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 at East Bay summer camps. We thank the following sponsors:
- Call of the Wild: Free nature camp internship for 9th-12th graders (or paid internship for OUSD students) in Berkeley/Oakland and 3 other 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. Costs $80 per week.
- Redwood Day School: CIT program for 7th – 9th graders combines service, skill-building, and mentorship. Costs $400 per week.
- UC Berkeley Youth Recreation: Fee structure varies. CILTs (age 12-14) pay $216-$240 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 (2025)
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 >
GrowFit’s renowned All-Sports Camp flagship program features 9 exciting games daily, from basketball to bubble soccer. Introducing a specialized LEGO®, Art, and Science Camps, giving kids the chance to explore creativity and dive into their passions!
GrowFit’s CIT program combines leadership, mentorship, and sports action, empowering older campers, 8th-10th gr, to guide, play, and energize every camp day!
- Berkeley
- Walnut Creek/Concord/Pleasant Hill
- South Bay
- East Bay (Other)
$150 per week
Celebrating 27 summers of unplugged, outdoor fun in Tilden Park, this camp offers nature exploration, arts and crafts, food projects, games, and songs. Campers build friendships in 3-week sessions, with shorter options (2 days–2 weeks) available. Ages 5.25–10; Youth Leaders 11+. Begins 6/5.
Youth leaders, ages 11-17, participate in activities of the day, supporting campers, learning from staff, and joining fun coaching meetings.
- Berkeley
CITs age 11-13 pay camp fees, age 14+ pay 25% of fees
Summer Day Camp at Children’s Fairyland sparks creativity with themed camps for kids K-6. Campers explore storytelling, nature, arts, theatre, and play in a magical 10-acre park. New this year: Stop Motion camps for 9-11-year-olds, where campers bring their animated stories to life!
Fairyland's CIT program for ages 12-14 offers leadership experience, assisting younger children with activities, games, and projects in a supportive environment.
- Oakland
Weekly Counselor-In-Training program is $200 per week.
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!
Age 13+, Footfire CITs develop coaching skills over four years: two weeks each summer for the first two years and three weeks each summer for the final two years. New to Footfire? Join as a Guest CIT!
- Berkeley
Fee reductions apply; stipend available.
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.
- Alameda
- Berkeley
- Castro Valley
- Oakland
- Piedmont
- Walnut Creek/Concord/Pleasant Hill
- SF / Marin
CITs work as volunteers.
Aurora School has Small Camps with Big Heart! Offering a week-long general camp Creators & Explorers, a month-long Theater Arts Camp, and week-long LEGO & Engineering Camps provided by TechKnowHow. Campers need not be Aurora students to attend.
CIT programs offered for middle and high schoolers in both the Creators & Explorers general camp and the month-long Theater Arts Camp.
- Oakland
CITs pay $100 - $150 per week
Camp Galileo offers an unforgettable summer of STEAM exploration, collaborative design challenges, and classic camp fun. Weekly sessions at 15+ NorCal locations. 9 am-3 pm + AM/PM extended care.
8th - 10th grade CIT’s mentor younger campers, make Galileo magic, and build lasting innovation and leadership skills alongside the CIT team.
- Alameda
- Berkeley
- Fremont
- Oakland
- Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda
- SF / Marin
- South Bay
CITs pay $150 less than K-8 camp fees
UC Berkeley Youth Recreation offers a wide variety of award-winning summer camps for ages 5-17: multi-activity day camps, swimming, sailing, esports, media production, martial arts, skateboarding, and rock climbing. 1- and 2-week sessions, extended care. Youth leadership starts at 12+.
UC Berkeley Youth Recreation offers several experiential leadership opportunities for youth ages 12-17 to develop leadership and work skills while cultivating relationships with counselors & mentors.
- Albany / Kensington
- Berkeley
Varies depending on age/program
RDS offers diverse camps for learning, growth, and play. Highlights include visits from the Oakland Zoo, an AI education program, and a mobile cave, providing unique and engaging experiences. Campers do not have to be Redwood Day students to attend.
7th-9th grade CITs earn on site experience while being paired with an experienced educator each week. The program combines service, skill-building, and mentorship.
- Oakland
The program costs $400 per week
PERSPECTIVES youth photography camp inspires students to photograph their world and tell stories. With close 1:1 instruction from a professional photographer, students learn manual settings and build confidence and connections through photography and adventure.
CITs, age 18+, help students with basic camera settings and keeping students engaged throughout the day.
- Berkeley
- Emeryville
- Oakland
CITs pay reduced fees
Adventure Day Camp offers arts, crafts, field games, swimming, and recreational activities at the beautiful Claremont Club & Spa. Campers enjoy creativity, excitement, and discovery while making friends and memories in a fun, engaging, and educational summer experience.
CIT Camp is an opportunity for your child to gain experience in childcare while having fun. Participants will, develop communication and leadership skills, work alongside instructors to des
- Berkeley
CITs pay fees: $790 per week non-member | $650 per week members | multi-week discount
El Cerrito Martial Arts Camp is the place for fun and being your best, for kids ages 4.5 - 12. Camp features Daily Jiu Jitsu Classes (no experience needed), kid approved themes, child safety, daily outdoor activities, arts & crafts, dodge ball, LEGO, games, and reading time.
