Often the best indicator that a child is ready for camp is their behavior at school, when parents are not present. A child who is able to pay attention to simple directions, stay with a group, control themselves in the majority of situations, loves to be outdoors and is active is ready for camp!

2. What is the difference between the Little Raccoons & 4 week day camp?

Little Raccoons participate only 2 weeks at camp, consists of a variety of ages, 4.5-7, and is coed. The 4 week long campers are divided into coed groups (with the exception of the kindergarten group), are split up into grade-level groups and are led by a counselor of the same gender. Little Raccoons join in on many of the camp activities, however they do not participate in Horseback Riding, the All-Camp Overnight and Canoeing. While the Day Campers participate in Riding, the Overnight and second grade and above are able to Canoe. In general, Little Raccoons are more apprehensive and unsure that they can participate in the full four week program and overall take are slower more leisurely pace at camp. The 4 week camper has a more active program day and wants to participate in all of the camp activities.

Parents ask this question so often, we have created a page dedicated just to this topic. Click here to view the difference between the two programs.

3. Is a 4 week program too much for my child?

The majority of children thrive in the 4 week program. Their energy lasts all day and they enjoy the active energetic lifestyle of camp. Each group counselor takes into account their own group’s age and needs catering their activities to fit the group. The counselor provides rest time and quiet activities as well as active games providing a balance for each group allowing spirits an energy to remain high throughout the day. After spending 4 weeks together the counselor is easily able to read their group and is able to communicate with the Program Counselors as to the best ways of improving skills in each particular area. The 4 week program also builds lasting bonds between campers and counselors making Roughing It’s camper groups uniquely close.

Learn more about a Typical camp day.

4.Can my child participate if she/he doesn't know how to swim?

Every child is able to participate in swimming even if they do not know how to swim! Our Swim Staff, who are all certified lifeguards, are specially trained to provide American Red Cross Swim Lessons that include a water readiness program. In this program non-swimmers and beginners learn to become comfortable with the water and are eventually taught basic skills such as putting the whole head under the water while holding the wall and floating. These non-swimmers will ultimately learn basic strokes and advance greatly over their 2 or 4 week session!

Learn more about our Swim Program.

5.What is the swim program like for non-swimmers?

Non swimmers are worked with one-on-one or in small groups. Our certified lifeguard Swim Staff emphasize becoming comfortable with the water. The campers are encouraged to blow bubbles, put their face in the water, bob while holding the wall and leave the wall with the assistance of a Swim Staff or Group Counselor. Group Counselors are aware of which of their campers are uncomfortable with the water and stay with the camper groups that need the most encouragement and assistance, especially from someone they have built a trust with. Non-swimmers eventually become more and more comfortable with the water and will, by the end of their session, feel able to put their face in the water and learn some of the basic strokes.

Learn more about our Water Readiness Program.

6. What is the waterfront program like?

Every precaution to ensure safety is taken in each waterfront program. Each of our staff is a certified lifeguard, EVERY time a camper is to set foot on a dock to board a boat they are required to put on a PFD (personal flotation device/lifejacket) and each camper is reminded of the rules each time they go. A camp favorite is fishing where campers home to catch Big Fred, the fish that lives in our reservoir. Young children are taught to drop line, while older are taught to cast. Rowing is enjoyed from kindergarten to fourth grade, while fifth and above are taught to kayak.

7. What activities do the young campers participate in?

Campers participate in all age appropriate activities. Some of the activities include swimming, horseback riding, Arts & Crafts, fishing and rowing. Along with structured activities, campers participate in opening and closing circle with the entire camp and group time, organized by their counselor specifically for their campers. Group time might include hiking, traditional camp games like capture the flag, or quiet time.

See our full list of Day Camp Activities.

8.What is the schedule & typical day like?

Each day varies in schedule in order to fit in all the activities at Roughing It. Each week, every camper group will participate in each activity at least once. Swimming is three times a week.

Click here to see a Sample Schedule.

9.What are the safety precautions taken on the bus?

Our buses are driven by professional drivers, who have undergone extensive training. Our buses are equipped with seat belts for extra safety. A Roughing It Counselor also rides the bus, to ensure that the campers are having a safe and fun ride.

Learn more about Day Camp Transportation.