Meet Out Staff

Amy is the Director of Roughing It Day Camp and works year-round at camp overseeing the entire operation including the hiring and training of summer staff, the safety programs for campers and staff, parent relations, and camp communication. Amy began her camp career as one of our first Roughing It Day Campers in 1973! She grew up at Roughing It and has held every position we have including Swim Director, Program Director, and Head Counselor. She is the heart and soul of Roughing It and is looking forward to “..being back at Camp and helping every camper to thrive!”

Ann founded Roughing It in 1972 with her husband, Hobie, and has been at the heart of the camp community ever since. Her career in camping began as a Camp Counselor and Head Counselor at Kennolyn Camps, followed by experience as a horseback riding and swimming instructor. Before founding Roughing It, Ann worked as a third grade teacher in Los Angeles and with the Martinez School District’s AB1331 Pre-School Program. Over the years, Ann has remained deeply involved in the camping community, serving on local and national boards for the American Camping Association and continuing her active involvement with the organization. She and Hobie have also been featured on CNN in 1999, and Ann has been interviewed by Redbook, USA Today, SF Chronicle, San Jose Mercury, Sacramento Bee, Contra Costa Times, and Diablo Magazine. Her decades of experience, dedication to youth development, and vision for Roughing It have helped shape the camp into the community it is today.

Hobie is the founder and owner of Roughing It and has been at the heart of the camp since its very first season in 1972. He brings decades of experience and a lifelong commitment to creating a wonderful environment for campers and staff. Hobie studied International Relations at the University of Southern California and Recreation Administration at San Francisco State University. Together with Ann, he has helped shape Roughing It into the community it is today, and his dedication to camp continues to be a defining part of the Roughing It experience!

Mike Rostkowski is a longtime member of the Roughing It community, bringing decades of experience and knowledge to the administrative team. He has previously served as Camp Administrator and now supports camp as our Transportation Coordinator. A Martinez native, Mike studied Computer Science at California State University, East Bay. His extensive experience working with children through scouting and youth leadership, along with his deep knowledge of Roughing It, makes him an invaluable member of our team!

Meghan brings creativity, enthusiasm, and extensive youth leadership experience to Roughing It as our Program Director. She has been part of the Roughing It team for four consecutive summers, previously serving as Swim Director before moving into camp-wide programming. A graduate of Arizona State University, Meghan studied Tourism and Recreation Management. Outside of camp, she enjoys hiking the trails of Briones Regional Park, working on paper mache crafts, and volunteering with Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue in Walnut Creek. Her upbeat attitude, creativity, and passion for creating memorable experiences make her a wonderful asset to the Roughing It community!

Sam brings extensive leadership experience and a deep connection to the Roughing It community. He has served in a variety of leadership roles at camp, including several years as a Unit Leader and most recently as Head Unit Leader. Sam is pursuing an MA in Curriculum & Instruction at San Francisco State University and has a passion for education and youth development. He is also an elementary school teacher, having taught first through sixth graders previously, and currently teaching third grade. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, running, snowboarding, and playing soccer, basketball, and football. His experience, enthusiasm, and dedication to campers make him a valued member of the Roughing It team!

Alex is a familiar face at Roughing It, bringing years of experience and leadership to the camp community. A UCSD Data Science student, Alex has been part of the Roughing It team for six summers, most recently serving as our Unit 1 Leader in summer 2026. Over the years, he has taken on a variety of roles, including two seasons as Waterfront Director and a season as Assistant Unit Leader. It has been wonderful to watch Alex grow through his many roles at camp, and his deep history with Roughing It makes him a valuable mentor and leader for campers and staff alike!

Colleen has been part of the Roughing It community as both a Group Counselor and Unit 2 Leader, most recently serving in the Unit 2 Leader role in summer 2026. She brings her enthusiasm for the outdoors and experience as a collegiate athlete to her work at camp. Colleen graduated from Boise State University with a degree in Environmental Studies, where she also played Division I rugby. Outside of camp, she loves spending time outdoors, particularly backpacking and being on the water!

