Day Camps in Berkeley With Heart

A child holds up an art project with a monkey painted on wood, with Tilden Park in background. Taken at Monkey Business Camp Summer 2022

“Our kid isn’t always easy to get out of the house, but it was always easy to get him to go to this camp.  That’s a pretty ringing endorsement from him!” 

Spring Camp (5 day): April 1-5

Summer Camp 2024: June 5-Aug 16th

To apply to work at upcoming camps: Employment Opportunities

“I just wanted to let you both know what a great time the kids had the last few weeks.  The staff and youth leaders were fun and kind. They loved all the games and being outdoors all day. They always want to come back to this Monkey Business year after year!”

We love teaming up with families to provide safe and enriching programs when school’s out, in support of the motto “it takes a village to raise a child.”

*Experienced: Join us in celebrating over 25 years in the East Bay, with over 8,000 kids and 6,000 families having graced our programs over the years.
*Unplugged & outdoors 95-100% of the time
*For kids ages 5.75-10, and youth leadership program ages 11-17.  We give some exceptions for 5 year olds between 5.25-5.75.
* Professional, caring, creative and enthusiastic staff from diverse backgrounds
*A community to both root and expand: over 80% of current staff and youth leaders were former campers.
*Engaging activities and open time for play to emerge
*Gives back: certified green business, abundant financial aid and payment plans, higher than average staff salaries and benefits, donations to tree planting around the world and local organizations Ecology Center and Sogorea Te Land Trust.
*locally started and run, woman and LGBTQIA+ owned

“Thanks again. I can see why your camp is so beloved by many parents I met this summer, including those with kids even from many years ago.”

Why choose Monkey Business over another camp – letter from Founding Director Heather Mitchell

A message that inspires our Director from one of her mentors: An Invocation for the Children of the Future by Angeles Arrien

“We have been coming to Monkey Business for three years now. I love the way the activities grow with my child while maintaining a familiar environment and routine she immediately recognizes. The staff and counselors are consistently amazing.”