s, ages 11-18, learn how to navigate groups and behaviors, and earn leadership skills. Training is ongoing throughout the program.
volunteer their time
- Berkeley
Adventure Day Camp offers arts, crafts, field games, swimming, and recreational activities at the beautiful Claremont Resort & Club. Adventure day camp is a place for making new friends, making new memories, and making your child’s summer the best it can be.
The Claremont CIT camp is a wonderful opportunity for children, ages 11-14, to gain experience in the childcare while having a blast.
pay full camper fees
- Berkeley
California Historical Radio Society (CHRS) introduces campers to broadcasting, podcasting, and audio production using professional equipment, or hands-on electronics and radio building with circuits. Campers create original shows or explore wireless communications through engaging, skill-based learning experiences.
CHRS’s Counselor in Training (CIT) program offers hands-on experience, free camp attendance, and a $150 stipend to help offset travel and food costs for ages 17-21.
receive a small stipend
- Alameda
Campers choose from a variety of activities in real-time, including sewing, coding, maker crafts, & sports. Buy any number of days to use at any time. Est. 1980. Lunch, snacks & all hours (8am–6pm) included. Ages 4–12.
The Mentorship Program is perfect for mentees aged 14-15 who want to develop their leadership skills and teach others. Mentees will serve as role models. Contact local director for info.
Reduced fees vary by location. Inquire.
- Emeryville
- Fremont
- Tri Valley
- Walnut Creek/Concord/Pleasant Hill
- San Francisco
- Marin County
- South Bay
Let’s get outside! Join KIDS for the BAY for a fun-filled summer of hands-on science and nature exploration in the outdoors. Your Camper will investigate unique ecosystems, make discoveries at creek, bay and ocean habitats, and become an inspired Environmentalist!
KIDS for the BAY offers Summer Camp volunteer opportunities for middle school Camp Rangers (age 12 – 13), and high school Leaders in Training (age 14 – 17).
Camp Rangers pay full camper fees. Leaders-in-Training are volunteers.
- Berkeley
Perspectives Youth Photography School offers teens mentor-led photography classes in small, supportive groups. Students explore the Bay Area, build confidence and creative voice, and develop meaningful portfolios through hands-on projects and real-world visual storytelling.
Counselor-in-Training program empowers teens to lead, mentor younger students, build responsibility, and grow confidence through hands-on leadership experiences locally.
receive a small stipend
- Berkeley
- Emeryville
- Oakland
- San Francisco
Call of the Wild outdoor nature camps are for kids aged 5-10 to enjoy a fun balance of learning & play, forest hikes, nature connection, friendship, storytelling, creative writing, reading, games, science exploration, biology, animal rights, veganism, environmental stewardship & more!
9th-12th graders and relevant college students can get unpaid internships to teach campers biology, nature-inspired art, journaling, and environmental stewardship.
volunteer their time
- Berkeley
- Oakland
- South Bay
Adventure is calling at Wild Ones Art Camp! Located in the beautiful East Bay parks, camp combines nature hikes and outdoor games with immersive art projects. Give your child a summer filled with fresh air, creative sparks, and unforgettable memories.
volunteer their time
- Berkeley
- Oakland
Berkeley Playhouse offers musical theatre classes for grades K–7, including 1-, 2-, and 3-week story-based camps and Triple Threat camps focused on acting, singing, and dancing. Students build skills, creativity, and friendships in a fun, supportive setting.
CITs (grades 8th-12th) will gain practical training, develop leadership skills, and assist in summer camp rehearsals and final showings while receiving mentorship from Bay Area professionals.
Fees are $260 tuition fee per week if admitted
- Berkeley
Sees the Day is committed to helping children develop respect and appreciation for each other and the natural world. Activities include nature awareness, storytelling, improv, music, imaginative play, cooperative games, beading, fairy house/fort building, gratitude circles, and classic summertime fun!
This position offers teens, 12-16, an opportunity to work with children and develop their leadership and supervisory skills in a relaxed, safe, and inspirational outdoor learning environment.
Age 12: cost is $400 per week | Age 13-16: cost is $300 per week
- Berkeley
Berkeley Day Camp offers a fun, safe environment for children, featuring a variety of outdoor activities, sports, arts and games. Focused on fostering teamwork, creativity and personal growth. The camp provides an enriching experience for kids ages 5 to 13.
The Berkeley Day Camp Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program combines the fun of Berkeley Day Camp with building practical skills and confidence for 9th and 10th graders.
CITs pay reduced camp fees of $251 per week
- Berkeley
The Girls Summer Program offers art, STEAM, and sports in an all-girls environment. Led by faculty and student mentors, campers explore new skills, build confidence, and develop community while experiencing the joy of learning together. 6th grade camps are for rising JMSG students.
The Girls Summer Program sparks curiosity, builds community, and empowers girls through art, STEAM, sports, mentorship, confidence-building, and joyful all-girls learning.
volunteer their time
- Oakland
MOCHA Camps are weeklong, immersive art adventures packed with hands-on projects, and creative exploration that help young artists grow skills and confidence. They also offer a Counselor in Training (CIT) program for middle schoolers ready to build skills and leadership through art.