Youth mentorship program develops leadership, teamwork, and responsibility for ages 12-15 with hands on-on experiences, mentorship, and engaging activities
- El Cerrito
$80 per week fees
St. Paul's camp offers a variety of activities on and off campus. Campers may choose camps such as theatre, basketball, art, daily excursions, games, and math. Need not be a student to attend.
C.I.T.s (rising 7th-8th graders) will develop and practice skills in leadership, critical thinking, communication, conflict resolution, and organization by working directly with staff.
- Oakland
CITs pay reduced fees of $200 per week
For ages 7-11, Camp Brushstrokes offers a creative space for kids to explore artistic expression. Each day features two guided projects introducing techniques like wet clay building, pottery painting, multimedia sculptures, watercolor, and more, sparking imagination and creativity.
CIT and Junior CIT programs are on-going by application only. Apply by email brushstrokesprograms@gmail.com
- Berkeley
Jumpin' to Summer offers a 3-tiered program fostering relationships between Jr. Campers, Jr. Coaches, and Coaches. Activities include sports, LEGO building, art, lawn games, and hiking. Youth leadership begins at age 13 with paid opportunities for Jr. Coaches.
Ages 13-15 lead and manage small groups. Effectively communicate with campers and families. Work with Jr. Coaches and Coaches to create and implement daily schedule of activities
- Oakland
Assistant coaches pay $50 gear fee and receive $50-$100 weekly stipend
Girls Rock Math is an empowering, arts-based math camp where “Girl Power” rules. Unique themes that integrate art, games, songs, problem-solving and hands-on investigations capture a girls’ interest and imagination while building skills, confidence and a joy for math. In Kentfield.
CITs (7th-8th grade) + Teen Leaders (9th-12th) develop valuable life skills, leadership skills, and have fun supporting elementary aged campers at Girls Rock Math.
- SF / Marin
CITs pay $350 for 2weeks. Teen Leaders are volunteers
Call of the Wild outdoor nature camps in Berkeley, Oakland, Cupertino, and Vacaville provide enrichment in biology, environmental science, animal rights, language arts, and nature-inspired art. Kids enjoy hikes in forests, nature exploration, storytelling, reading, journal writing, and games.
Free Nature Camp Counselor Internship for 9th-12th graders to have fun teaching kids and develop job skills as future educators.
- Berkeley
- Oakland
- South Bay
- East Bay (Other)
Free for all CITs. Unpaid internship (except paid internship for OUSD students).
MOCHA summer camps offer weeklong creative art immersive experience. Explore different weekly themes to inspire your little artist.
The MOCHA Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program gives 6th-8th graders the opportunity to develop their art, customer service, and work experience skills in a supportive, creative museum environment.
- Oakland
CITs pay $350 in camp fees
Traverse Ninja campers have fun, grow confidence, and make friends all while learning the skills necessary to run, jump, and swing their way through ninja obstacles and courses. Camps also include free time for games and stretching/yoga, and lunchtime videos.
Traverse Ninja CITs, age 12-15, help lead group activities, demonstrate obstacles, and role model having a positive mindset for all camp participants.
- Richmond / Point Richmond
CITs save 20% off standard camp fees
Campers choose from a variety of activities in real-time, including sewing, coding, maker crafts, sports & more! Buy any number of days to use at any time. Unused days are automatically refunded at summer’s end. Est. 1980. Lunch, snacks & all hours (8am–6pm) included. Ages 4–12.
Mentees, age 14-15, gain leadership skills in a supportive and fun environment; get a taste of being a camp counselor; and gain valuable skills. Contact local director for info.
- Emeryville
- Fremont
- Walnut Creek/Concord/Pleasant Hill
- SF / Marin
- South Bay
- East Bay (Other)
Mentees pay reduced rates
Yama Kids Yoga Camp introduces children ages 5-10 to yoga poses, meditation, and mindfulness, emphasizing kindness and self-awareness. Campers enjoy crafts, collaborative art, and active play in weeklong sessions from 9 am to 3 pm, with optional aftercare available.
In addition to imparting the principles of yoga, yoga instruction, and meditation, this course will teach the most effective ways to engage, teach, and manage children as we travel around the bay!
- Berkeley
Fee of $475/week, includes transportation to offsites
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 age 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.
- Berkeley
CITs pay reduced camp fees. Resident: $228 per week | Non-Resident: $273 per week.
Let’s get outside! Join KIDS for the BAY for a fun-filled summer of hands-on science and nature exploration in the outdoors. Campers investigate unique ecosystems, make discoveries at creek, bay and ocean habitats, and become inspired Environmentalists! CIT opportunities, grade 6+
KIDS for the BAY offers a Camp Rangers (CRs) Program for volunteer middle school students ages 12 - 13 and a Leaders-In-Training (LITs) program for volunteer high-school students ages 14 - 17.
- Berkeley
CRs pay camp fees. LITs do not pay camp fees and do not receive compensation.
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! Offered 6/9-27; 7/7-8/22.
