Dear Families,

Thank you for stopping by our camp. As parents, we know what an important decision it is to send your child to camp. At Roughing It, we have been helping children to grow in wonderful ways for over 40 years! When parents entrust their child to us, we ensure that they feel safe, included, and valued as a member of our camp community. Much has changed at Roughing since its founding, yet the best part of our camp has stayed the same - to touch a child’s heart and make a positive difference in their life.

Ann and Hobie Woods
Owners, Directors, Founders

Our Experience & Family Tradition

Directors Ann & Hobie Woods

Camp Directors Ann & Hobie Woods founded Roughing It Day Camp in 1972 and continue to be intricately involved in the daily operations of camp. They designed Roughing It to be a place where campers of all ages can learn, grow and thrive in an atmosphere that is safe, fun, and nurturing to the spirit of every child. Their mission continues, even now, 40 years later. Daughters Amy and Katey, as well as thousands of children throughout the Bay Area, have grown up spending their summers here. Amy is currently Assistant Director at Roughing It and has been on staff for over twenty years. Katey works as a school counselor.

Ann and Hobie are active members of the American Camp Association (ACA) and Roughing It is the longest ACA Accredited Day Camp in Northern California. Ann and Hobie are honored to receive a number of awards that recognize their life's work, including Diablo Magazine's "Best of the Bay." Learn more about about the Camp Directors

Our Values – Building Skills that Last a Lifetime in a Community of Respect

A Strong Group Focus builds Trust, Loyalty, and Lasting Friendships

Our camp activities are structured to promote self-confidence, respect, teamwork, and of course, FUN! A summer at Roughing It makes a significant contribution to the emotional and social development of each camper. All of our campers' favorite activities help them develop the life skills necessary to live, work, and play well together. Starting on the first day, campers work as a team, develop self-reliance, build confidence, problem solve, and become positive members of our camp community. Our caring, adult staff set positive guidelines and build strong supportive relationships that enable every child to reach their full potential.

Our Spectacular Lakefront Setting and Variety of All Outdoor Activities

Our Beautiful Lakefront Site

Roughing It is ideally located on 900 acres in the beautiful Lafayette Reservoir recreation area, with swimming and equestrian sites nearby. Here, children learn, grow, explore, and make new friends. They have the opportunity to learn and develop skills by taking part in activities they may not experience anywhere else. At Roughing It, exercise and fresh air are abundant. Learn more about our site and where camp activities take place.

Our All-Adult Staff – Nurturing Role Models for our Campers

Our Counselors are Excellent Role Models and Mentors

Each year, we choose highly qualified staff from over 800 applicants. All of our counselors are adult, college sophomores and older, ages 20 to 26+ years old. Counselors are selected based on many factors including: prior experience working with children, positive attitude, strong character, and for program staff, a high level of expertise in one of our specialty program areas. We utilize our many years of experience to carefully choose the best men and women as counselors and nurturing role models for our campers, and expertly train and supervise them during camp. Our staff to camper ratio is 1 to 4 and safety is our top priority. From the staff we hire, certifications we require, and the policies and procedures we adhere to, the safety of campers is always #1. Learn more about our staff and hiring process.

Longer Sessions & Group Focus are the Keys to Campers' Success!

Longer sessions maximize campers’ growth and success!

During four and eight wonderful weeks, lifelong friendships are made, self-confidence grows, new skills are achieved, and fun fills every day. Campers spend their entire session with the same counselor and small group of their peers. Roughing It's longer sessions afford campers the opportunity to bond with one another, become proficient in new activities, enjoy the outdoors and achieve beyond their expectations. Each week builds upon the next, and counselors utilize specific activities to promote teamwork and friendship. Campers build skills that last a lifetime in a community of respect.

Learn more about our Group Focus and 4 & 8 Weeks Sessions