Junior Counselor, Blue Camp - Youth Recreation , Recreation & Wellbeing

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff.

UC Berkeley Youth Recreation (formerly Cal Youth Camps) offers a wide variety of seasonal camps, swimming, and sport activities for kids of all ages. We have been leaders in providing high quality, impactful youth programs for more than 60 years.

UC Berkeley Youth Recreation offers several experiential leadership opportunities for junior high- and high school-aged youth in our summer youth camps. Our experiential leadership programs bridge junior and high schoolers from campers to leaders. The best Youth Camps staff are often former campers. Youth Camp alumni not only bring their own experience and memories, but they also bring an undeniable passion for camp.

UC Berkeley Youth Recreation offers several different ways for tweens and teens to practice and improve their varying leadership skills.

The Junior Counselor position is a paid staff position for high school students to learn the beginning requirements of youth supervision, professional conduct, effective communication, and teamwork responsibility. The Junior Counselor role also assists in enhancing leadership and job skills required for this UC Berkeley program and future careers.

The First Review Date for this job is: 01/19/2026. This is an ongoing hiring process with multiple positions available. Applications will be regularly assessed, and hiring will occur at various points throughout the year. The job listing will remain open for as long as applications are accepted.

Programmatic

• Adhere to all scheduling assignments made by Camp Coordinator(s), Camp Lead(s) and Asst. Lead(s) to support campers, camper groupings, and activities.
• Support and assist activity Instructor(s) and/or assigned Group Leader(s) with any delegated tasks.
• Provide mentoring and guidance to campers in support of camp staff.
• Lead general supervision of campers and downtime activities during the camper lunch period.
• Assist with the set-up and take-down of camp facilities and help tidy camp areas on a daily basis.
• Account for all campers in assigned group and conduct camper head counts regularly.
• Follow check-in/out duties as assigned.
• Walk campers safely between locations and supervise them on water/restroom breaks as needed.
• Assist campers with their belongings, lost and found, sunscreen/water, lunch, swim change, trash pick-up, etc.
• Assist with and/or participate in all special events, staff meetings, theme days, and programs designated by your leadership team and/or supervisor.
• Look for ways to improve the camp/program and share feedback in weekly staff meetings with the leadership team or designated team leader.

Administrative

• Prepare, maintain, and process all forms and paperwork accurately and promptly (work permits, reports, timesheets, employee paperwork, etc.).
• Complete Accident Reports, Incident Reports, and Child Abuse/Neglect (CANRA) forms when needed, making sure to alert supervisors.
• Follow campus-wide procedures in Mandated Reporting laws regarding child abuse and neglect (CANRA).
• Refer program and administrative questions to the appropriate supervisor.
• Keep equipment and supplies in order, well maintained, and in the proper location.

Miscellaneous

• Develop age-appropriate relationships with campers.
• Display appropriate behavior (action and language) around campers, staff, and parents.
• Demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, and sensitivity in all interactions with campers, staff, and parents.
• Follow all camp policies and procedures stated in the Employee Handbook and Employee Code of Conduct, including wearing required camp uniform and following assigned work schedule.
• Fill in for camp staff as needed, including filling in for camp staff at a different camp facility.
• Maintain a supportive environment for campers and staff.
• Accept constructive feedback and make necessary corrections.
• Complete all tasks in a timely manner as specified or…