2008 - 2012 Reviews

Volunteer and/or Social Opportunity for Foreign Teen

We have a 16-year-old girl from Spain staying with us this summer for six weeks, mid June to end of July. She is very interested in volunteering, both to have something constructive to do with her time, as well to get a chance to meet other people while she is here. She is fluent in English and skilled in sports. She applied to be a volunteer with Cal summer camps but was not accepted. Any other ideas for volunteer experiences, especially ones where she might meet kids her age? Or any classes or other activities that aren't too expensive? Thanks so much! Suzy

14 year old daughter eager to be a CIT

My soon-to-be 14-year-old daughter has been babysitting for a little more than a year now and is very eager to spend part of this coming summer working as a Counselor in Training at a camp with young children in the Oakland/Berkeley area. We're fairly new to the area and I'm not sure where to help her look for such opportunities. Any suggestions welcome!

The Youth Leadership Program is for 11-15 year olds who have experience in a camp setting, enjoy the outdoors, and love working with younger kids. Youth leaders have opportunities to teach a special skill they may have, to join in some exciting activities during a day at camp, and to receive training.

CITs play board games, read books to kids, help set-up and play a field game, like tag, or monkey ball, during free play. They give campers a friendly welcome upon arrival. They help with playshop set- up and clean up. They might do a funny skit, it all depends on the particular CIT. It is great when CITs register for specific weeks with themes they enjoy and/or have some skill.

We have many parent references and would be happy to connect you.

Please visit our website, give us a call or send us an email! www.monkeybusinesscamp.com/youthleaders.html 510-540-6025 Monkey Business Camp

2004 - 2007 Reviews

18 year old looking for a summer job

My 18 year old daughter is looking for a summer job working outdoors with children. She had one counselor in training job a couple of years ago, and lots of babysitting experience. Thanks for any referrals/advice for her job search. Mary

You could also try the Downtown Berkeley YMCA, which seems always to be looking for teens to work with their children's day camp program. They're probably more likely to take volunteers, but it's also a good experience and your teen wouldn't be gone for week(s) at a time in far away Yosemite.

I still vote for Tuolumne, the teens learn to be independant, to work hard, and to work together. They do tend to do some partying, I hear, but the teens are not allowed to visit the adult tent areas and are not allowed to have co-ed visitors in their tents so there is some supervision. loved having summer for myself!

For info about CIT programs at Strawberry Canyon, see Strawberry Canyon Youth Programs

Most city-run day camp programs have counselor in training programs for young teens. My step-son did this for the City of El Cerrito day camp last summer. He really enjoyed it and he received a lot of general career education as well. Now is the time to start the sign-up process. Liz

My 14 year old has been a counselor in training for Touch The Earth camp sponsored my Oakland's Rotary Nature Center. This has been a good experience and can lead to a paid counselor job as they get older. I think the camp is looking for a two week commitment. mary in Oakland

2003 & Earlier

My son was volunteering at the YMCA last fall, when he was involved with an eigth grade work project. He enjoyed it very much. I also worked at the Y all last summer at the ART CAMP in Albany. They have the counselors in training program where the kids sign up for a certain number of weeks (you pay) and they get credit for their time. Call the YMCA for info. 525-1130 in Albany nancy

There are CIT (counselor in training programs) but many don't take kids until they are 14 or older, same is true for most summer jobs. I believe Albany Y offers the youngest CIT program for 13 year olds, but you need to apply early. The other idea I had before finding her the preschool job, was to have her volunteer at places like the senior centers. I know kids who have done this but never followed up on it myself. I would imagine many of the preschools would be interested in part-time volunteers. Good luck, it is not any easy task and usually incorporates a lot of pieces. The volunteer or CIT work will definetelty help them get jobs in the summers to come. -Lynn

Re: Summer activity for 12-13 year-old

This is a great time for your child to get leadership training and "pre-job" experience through volunteer work or a counselor-in-training (CIT) program. Many summer camps also have CIT programs for pre-teens or early teens, although 12 yrs. may be a bit young for some programs. Try the YMCA, the city's Recreation Department programs, or UC's summer recreation programs targeted to this age group. The city libraries use student volunteers in the summer, and the library is a good resource for other volunteer opportunities. While children this age are generally eager for "real" work experience, volunteer experience may help them get a paid job in future years. -- Irene