"I feel really lucky to have been a part of the Monkey Business community this summer. The campers, the parents, and the other staff are all really wonderful-- thank you for welcoming me into the family!" Sonya Harway, Site Director 2011 "I've been at MBC since I was 12, as a youth leader. For the past 3 years, working as a counselor has added a great deal to my summers. I've learned new ways to deal with conflicts, look at nature, and have fun! I'm so grateful for the time that I've spent with the kids, and look forward to continuing my relationship with Monkey Business in the years to come." Laura Barry, Counselor 2009-2011 "What a treat to spend the summer with the amazing Monkey Business crew and campers! I was so thrilled by the camp focus on arts, the environment, respect and most of all FUN! I'll never forget the dozens of adorable campers dancing the "Thriller Dance" or singing and signing "Imagine". I fell in love with the spirit of this amazing community and am blessed to be a part of it." Amber Potter, Summer Site Director/Program Director 2010, 2011 "I can honestly say that the reason I have returned to Monkey business every summer has been because it is such a great environment in which to work.  What could be better than doing relay races outside, in Tilden Park, with beautiful Berkeley weather?!" Gabe Damast, Counselor 2008-2010 "This was my first season as a counselor, the majority of the time at the Girls on the Go site, but for a week at the Tilden park site for 8-10 year olds.  It was one that left such a positive impression on me and I had such a great time. My co-worker enjoyed taking the girls out to great places all over the Bay Area and bonding with them in the process. Some girls told us stories of quitting other summer camps they had planned so that they could return to Girls on the Go. I believe that the Girls on the Go concept is genius because of how it allows the girls to become more aware of their surroundings and all of the great adventures that their city has to offer. After this summer I hope to return again as often at Heather and Stacy need me to.Monkey Business ROCKS!!!!!! Ketty Henri-Summer 2010 Worked at Monkey Business Site and Girls on the Go site "Best bosses of all time period.  Honestly, thank you for being so human and understanding all of the needs of your staff.  I love and respect you both personally and professionally." Ashkon Davaran, Counselor 2005, Site Director 2006-2010 "I had a wonderful time and experience, as usual. I value tremendously this opportunity in encouraging young kids to have fun, make friends, and learn about the power of their own creativity. Their inhibition and freedom is so inspiring; I learn more from them than anything I can 'teach'. This program is so amazing because it focuses on child development, curriculum, and creativity. Most camps are just there as sort of a 'day care' but Monkey Business really stands for each kid’s experience. You have helped make this summer truly inspirational and special. Monkey Business is such a fabulous community of which I am blessed to be (and play!) a part.  Thank you for your hope and peace and love." Simone Olsen-Varela, Counselor 2005-2006, Site Director 2009,2010 "I love being here with you both every summer.  It feels like home in the Monkey Biz family.  Thanks so much for your care and support." Taylor O'Connor, Counselor 2004, Assistant Site Director 2005, Site Director 2006-2007, Program Director 2009 "Thank you for an amazing summer that was both fun and educational. I have concluded that on the hardest and longest days, Monkey Business is just another job. But at its best, Monkey Business is a community, and it is a unique way of learning, loving, and accepting. It is taking a risk by opening yourself up to new people and ideas, and by allowing yourself to let down your guards. It awakens your softness, and it inspires your fun-loving innocence. So for everything that Monkey Business taught me about myself, loving, learning, and life, thank you." Samra Gimra, Counselor 2007-2009 "Hi there!! I was looking over the website, getting nostalgic and all (!!), and realized that I never got to thank you properly. Thanks so much for an amazing summer. You've opened my eyes so much and broadened how I view the world. Last summer was awesome and the best part, the part that I'll remember most, is the camp. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of it and giving me this wonderful experience- it was life-changing! It makes me happy that there are kids experiencing it every year. Keep up the good work!" -Mike Dowd, Counselor 2008 "Dear Stacy and Heather, I want to thank you all for an amazing summer.  I feel so privileged to have had this opportunity to be part of the Monkey Business family.  It has truly been one of the most memorable and fun summers of my life.  Thank you for welcoming me and teaching me.  I am inspired by the things that you do.  All the best in the summers ahead!" Meggi Wardein, Counselor 2008 “Before Monkey Business I did not realize how important it was to surround myself with kind, amazing people. Not only have I been filled of love for and from the children but the staff as well. MBC has transformed my life and my comfort in this society. It makes me feel good that there are parents concerned about giving their children not just any place to stay at, but a healthy, beautiful organic space where they can further develop. Recently I visited a camp fair, and I was further convinced that Monkey Business is the best camp I’ve encountered. Not only do we have varied activities during the day and different session, but also amazing staff who care about the well being of the children and our environment.” Sonia Pina , MBC Resource Coordinator, Counselor 200 & 2007 “Girls on the Go is an educational, active, and well-rounded program involved in the personal growth of independent young women. Girls from around the Bay Area can participate in a variety of fun and interesting activities, such as visiting a chocolate factory, going to a baseball game, or exploring the Exploratorium. This camp is an amazing opportunity for girls to experience new things in a friendly environment, and to meet a diverse group that they otherwise might not have had the chance to encounter. As a camper I learned so much about the area I live in and the people who live here; as well as a lot about myself, my own capabilities, and my likes and dislikes. As a counselor the camp provided me with a wonderful first-time work experience that I wouldn't trade for the world. This camp is a beautiful melding of fun and education, of independence and cooperation." Jessica Peters, Counselor 2006 (and former camper) Girls on the Go! “My experience working for Monkey Business Camp was definitely life changing, not only as an employee but as a mother. Now I realize that I became not just a part of your staff, but a part of the Monkey Business family. I will never forget the relationships I established and have maintained with the staff, some parents and the youth (my babies) I served.  The name  "Monkey Business" truly describes my experience- from the outdoor setting in Tilden Park to the ongoing fun activities to weekly staff check- ins at the office.  What I cherish and will miss the most is the ONE LOVE I felt among all-staff, parents and my babies!!”  Kimberly Wright-Smith, Site-Director 2003 & 2004