The secret to Cal Youth Programs & Camps’ legacy of excellence is our dedicated staff.
Cal Youth Programs & Camps employ hundreds of local teenagers and college students as instructors, camp counselors, and counselors-in-training each year. They enjoy an inclusive work environment while building work skills and leadership skills that help prepare them for any future career path.
While participants learn from the instructors and year-round employees, our counselors and instructors are learning essential work skills such as communication, conflict resolution, professionalism, teamwork, and leadership — all skills the National Association of Colleges and Employers lists under their top 10 competencies desired by employers.
- Aquatic & Swim Instructoradd
Aquatic Swim Instructor (Handshake #4481576; UC Jobs #29797)
Swim instructors provide instruction in swimming techniques, skills, and water safety to participants in the Cal Youth Camps. Swim instructors are supervised by the Aquatic Coordinator and the Aquatics Director. Applicants must be able to relate well to children. Swim Instructors must also be able to exercise good judgment and safely supervise children. Applicants must have the sensory abilities (e.g. hearing, seeing) necessary to perform the duties of the position. Previous experience as a swimming instructor is also preferred.
Swim Lesson Coordinator Position Description (UC Jobs #29709)
Under the direct supervision of the Aquatics Director, the Aquatics Coordinator oversees the Cal Youth Programs swimming lessons: Group Lessons, Private Lessons, Camp Lessons, and Advanced Aquatic Lessons. Applicants must demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills. Aquatics Coordinators must be well-organized, be able to set priorities, take direction, and multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Applicants must also have the sensory abilities (e.g. hearing, seeing) necessary to perform the duties of the position required. Experience supervising swim instructors, swimming lessons, & aquatics facilities is preferred.
Questions? Contact:
Spencer Hawkins, Aquatics Director (shawkins@berkeley.edu)
- Blue Camp & Explorer Campadd
Youth Program Instructor (Group Leader/Instructor) (Handshake #5904508; UC Jobs #29689):
Group Leaders/Instructors provide supervision to campers at Blue and Explorer Camps. Group Leaders/Instructors are supervised by the Camp Lead and the Assistant Camp Lead(s). Group Leaders/Instructors must have experience with children (ages 5 and older). Applicants must demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills and have the ability to exercise good judgment and safely supervise children. Applicants must also be skilled in the activity that will be taught and/or have received formal training in activity. Experience teaching activity as an instructor, coach, etc. is required. Group Leaders/Instructors must also have the sensory abilities (e.g. hearing, seeing) necessary to perform the duties of the position required.
Questions? Contact:
Kaitlyn Dividock, Recreational Youth Camps Supervisor (kaitlyndividock@berkeley.edu)
- EMT / Paramedicadd
Camp EMT/Paramedic
The primary responsibility of the Medical Staff member is to provide care that emphasizes the use of appropriate skills, knowledge, and abilities (e.g. health care, first aid, and general support) to assure the comfort, safety, and well being of the Cal Youth Camp summer youth sports and recreation participants (ages 5-15) and to the recreational swimming patrons (infants to adults). Individuals in this position must reflect a balance and understanding of both patient care needs and efficient program operations. This staff member reports directly to the Camp Coordinators and the Director. All applicants must have sensory abilities, e.g. hearing and sight, necessary to perform the duties of the position. Having a NREMT certification is preferred.
Questions? Contact:
Dave Leimsieder, Director, Youth Programs (daveleimsieder@berkeley.edu)
- Cal Adventures Youth Campadd
Cal Adventures Activity Instructor (Handshake #3567604; UC Jobs #30492)
Under the supervision of the Youth Program Manager, a Cal Adventures Activity Instructor will lead groups of 8-17 year-olds in a specific skill area. Cal Adventures activities include sailing, sea kayaking, rock climbing, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, general outdoor recreation, and leadership development. A minimum of Community First Aid and CPR certification and extensive experience teaching one or more of the skill areas is required. Instructors for Discovery and Adventure Camps are also asked to have a valid California Driver’s License. Please read the specifications below before applying for a position. Applicants without experience will not be considered.
