Explorer Camp Lead, Youth Programs , 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.

As a world‑leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. We invite applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity‑focused community that views education as a matter of social justice.

We actively support professional development and provide paid time for staff to engage in learning opportunities. Learn more about career growth at UC Berkeley.

UC Berkeley Youth Recreation (formerly Cal Youth Camps) leads the way in providing summer camps for kids of all ages. Located on the UC Berkeley campus for more than 60 years, we offer high‑caliber, impactful, and fun camps.

Camp Leads provide leadership to assigned seasonal camp programs. They manage staff, develop and implement programs, and communicate with parents and families. Camp Leads serve on the seasonal summer camp leadership team and report directly to the Youth Camps Supervisor.

Camp Leads work on varied and complex tasks, applying specialized skills and judgment. They create recreational programs for participants of all ages, may serve as a lead or mentor for other instructors, and may provide instruction. They demonstrate discretion, initiative, independence, and problem‑solving skills.

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.

• Provide guidance and constructive feedback to Group Leaders as the camp day goes on.
• Provide guidance to all staff (Group Leaders, Instructors, Junior Counselors, and Counselors‑in‑Training) about creating and executing lesson plans.
• Check‑in with instructors throughout the camp day and observe their lesson plans in action; give constructive feedback in the moment, as appropriate.
• Provide training, support, and coaching to assigned staff (e.g., Asst. Leads, Group Leaders, and Instructors) working in assigned camp program(s), giving direction and feedback as necessary.
• Assist with the development of and help facilitate in‑person staff training.
• Maintain and promote the health, safety, and well‑being of camp staff.
• Organize, implement, and document a professional development program, including weekly staff meetings.
• Ensure staff are adhering to and understand all stated policies and procedures of the Recreational Sports Department, and UC Berkeley, while providing a safe, fun, and educational skills‑based experience for all youth campers/participants.
• Help campers and staff adjust to camp life and each other.
• Motivate campers and staff to enthusiastically participate in all programs and activities.

• Create staff schedules for Group Leaders and Instructors, taking into account individual strengths and areas for improvement in order to maximize staff effectiveness.
• Complete individual midsummer check‑ins with all support staff, providing positive feedback for strengths and constructive feedback for improvement.
• Complete formal end‑of‑summer evaluations for all support staff that provide comprehensive feedback; a copy will be given to employees and kept internally.
• Prepare, maintain, and process all forms and paperwork accurately and promptly (e.g., rosters, timesheets, equipment/supplies inventory, staff paperwork, etc.).
• Complete Accident Reports, Incident Reports, and Child Abuse/Neglect (CANRA) forms when needed, making sure to alert supervisors.
• Communicate and work closely with Youth Camps Supervisor on all aspects of customer service, paperwork, facility, program development, and staff supervision.
• Keep equipment, binder, and supplies in order, well maintained, and in the…