Teen Staff Leadership Program

Applications will be open from December 16, 2025 to February 15, 2026.

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Members of Camp Winnarainbow’s Teen Staff Leadership Program (TSLP) are integral members of our community — leaders-in-training who help bring the magic of Camp to life. Teen Staff support campers, assist in classes, contribute to Camp events, and play a vital role in maintaining the fun, creativity, and care that define Camp Winnarainbow.

Older youth in the program step into meaningful leadership roles, collaborating with peers and adult staff to build skills in performance, circus arts, and teamwork. Through hands-on experience, Teen Staff learn the importance of communication, responsibility, and professionalism while having fun and growing in confidence.

The Teen Staff Leadership Program provides a supportive, experiential, and creative environment where young leaders can hone the skills needed to thrive in our ever-changing world. The program is designed as a three-year pathway, but teens may apply at ages 15, 16, or 17, regardless of whether they’ve attended Camp Winnarainbow before. All young people ages 15–17 who are eager to grow as leaders, build life skills, and contribute to the Camp Winnarainbow community are encouraged to apply.

Each Teen Staff member lives as part of a tipi community, providing care and support to campers, under the guidance of experienced adult staff. Teens gain real-world experience through daily responsibilities and opportunities to assist teachers in skill classes.

Please review the sections below for more details about the program, application process, and training expectations.

Tuition Costs

Tuition for the 2026 Teen Staff Leadership Program is as follows:

JS1s and JS2s:
- Anyone participating in the Teen Staff Leadership Program for the first time, regardless of age, is considered a JS1.
- Returning participants who are 16 years old are considered JS2s.
- Tuition for JS1s and JS2s is $712.50 for a one-week session and $1,425.00 for a two-week session.
JCs (Junior Counselors):
- JCs must be at least 17 years old and returning to the Teen Staff Leadership Program.
- No tuition is collected for JCs.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available for qualifying families. There is no need to fill out a financial aid application while applying to the TSLP program. Financial aid arrangements will be made in the spring after acceptances are sent out. The need for financial assistance does not affect selection. You can always reach out to our office at lealah@campwinnarainbow.org with questions.

Who Should Apply

Youth ages 15–17 are welcome and encouraged to apply. (Please note that 15-year-olds who feel more comfortable as campers may choose to attend Camp Winnarainbow as campers instead.) Although most participants were previously campers at Winnarainbow, previous participation is not required—everyone is invited to apply!

We’re seeking young people who:

Are curious about leadership and community building
Enjoy working with children and supporting others
Love (or want to experience) living outdoors
Are artists, performers, and creators
Want to grow, learn, and contribute to something bigger than themselves

In your application, you will be asked to share your past leadership experiences and the goals you hope to achieve through the program. This will look different for every teen — we value your unique story and welcome a diverse community of voices and experiences. If you’re unsure what qualifies as leadership experience, please reach out. We’re here to help you succeed!

The Application Process

Applications Open: December 16, 2025 (and close February 15, 2026). Please note that we receive more applications than we have available spots — we cannot accept every applicant.
Application Portal: Submit an application via our staffing portal.
Interviews:
- Anyone new to teen staff will participate in a short interview as part of the process
- The earlier you apply, the sooner your interview can be scheduled, so apply early!
- Returning teen staff may or may not be interviewed, depending on the availability of our interview team.
Training Requirement: There will be a mandatory full-weekend training on May 16th and 17th (in Berkeley). Attendance at this training is required for participation in the Teen Staff Leadership Program; we no longer make exceptions to this policy for anyone new to the TSLP. Attendance at that training is an acceptance requirement. We thank you for understanding and for making this commitment to your leadership journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my teen misses the deadline?

Your teen is still welcome to apply. However, late applicants run the risk of not getting into their preferred session or there not being space available at all. If sessions fill, we will keep them in mind if a spot opens up or another applicant withdraws.

Do Camp’s vaccination requirements apply to Teen Staff?

Yes! Camp’s vaccination requirements apply to all the minors in our care. You can review those requirements (which track the childhood vaccinations currently mandated by the California Department of Public Health for attendance at public schools) on our Health and Safety page.

My teen does not live in the Bay Area. Can they skip the training?

No. At this time, the training is mandatory. There is no virtual option available—we don’t have the resources to stream or record the training. We’ve also found that full participation in training sets teens up for success in the summer. In past years, making exceptions (even for those who had been to Camp many times before) has led to challenges during their transition into leadership roles, so we can no longer waive this requirement. No exceptions are made for anyone new to the teen staff program.

This is my teen’s first time on Teen Staff. Will they need an interview?

Yes. All teens joining the Teen Staff Leadership Program for the first time will participate in a brief 15-minute Zoom interview. This helps us learn more about their interests, strengths, and any relevant experiences before placement.

Is selection for the Teen Staff program first-come, first served?

No. Applications are reviewed holistically, not in the order they are received. We encourage early applications simply because it allows us to schedule interviews and review materials more efficiently.

Do any applications receive special consideration?

Historically, we have given special consideration to applicants willing to serve as lifeguards at Lake Veronica. Being a lifeguard requires having a current lifeguard certification (from the Red Cross or a similar organization). Please note that Teen Staff must be 16 years old or older to lifeguard at Camp Winnarainbow.

Does applying to the program guarantee a spot on Teen Staff?

No. Teen Staff is one of our most competitive programs, and we have a limited number of positions per session. Completing the application does not guarantee placement, though we do our best to consider every applicant thoughtfully.

Does my teen need certifications to be on Teen Staff?

We highly encourage everyone selected for Teen Staff to become CPR & First Aid certified. Additional certifications may be necessary for certain positions (for example, lifeguards).

My camper will be 15 years old this summer but doesn’t feel ready for Teen Staff. What should we do?

We completely understand that age does not determine readiness. Teens who will be 15 have the option to attend Camp Winnarainbow for another year as an Oldest Camper instead of applying for Teen Staff. This can be a great choice for teens who want one more summer to grow, play, and build confidence before stepping into a leadership role.