Questions? Contact:
Lauren Gregory, Youth Programs Manager (laurengregory@berkeley.edu)
- Counselor In Training, Camper in Leadership Training, Junior Counseloradd
Junior Counselor (JC):
The Junior Counselor (JC) position is a half-time paid/half-time unpaid internship position for high school students to learn the beginning requirements of youth supervision, youth mentorship, communication, and teamwork. Junior Counselors will enhance their leadership skills and learn job skills required for this UC Berkeley program. The Junior Counselor learning goal is to be able to provide assistance and leadership for the main Group Leaders/Instructors. In addition, the Junior Counselor goal is to gain confidence, responsibility, and role model skills for the campers.
Counselor-in-Training (CIT):
The Counselor-in-Training (CIT) position is a volunteer position for high school students to learn the requirements of youth supervision and responsibility. Counselors-in-Training will enhance leadership skills and learn job skills required for this UC Berkeley program. Counselors-in-Training will support and shadow Group Leaders/Instructors throughout the camp session and learn how to provide mentorship and guidance to campers.
Questions? Contact:
Prospective Counselors In Training may apply by sending a Résumé and Letter of Interest to Kaitlyn Dividock, Youth Camps Supervisor (kaitlyndividock@berkeley.edu). If selected for an interview you will be notified by e-mail in mid-April. View the Job Description.
- UC Martial Arts Program Summer Camp - Program Instructorsadd
Martial Arts Youth Camp Instructor (Handshake #5811011 ; UC Jobs #29202)
The University of California Martial Arts Program is hiring staff for its annual summer camp. We are looking for instructors and assistant instructors who can teach children the wonderful skills and life lessons of martial arts. In addition, we aim to provide students with the basic fundamentals of martial arts in order for them to build confidence and have the ability to defend themselves should the situation ever arise.
Questions? Contact:
Russell Ahn (ahnc@berkeley.edu)
- Skateboarding Camp - Program Instructorsadd
Skateboarding Program Instructor (Handshake #: 5765375; UC Jobs #29403)
Skateboarding Program Instructors provide supervision and instruction to campers enrolled in Skateboard Camp with Cal Skateboarding. Skateboarding Program Instructors are supervised by the Skate Program Coordinator. Skateboarding Program Instructors must have experience leading and teaching skateboard techniques and safety skills + activities for with children (ages 8 and older). Applicants must demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills. Skateboarding Program Instructors must also have the ability to exercise good judgment and safely supervise children. Experience as a Skateboard Instructor, Youth Program Leader/Instructor, etc. is required. Instructors must also have the sensory abilities (e.g. hearing, seeing) necessary to perform the duties of the position required.
Questions? Contact:
Sean O’Loughlin (sko@berkeley.edu)
- Gymnastics Camp - Program Instructorsadd
Gymnastics Program Instructor (Handshake #5655848; UC Jobs #28396)
Gymnastics Program Instructors provide supervision and instruction to gymnasts enrolled in recreational classes with Golden Bears Youth Gymnastics. Gymnastics Program Instructors are supervised by the Head Coach and the Lead Recreation Program Coach. Gymnastics Program Instructors must have experience leading recreational gymnastics activities for with children (ages 4 and older). Applicants must demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills. Gymnastics Program Instructors must also have the ability to exercise good judgment and safely supervise children. Experience teaching activity as a gymnastics instructor, coach, etc. is required. Instructors must also have the sensory abilities (e.g. hearing, seeing) necessary to perform the duties of the position required.
Questions? Contact:
Liz Lavin, Head Coach (lizparks@berkeley.edu)
- Camp Lead Positionadd
Camp Lead Position Description (Handshake #5905086; UC Jobs #29689)
Under the direct supervision of the Youth Camps Supervisor, the Camp Lead oversees all on-location aspects of the camp, including the camp program and staff, customer service, and risk management. Applicants for Camp Lead positions must have experience teaching or working with children. They must demonstrate effective successful interpersonal and communication skills. Applicants must be well organized, able to set priorities, take direction, and multitask in a fast-paced environment. Applicants must also have the sensory abilities (e.g. hearing, seeing) necessary to perform the duties of the position required.
