Group Leader​/Instructor, Blue Camp , Recreation & Wellbeing

Group Leader/Instructor, Blue Camp (4128U), Recreation & Wellbeing - #83482

Join the University of California, Berkeley to lead, teach, and supervise youth in our award‑winning Blue Camp program. The Camp Counselors (Group Leaders/Instructors) are dedicated to fostering a positive, engaging experience for campers and helping them build confidence, teamwork and life skills in a safe, inclusive environment.

The Department of Recreation & Wellbeing provides competitive and recreational opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and campus‑affiliated community members. In addition to the 30 sports clubs, the department offers a wide range of recreational activities and state‑of‑the‑art equipment.

Camp Counselors (Group Leaders/Instructors) are responsible for delivering high‑quality instruction, developing age‑appropriate lesson plans, providing constructive feedback, maintaining safe, clean, and well‑organized spaces, and contributing to other program‑related duties as needed.

• Ensure the overall supervision and safety of campers, manage risks, and facilitate engaging downtime activities.
• Build positive, age‑appropriate relationships with campers and address individual needs to foster growth and well‑being.
• Encourage campers to step outside their comfort zones, take healthy risks, and enhance knowledge and skills.
• Maintain accurate attendance records, ensuring proper check‑ins and managing transition periods between activities.
• Safely guide campers between locations and supervise them during water/bathroom breaks, ensuring well‑being at all times.
• Assist campers with personal belongings, lost and found items, sunscreen application, hydration, and waste disposal.
• Support campers in problem‑solving and conflict resolution, stepping in to offer guidance only when necessary to empower decision‑making.
• Supervise and mentor Junior Counselors, Counselors‑in‑Training, and Campers in Leadership Training (CILTs) and provide constructive direction and feedback.
• Inspire and motivate campers, Junior Counselors, Counselors‑in‑Training, and CILTs to actively participate with enthusiasm and teamwork.

• Teach age‑appropriate skills and activities in a structured, progressive sequence.
• Develop and submit detailed lesson plans for each activity session, collaborating with co‑counselors and Leadership Team members.
• Lead well‑organized, engaging classes that maximize camper participation.
• Provide specialized instruction to children (ages 5‑14) in a wide range of sports, arts, and leadership activities.
• Actively engage with campers throughout activities, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Integrate camp values and life skills into lessons and activities in a developmentally appropriate way.

• Ensure equipment, materials, and supplies are well‑organized, properly maintained, and stored in designated locations.
• Complete and submit all required paperwork accurately and on time, including training documentation, timesheets, lesson plans, and certifications.
• Complete and submit all incident and accident reports promptly, as required.
• Conduct daily safety and cleanliness checks in activity areas.

• Assist with the check‑in and check‑out procedures for all campers.
• Foster group unity by promoting theme days and camp traditions.
• Support campers in making friends and enjoying the camp experience.
• Contribute ideas to improve camp operations and share suggestions during weekly staff meetings.
• Assist with, lead, or actively participate in staff social events, staff meetings, and any other programs assigned by the supervisor.
• Fill staffing needs and/or gaps at other Berkeley Youth Recreation summer camp programs as determined by the supervisors.
• Cultivate a supportive, inclusive environment that encourages camper participation and engagement in all activities.

• Knowledge of Youth Recreation Programs, program planning/development, program structures, basic classroom management, and youth learning styles.
• Service orientation, judgment and decision‑making, critical thinking, original idea…