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 make 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. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for 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. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities.

Find out more about how you can grow your career 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. Camp Leads are responsible for management of assigned staff, development, implementation, and overall communication with parents and families. Camp Leads serve on seasonal summer camp leadership team and report directly to the Youth Camps Supervisor.

Camp Leads regularly work on tasks that are varied and complex. They apply a full range of specialized skills and job knowledge and frequently adapt procedures, techniques, tools, materials, and/or equipment to meet specialized needs. Camp Leads perform broad and/or focused assignments under general supervision. Originality and ingenuity are often required to help establish procedures in functional area. Camp Leads rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish assigned tasks.

Camp Leads must be a specialized and skilled leader for a non-credited recreational or sports program. Camp Leads create and implement recreational programs for participants of all ages and may serve as a lead or mentor for other program instructors and may be required to provide instruction. Program leaders at this level are required to demonstrate considerable discretion, initiative and independence to resolve issues and perform other duties as assigned.

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…