Questions? Contact:
Dave Leimsieder, Director, Youth Programs (daveleimsieder@berkeley.edu)
- Esports/Media Production Programadd
Esports/Media Production Program Specialist (Handshake #6340618)
Esports/Media Production Specialists provide instruction and support to enrolled Recreational Youth participants as assigned in a camp or interim recreational program environment. Esports/Media Production Program Specialists are further responsible for developing lesson plans that correspond with assigned classes and activities, providing feedback to youth participants, and supporting the upkeep of the recreational facilities and outdoor spaces in support of providing a safe and nurturing environment. Other program-related tasks may be assigned as needed or appropriate.
Questions? Contact Kaitlyn Dividock, Youth Camps Supervisor (kaitlyndividock@berkeley.edu).
Year-Round Staff Positions
- Golden Bears Youth Gymnastics - Program Instructorsadd
Youth Gymnastics Instructor (Handshake #: 5655848)
Gymnastics Program Instructors provide supervision and instruction to gymnasts enrolled in recreational classes with Golden Bears Youth Gymnastics. Gymnastics Program Instructors are supervised by the Head Coach and the Lead Recreation Program Coach. Gymnastics Program Instructors must have experience leading recreational gymnastics activities for with children (ages 4 and older). Applicants must demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills. Gymnastics Program Instructors must also have the ability to exercise good judgment and safely supervise children. Experience teaching activity as a gymnastics instructor, coach, etc. is required. Instructors must also have the sensory abilities (e.g. hearing, seeing) necessary to perform the duties of the position required.
Questions? Contact:
Liz Lavin, Head Coach (lizparks@berkeley.edu)
- Youth Skateboarding InstructoraddYouth Skateboarding Instructor (Handshake #: 5765375)The Cal Youth Skateboarding Program offers classes for children 5 - 18 years. Classes range from entry-level to competitive-level and are run at our Skate Park in the Clark Kerr Campus. Learn more at https://recsports.berkeley.edu/cal-youth-skateboarding/. Skateboarding Instructors provide instruction and support to enrolled Recreational and Competitive Youth participants as assigned. Skateboarding Instructors are further responsible for developing lesson plans that correspond with assigned classes and teams, providing feedback to youth participants, and supporting the upkeep of the Skatepark in support of providing a safe and nurturing environment. Other program-related tasks may be assigned as needed or appropriate.
Questions? Contact: Sean O'Loughlin (sko@berkeley.edu)
- Youth Programs OperationsaddYouth Programs Operations (Handshake #5765375)Youth Programs Operations Staff staff oversees customer service issues, locker room functions, follows safety protocols, enforces policies, and helps ensure the Golden Bear Rec Center (GBRC) runs to business needs. The GBRC Operations Staff strives to uphold the highest level of professionalism at all times, as their actions and presence are reflect on the department of Rec Sports and Youth Programs.Questions? Contact:Nikita Kadam Sekhon (nikitakadam10@berkeley.edu)
- UC Berkeley Studentsadd
- Apply via Handshake
- Search the listing number noted in the position description above
- Follow steps as prompted
- Non-UC Berkeley Studentsadd
- Visit the UC Berkeley Jobs webpage
- Click on “External Applicants”
- Find the position you’re interested in (i.e. Martial Arts Instructor - Cal Youth Camps)
- Review the job description; click “apply”
- Create a username and password
- Follow steps as prompted
- Application ResourcesaddFirst time applying for a job? Looking to update your resume? Visit UC Berkeley Career Centers' Resume + Cover Letter resource page for samples, videos, and more!
- Resume samples (don't forget to include volunteer experience!)
- How to write a letter of intent