It takes time for staff to get to know each individual and time for campers to form friendships and a sense of community. By building a cohesive, steady group over longer sessions, the counselor helps their camper group learn to become friends, work together, share, and depend upon each other. We have learned through years of experience that the optimum time period for a camp session is 4 to 8 weeks.

Each camper group consists of 15 campers of similar ages and an adult group counselor who supervises and mentors the group for the entire session. The group counselor encourages acceptance and friendship among all. Junior Counselors also assist with our younger camper groups. With all adult staff included, the ratio is 4 campers to 1 adult.

Activities are selected because they're fun and because they help build skills and self-confidence, respect for others, and an ability to work as a team. Roughing It offers more than a summer of entertainment; it makes a contribution to the emotional and social development of each camper. Age and skill-level appropriate activities ensure success for each child.

Longer sessions with the same group of counselors and children build a strong sense of community. Activities designed to encourage friendship, consideration, and respect for each other and our environment enrich each child's experience at Roughing It. An atmosphere of trust, helpfulness, group decision-making and cooperation help boost self-confidence.