For more than 48 years, we've partnered with parents and helped kids grow through outdoor learning experiences, preparing them to take on the world. How do we do that? Kids learn through new, exciting experiences that only outdoor activities can give. Your child will make great memories and build character that will help them reach their full potential.
Kids need a break from technology, the pressures of school, and the busyness of life. Your child will make real-life connections with new friends and great counselors in a tech-free environment. Prepare your child to gain the real-world skills that lead to a happy and productive life. Your child will learn how to work as a team, think creatively, and finish the summer with more confidence.
Kids need a break from technology, the pressures of school, and the busyness of life. Your child will make real-life connections with new friends and great counselors in a tech-free environment. Prepare your child to gain the real-world skills that lead to a happy and productive life. Your child will learn how to work as a team, think creatively, and finish the summer with more confidence.
Services
Family owned & operated since 1972 by Ann & Hobie Woods, now joined by their daughter Amy Woods. Cecilio, their grandson, is a 3rd generation camper. An all-outdoors 900 acre lakefront site in Lafayette with trails for hiking, fresh air, exercise, and fun! Discover the outdoors! Amazing variety of outdoor activities - including our Horse Program - designed to develop the whole child.
Ann and Hobie Woods founded Roughing It Day Camp in 1972 and today, along with their daughter Amy Woods, continue to own and direct the Camp. Their grandson, Cecilio, is a third generation camper. Gus the Camp Dog greets campers every day!
Little did we realize when we took summer camp counselor jobs as college students working at Kennolyn Camps that this would be the start of our lifetime careers and that we would one day have our own camp, Roughing It Day Camp!We started Roughing It Day Camp in 1972 with 17 campers, 1 bus, 2 canoes, 5 fishing poles, and a dream in our hearts.
Little did we realize when we took summer camp counselor jobs as college students working at Kennolyn Camps that this would be the start of our lifetime careers and that we would one day have our own camp, Roughing It Day Camp!We started Roughing It Day Camp in 1972 with 17 campers, 1 bus, 2 canoes, 5 fishing poles, and a dream in our hearts.
We know our campers love riding and so do we! We are very sad we are not able to offer riding this summer. Based on current guidelines, especially the significant limitations on bus capacity and physical distancing, using our usual small bus shuttles to the ride site is not possible. This year, we can only use large buses for transporting campers which are not permitted on the country road to the riding site.
Roughing It's swim program provides American Red Cross swim lessons for beginner through advanced levels. All campers swim three times a week in their camper group and are assigned to swim classes based on their ability level. Each swim period is 40 minutes long, with 30 minute lessons (American Red Cross instruction) followed by 10 minutes of free swim.
Fishing is enjoyed by all campers, from PreK to 10th grade. Blue gill, trout, and bass are common catches down at the dock. After learning the safety rules of the dock, our fishing counselor teaches campers a variety of casting skills, with ample practice time. There are many tales to be told while fishing at the dock.
Reviews (22)
Peter Johnson
Sep 05, 2020
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Terezia Nemeth
Feb 01, 2020
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Tara Nemeth
Jan 07, 2020
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My 7.5 year old daughter attended Roughing It Day Camp for the first time in the summer of 2019. She had the most amazing summer. We originally signed her up for one 4-week session, but half way through she was begging to go for the whole summer so she got to attend the full 8 weeks and loved every minute of it.
She was constantly kept engaged and busy - whether it was horseback riding, playing games on the lawn, canoeing across the lake or swimming and diving.
And she absolutely adored her counselors! She looked forward to going to camp every single day. She's been to other excellent day camps
She was constantly kept engaged and busy - whether it was horseback riding, playing games on the lawn, canoeing across the lake or swimming and diving.
And she absolutely adored her counselors! She looked forward to going to camp every single day. She's been to other excellent day camps
Denis C.
Nov 18, 2019
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My 13 year old had a transformative 4 weeks at Roughing It day camp. She bonded with her group of girls, and responded to the great counselors and staff. Near the end of camp, she fell off a horse (only hurt her pride), and the counselors were so helpful and concerned for her to literally "get back on the horse" as soon as possible. That little tumble ended up being the pivotal positive experience in her entire summer!
Although she attended camp reluctantly, she is now enthusiastic about returning this summer as a camper in leadership training (CILT).
Although she attended camp reluctantly, she is now enthusiastic about returning this summer as a camper in leadership training (CILT).
