Heather giving a VW Bus Tour at Summer Camp

Heather playing a Trust Game with a camper at Girls on the Go

Stacy with Girls on the Go Campers at the park

About Us

Monkey Business Camp started in 1999 in Tilden Park, Berkeley with 18 children and 2 counselors, the Founding Directors. The camp has grown over the years through word of mouth support for our programs from our community of kids and parents and we now serve 500 families each year.

Our programs offer a great opportunity for kids of all ages to explore the natural world, play, learn, and relax in beautiful settings. Highly qualified and caring staff guide the way, creating a supportive and fun community. We always encourage kids to enjoy old friends and welcome in new ones.  We are a certified green business and support sustainable practices at our camp and in our administration.  You can count on us to emphasize respect for one another and the planet, and to enjoy life.   

Please explore our site and read more about our philosophy here.
See photos of camp counselors on our Staff Page and Employment Page

Founding Directors

	Heather Mitchell Hello everyone!  I grew up in Brooklyn, NY and spent summers in the Catskill Mountains in upstate NY.  The treasured memories of the natural world, fun with a community of children, and learning from an intergenerational mix of people help inform the space we create at Monkey Business Camp.  I have lived in the Bay Area for 20 years, teaching children, ages 2-10 at Step One School and the New School of Berkeley after studying at Oberlin College in Ohio.  Current interests include hiking, wildlife spotting, yoga (I am a certified Kundalini yoga teacher), music, dancing, and being with my amazing friends.  I am so thankful for all of the wonderful Monkey Business and Girls on the Go Camp memories and look forward to making more this summer!
	Stacy Raye, one of our cherished Founding Director's passed away on Feb 17, 2011.  She left an amazing legacy and will be missed.  Stacy will live on in those of us touched by her brilliant spirit. We will surely be "talking story" about her in coming summers.   Read more about Stacy here (link will updated soon). We have created the ongoing Stacy Raye Memorial Fund, which will support ventures for children and joy.  In our first year, we will sponsor a child, who has been touched by cancer, to attend up to a month at Monkey Business and/or Girls on the Go Camp.  Contribute in honor of Stacy's memory, by sending a check to Stacy Raye Memorial Fund, 2880A Sacramento Street, Berkeley, CA 94702. If you know of a child who might benefit, please direct them to the application.  Thank you!!
Stacy with Girls on the Go Camp Counselors	Heather & Stacy with JCs and Counselor at Tilden Park