Ages 12-16. Sees the Day provides an opportunity for teens to acquire fundamental leadership skills through direct hands-on experience. Counselors assist with every aspect of the daily program!
- Berkeley
Junior Counselors (age 12) pay $400 per week. Lead Counselors (13-16) pay $300 per week
Sticky Art Lab offers themed art-based maker camps throughout the summer, focusing on reuse, upcycling, and sustainability. With daily structured teaching and free-build sessions, campers explore creative projects like clay, comics, puppetry, painting, sewing, and woodworking with different lead artists each week.
CITs (14+) demonstrate that they are responsible, reliable, creative, compassionate, and will cultivate good leadership skills while crafting with campers. Ask director.
- Berkeley
Volunteer position
CAMP 510 is a multi-media art camp for K-8, featuring origami, weaving, comics, and circus. Fabulous teaching artists foster confidence & creativity in young makers. Youth leadership program available for ages 12+. Unleash your child's creativity this summer!
For ages 12+ CAMP 510's Counselors In Training program builds leadership skills through assisting counselors and teachers.
- Berkeley
CITs pay $225 per week
Berkeley Playhouse offers 1-, 2-, and 3-week summer day camps packed with musical theater fun. Camps include story-based sessions inspired by musicals and movies and a Triple Threat camp to develop acting, singing, and dancing skills.
Berkeley Playhouse's CIT Program offers youth, grades 7th-12th, the opportunity to gain practical training and develop leadership skills while participating in summer camps. 4 week minimum commitment.
- Berkeley
Reduced fees of $260 per week if admitted
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.
- Berkeley
Pay camp fees with discount
These camps are designated for ages 5-13, all genders, and all skill levels welcome. Youth progress their skateboarding through discussion and practice of life themes such as self-confidence, humility, and the power of determination. Kids have the opportunity to make friends, have fun, and learn new things!
The Y.E.S. Program gives teens (13-18 years old) the opportunity to gain professional skills through skateboarding and make a positive impact in their community, all while earning service hours.
- Oakland
- Piedmont
It's FREE and they get volunteer hours.
Culinary Artistas’ summer camp immerses kids in hands-on cooking, exploring multicultural recipes while developing motor skills and STEAM concepts. Campers build confidence, independence, and an appreciation for food, culture, and the environment in a fun, creative setting.
Counselors in Training serve as sous chefs, guiding younger campers through activities, assisting with setup and cleanup, and developing leadership skills in a fun, hands-on mentorship role.
- Albany / Kensington
- Piedmont
Cost is $420 for 2-Week half day CIT Program
Words in the Wild Summer Day Camp nurtures a love of reading and writing through garden science, art, and games. Campers explore parks and gardens, honing inquiry skills as they observe, document, and connect language with nature. 1:1 tutoring is also available.
C.I.T.s (7th-8th graders) develop and practice skills in leadership, critical thinking, communication, conflict resolution, and organization by working directly with camp teachers.
- Oakland
CITs pay reduced fees of $200 per week
OBL invites kids ages 5–10 to think, feel, and create like artists in intimate, joyful Studio Art Camps. Each session nurtures self-expression through hands-on artmaking. All supplies, hearty snacks, and healthy lunches are included!
Young artists, age 11+, fully participate in art making, while learning to be a future leader.
- Oakland
Pay 50% of camp fee
Gan Izzy is a Jewish camp with traditional camp activities, swimming, and field trips. Lunch included. Space is limited.
Girls ages 11-13+ may apply for leadership program
- Berkeley
CITs pay fees; JCs receive a small stipend
Animal Camp in Oakland and Dublin.
Jr. Vet Camp is offered for rising 10th - 12th graders in Oakland.
- Oakland
- East Bay (Other)
Jr. Vets pay $365 per week
Indoor and outdoor play.
Rising 6th to 10th graders can join Junior Counselor program.
- Albany / Kensington
JCs pay $324 (Resident) or $334 (Non-Resident) per 3-month commitment | Financial subsidies available..
Oakland park visits with swimming lessons. Offered in 2- and 5-week blocks
Camp leaders are between 13 and 18.
- Oakland
Camp leaders pay reduced fees.
Affordable nature camp with swimming
Spend a whole week in your Regional Parks working with other teens to help lead Day Camp for kids.
- Fremont
- Hayward
- Oakland
- Richmond / Point Richmond
- Walnut Creek/Concord/Pleasant Hill
No fees, 35 community service hours
1.5 hours math followed by visual and performance art, sports, science & cooking around weekly themes.
Counselors In Training, CITs ages 11-13, support younger campers, gain experience in leadership training/community building, play games, and more.
- Oakland
CITs pay fees
Wilderness survival, martial arts, archery, boating, and woodworking. Leadership options for 8th grade+
Leadership in training options for grades 8 to 12.
- El Cerrito
- Oakland
CITs pay camp fees
Other cool summer programs for teens & pre-teens in the East Bay
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 >
Emeryville Lifeguard and Swim Instructor Jobs
The City of Emeryville offers a Lifeguard Training class, after which teens are qualified to work as lifeguards or swim instructors.
Class dates and times >
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.