Haley Groves
Nov 02, 2019
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This was my sons first year at Roughing It, in the K program. As a parent I was nervous that he wouldn’t like being outside all day and complain about going. But I was wrong, he went from a kid who loved playing inside with toys to a kid who loves the outdoors and all that it has to offer! He came home happy, dirty, and full of stories everyday. This is not doubt in part to his counselor Ireland, who was excellent, and his bus counselors Brett and Alex, who were always happy to see him and asked him thoughtful questions every bus ride. The camp program provided exposure to activities you would
Tara N.
Aug 27, 2019
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I attended Roughing It Day Camp as a child so I was super excited to send my now 7.5 year old daughter. I was nowhere near as excited as my child! She has attended other excellent day camps in the past but she has never been as happy as she was this past summer at Roughing It.
I picked her up from the bus every day and the first words out of her mouth were always "guess what happened today..." and then I'd hear about what she did at horseback riding, or how her camp group won group of the week for arts and crafts, or how she learned to canoe across the reservoir. There was never
I picked her up from the bus every day and the first words out of her mouth were always "guess what happened today..." and then I'd hear about what she did at horseback riding, or how her camp group won group of the week for arts and crafts, or how she learned to canoe across the reservoir. There was never
Kathryn B.
Apr 25, 2019
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Roughing It is a truly amazing summer camp. After 8 years at camp my children still love to return each summer. Every year they meet someone new and every year is special. My children have developed real skills that they have continued to use outside of camp. They both ride horses, fish, kayak, dive and swim all thanks to the low pressure but consistent teaching of Roughing It counselors over the years.
It's a family business and after almost 50 years of Roughing It Ann, Hobie and Amy know how to run a camp and have kids enjoy a stress free and unforgettable summer. If your child likes to
It's a family business and after almost 50 years of Roughing It Ann, Hobie and Amy know how to run a camp and have kids enjoy a stress free and unforgettable summer. If your child likes to
Kathryn Bell
Oct 14, 2018
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What a wonderful summer camp program Roughing It offers! It has been part of our summer for the past 8 years and my children still look forward to returning and catching up with friends, counselors and staff they have known throughout these years.
The reservoir setting is beautiful and the all outdoor program is how summers should be spent - it is supervised better than any other camp I've seen and the camp has a safe and nurturing culture. We have found the counselors to be genuinely caring every single year and a great example to our children. The activities and fun at camp have been great but
The reservoir setting is beautiful and the all outdoor program is how summers should be spent - it is supervised better than any other camp I've seen and the camp has a safe and nurturing culture. We have found the counselors to be genuinely caring every single year and a great example to our children. The activities and fun at camp have been great but
Cheryl E.
Aug 27, 2018
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My son went to this camp for almost 10 years. It is the most terrific day camp in the bay area.
It did more than entertain him or teach him a variety of skills.
It helped to mold his character and bring out his strengths.
I can't say enough about the knowledge and love that have been the guideposts of Roughin It.
No one could go wrong sending a child here.
My son is now has a Pharm.D and is a pharmacy manager for Walgreens.
It did more than entertain him or teach him a variety of skills.
It helped to mold his character and bring out his strengths.
I can't say enough about the knowledge and love that have been the guideposts of Roughin It.
No one could go wrong sending a child here.
My son is now has a Pharm.D and is a pharmacy manager for Walgreens.
Jessica Elfin
Aug 26, 2018
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Hi there, this is Jessica Elfin, sister of Jacob Elfin. My brother Jacob has special needs and sometimes he gets into things on the internet that my family and I would rather he stay away from. I worked at Roughing It last summer and I had a wonderful and overwhelmingly positive experience with Roughing It campers, staff & administration, and families. My brother Jacob uploaded a one star review by accident and the review is not in any way a reflection of the camp. Roughing It is definitely a wonderful and worthwhile camp!
Jun 11, 2018
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Christine S.
Aug 14, 2017
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My daughter has attended Roughing it Day Camp for 2 summers. She really enjoys it and prefers it over other camps and even spending the week in Tahoe with family. The camp staff is well trained. Her swimming capabilities and horse back riding abilities have greatly improved from attending this camp. I love the home pick-up and drop -off. Excellent camp and worth the money.
Kimberly N.
Mar 10, 2017
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For the amount of money that this camp costs you could expect lunch provided and that they have better counselors. They called me everyday to say that my son wasn't carrying his backpack. Really?! How much $$$$ am I paying you? I think you can figure that out. My son had a good time, but as a parent, I don't know of any other camp that is this hideously expensive to get a nasty call from some college punk who can't get a boy to carry his back pack. Oh and he didn't want a hug from my son. I'm looking elsewhere and found many alternatives for 1/3 the price. Move
Amelia K.