MOCHA's CITs (6th-8th) assist Teaching Artists with camper supervision, activity setup/cleanup, and general camp operations. CITs also have dedicated time to create their own art throughout the week.
Fees: $350 per week | 10% sibling discount
- Oakland
Camp @ JCC East Bay is an intimate Jewish day camp with cultural experiences, swimming, music, art, field trips, friendships, and lots of outdoor nature based fun! Enjoy the traditional day camp or the Hebrew Immersive camp, Sababa!
The CIT program gives incoming 7th through 9th graders an exciting early chance to build real work experience while still enjoying all the fun of summer camp!
Fees: $700 per session (3 weeks). Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
- Berkeley
Campers at Brushstrokes will complete two projects each day, exploring clay hand-building and a variety of drawing and painting methods. They will also have free-time for crafting, playing games, reading books, and spending time outside.
CIT's help Counselors prepare projects, offer hands on help to campers, and occasionally demonstrate different art techniques.
volunteer their time
- Berkeley
Culinary Artistas Summer Camp immerses kids in hands-on cooking, exploring multi-cultural recipes while developing STEM concepts and kitchen dexterity. Campers build confidence, independence and an appreciation for food, culture and the environment. All in a fun and creative environment!
CITs, age 12-16, should love cooking and also have a desire to develop their leadership skills. Be able to commit to a 2 week session of camp.
The cost of 2-week Culinary Leadership CIT program is $420 for the East Bay (half days) & $840 for SF
- Albany / Kensington
- Piedmont
- San Francisco
ELEVATE Golf Academy Camps offer high-level golf instruction for ages 6–18, with Development and Advanced options. Advanced Camp requires a GHIN of 10 or lower. A competitive, supportive summer golf experience. Full- and half-day camps are available.
Coach in Training (CIT) Program for competitive high school juniors and older golfers with tournament experience, developing leadership, coaching skills, and mentorship.
are paid
- Oakland
Waitlists are open. Sticky Art Lab has an array of art-based maker camps with different lead artists, focusing on reuse & upcycling. Daily structured teaching & free-build sessions on themes like clay, comics, fantasy play, faux foods, and sewing.
Sticky Art Lab CIT (14+) will demonstrate that they are responsible, reliable, creative, compassionate, and will cultivate good leadership skills while crafting with our campers.
volunteer their time
- Berkeley
VDZ dance camps offer fun, energetic classes in ballet, modern, jazz, hip hop, musical theater, and more. Dancers build skills, confidence, and friendships while enjoying creative movement, exciting choreography, and a supportive environment led by experienced instructors.
Camper leadership (age 14+) program builds confidence, responsibility, teamwork, communication, and mentoring skills through hands-on activities and guided leadership opportunities for youth.
Fees: $150 per week for full day camp | $100 per week for half day camps | Discounts for multiple weeks
- Berkeley
Other cool summer programs for teens & pre-teens in the East Bay
Run for Fun Overnight Camps Leadership Program
9th-10th graders are still closely tied to the camper experience at Pinecrest Lake while stepping into leadership roles. All CITs get to participate in a one-hour horseback ride, kayaking, and archery throughout the week. Training includes team-building, helping in the camp store, and shadowing counselors. CITs pay camper fees the first year and are discounted the second year. Transportation is available from Castro Valley. More details >
Berkeley Lifeguard or Echo Lake Camp and Tuolomne Family Camp CIT Program
The City of Berkeley hires youth 16+ as playground leaders and sports field monitors paying minimum wage or more. For those who are comfortable being away from home, they host a training program at residential camps, where teens will be either at a Family Camp as staffers or an overnight camp for kids. Lifeguard positions open at age 15. More details >
East Bay Regional Park District Youth & Student Employment
Older teens may find a fit working outdoors for EBRPD as laborers or recreation leaders for the summer. Trained as a lifeguard already? The EBRPD oversees a number of pools and natural bodies of water.
More details >
Hidden Genius Project (Oakland, Richmond)
The Hidden Genius Project is encouraging Black male youth entering 9th – 11th grade to apply to a 7-week summer program leading into a 15-month holistic mentorship experience that provides computer science, software development, entrepreneurship, and leadership training in the Bay Area and locations around the country. Apply before Feb. 21 for this free program >
Youth Umpire for NOLL/SOLL (Oakland)
Oakland’s Little League hires new umpires, ages 12 to 17, to register and get trained. Learn more >
Program for El Cerrito Youth Baseball
For kids 12 and up who would love to be out on the field, El Cerrito Youth Baseball has an umpire training program that will help young teens get their first job and reference source. Learn more >
Please share other great ideas for teens and tweens in the comments.
Some summer camps are designed with older, teen campers in mind. Search by age & interest on our summer camp guide >
Thanks again to our sponsors. They make this guide possible.