Mar 05, 2015
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The camp has two sessions that are 4 weeks long. One summer we sent our child for one session and the next summer we sent our child for two sessions. There are other week-long camps for younger kids which are probably great, too, but I'm reviewing the long sessions.
Why I keep sending my kid:
* The 4 week sessions allow the kids to form deeper bonds. This is important toward an atmosphere that fosters mutual respect, inclusion and rising to the challenge of trying new things -- the kids are surrounded by friends who are all trying new things.
* Thanks to this camp, my kid is a great swimmer
Why I keep sending my kid:
* The 4 week sessions allow the kids to form deeper bonds. This is important toward an atmosphere that fosters mutual respect, inclusion and rising to the challenge of trying new things -- the kids are surrounded by friends who are all trying new things.
* Thanks to this camp, my kid is a great swimmer
Michael Y.
Aug 25, 2014
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We sent our 1st grader to a 4-week session this summer, and she had the time of her life. Some of the other camps in the area have similar activities, but what makes this place special are the traditions, songs, and wonderful outdoor setting at the reservoir. Also, the group environment is really conducive to building camaraderie and strong friendships.
Someone mentioned that the hours are only 9-3, but the Reservoir Club aftercare extended her day to 5:00 at no extra charge. Since transportation was provided (my daughter loved the song-filled bus rides), she was taken care of from 8:30 - 5
Someone mentioned that the hours are only 9-3, but the Reservoir Club aftercare extended her day to 5:00 at no extra charge. Since transportation was provided (my daughter loved the song-filled bus rides), she was taken care of from 8:30 - 5
Eva H.
Jun 18, 2014
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The registration process is all online but good Lord they require a lot of information. If your child has ADD they require a Dr's note, if you don't want to medicate at the camp - I find the paper work excessive. It's super expensive ($600+) so I registered for the sample day (one day instead of the whole week) for $60. We are trying out the camp to see if it's worth the $$$.
Cons
- They don't provide lunch (for that much $$?)
- The hours are 9-3 (technically that's not a full day when your a working mom)
Pro
- Check in was quick. They show up and check everyone
Cons
- They don't provide lunch (for that much $$?)
- The hours are 9-3 (technically that's not a full day when your a working mom)
Pro
- Check in was quick. They show up and check everyone
Stephanie K.
Apr 17, 2014
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I have been sending my 6 year old daughter to this camp for the past three years and she has had a wonderful time! The first year we sent her for one week and she had such a great time that we decided to send her for the 4 week session the last two years! It s a family owned camp with great counselors and lots of fun activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, crafts and much more! My daughter has met great friends at camp and loves sharing all of her experiences with her friends and family! Roughing It has been a wonderful experience that has exposed her to a variety of different activities
Isa H.
Feb 14, 2014
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Roughing It has been an amazing experience for both of my children. My son will be going for his 5th year and my daughter her 4th this summer. My son started at 5 years old in the 4 week Day Camp. He is a slow to warm kind of kid and the staff were amazing at supporting and encouraging him. My daughter started in the Little Raccoons at 4 yrs old and quickly made new friends and was enthralled with the arts and crafts, signing and games. The wonderful activities at Roughing It make for a memorable summer from fishing and swimming to horse back riding but what means most to me as a parent is the
Lauren Q.
Feb 11, 2014
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Christy M.
Sep 13, 2012
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WOW! Last spring is the first I'd ever heard of Roughing it and I'm glad I did! Over the summer, my son was in the 2 week Little Raccoon session. We used the transportation from the Walnut Creek site which was convenient for all involved. My son had the best time and came home tired every day. Between swimming, fishing, rowing and checking out the nature, he always had some fun things to share with us. When his session was over, he begged us to go back for the next session. He just loved Roughing it! The camp counselors are very tuned into the needs of children and communicate with the
Alexis P.
Jun 28, 2012
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What a terrific camp! My daughter absolutely loves this camp and there are so many wonderful things about it that it is hard to put them all down here. The counselors are terrific - so kind and caring and knowledgeable. The activities are stupendous ranging from sports to arts and crafts to fishing and camping skills. If there is something your child wants to do I bet you Roughing It has it or can figure out a way for your child to do it. The bus is the best thing ever and my daughter loves riding it. Basically this camp is awesome and it is worth every penny!!! We will definitely be signing
Misty L.
Jan 10, 2012
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No better program. No better staff. No better experience for your child...no matter their age. I was fortunate enough to have been a camper at roughing it as a kid and am so excited to finally have a child old enough to experience the magic of this wonderful camp program. The quality of Roughing it's programs and staff is unmatched anywhere!!! 40 summers in the business of making memories, makes a difference!