Mia brings her creativity and enthusiasm to Roughing It, where she has served as both an Outdoors Counselor and Assistant Group Counselor before becoming an Assistant Program Director. She enjoys finding creative outlets through playing guitar, painting, and photography. Mia currently attends UC San Diego and has a passion for creating engaging and memorable experiences for campers. Her creativity, positive energy, and experience in a variety of camp roles make her a wonderful member of the Roughing It team!

Liza brings extensive swimming and swim instruction experience to the Roughing It pool. A Concord native, she has years of experience as a competitive swimmer and swim instructor, working with children of all ages from teaching toddlers their first bubbles to coaching advanced strokes. She currently studies Management Information Systems at Penn State University and has brought her expertise and enthusiasm to Roughing It as both a Swim Counselor and Swim Director. Outside of the pool, Liza enjoys playing the flute and piano as well as kayaking and fishing!

Danny brings a wealth of experience in aquatics, athletics, and youth leadership to Roughing It. He has been part of the Roughing It team for three summers, including serving as Assistant Swim Director in 2025 and 2026. A graduate of UC Berkeley, Danny studied Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and now teaches Physics at Salesian College Preparatory. Originally from Southern California, Danny played football throughout high school and captained his varsity team before continuing his passion for the sport at Cal. At Roughing It, he also enjoys sharing his love of sports through our popular water polo clinic for older campers!

Growing up in Danville, Luke spent many of his childhood summers attending sports and activity camps, giving him a natural appreciation for the camp experience. He has been part of the Roughing It team as a Waterfront Director and brings a strong background in outdoor activities, including canoeing and kayaking through his experience in Scouts. Luke is a senior at the University of San Diego, where he studies Finance and plays on the university’s club soccer team. His love of the outdoors, sports, and working with campers makes him a wonderful addition to the Roughing It waterfront team!

Matt brings a wealth of water-based expertise and a passion for working with children to the Roughing It waterfront team. He studies Marine Transportation at Cal Poly Maritime Academy and grew up in Oakland, where he spent much of his life participating in water sports including rowing, canoeing, and kayaking. His experience in Boy Scouts and as a Registered Behavioral Technician has given him a strong foundation in outdoor skills, youth leadership, and working with children. Matt enjoys encouraging campers to try new things while helping create a safe, welcoming, and fun experience on the water!

Aaron brings a passion for working with children and staying active to the Roughing It community. A San Francisco native, he is currently studying Kinesiology at San Francisco State University. Aaron has experience working with children of many different ages through his work as an instructor at a taekwondo studio and with various SFUSD programs. Outside of school and camp, he enjoys bowling, building Legos, and practicing martial arts!

Abby Mansell brings a love of working with children, the outdoors, and creative activities to Roughing It. She is currently studying English Education at Chico State University and has experience working with children as a teacher’s aide and dance instructor assistant. Growing up in Clayton, Abby spent many years as a Girl Scout, where she developed her passion for exploring the outdoors and getting creative with crafts. After serving as a Group Counselor, Abby returned to Roughing It as a K2 Group Counselor in summer 2026!

Alayna Cloven has always loved staying active and engaged, from years of competitive swimming and soccer to her studies in urban planning. She is currently studying at San Diego State University and brings a strong background in outdoor activities and arts and crafts from her many years as a Girl Scout. Alayna joined Roughing It as an Assistant Group Counselor before stepping into a Group Counselor role with the G3 Group in summer 2026. She also has experience as a bus captain and enjoys helping campers build confidence, try new things, and create lasting memories!

Ana grew up experiencing the magic of Roughing It as a camper for ten years before joining the staff team. She is currently studying Education and Human Development at Boston University and brings extensive childcare experience to her work with campers. An avid outdoorswoman, Ana has gone backpacking in both the Sierra Nevada and New Zealand. She also enjoys watercolor painting and photography, bringing her creativity and love of adventure to the Roughing It community!

Aneesha brings positive energy and a love of working with young children to Roughing It. She is currently studying Psychology at San Diego State University and has extensive experience working with children through her work as a teacher’s aide. Aneesha has served as both a Group Counselor and member of the Res Club, most recently leading our K Group in summer 2026. Outside of the classroom, she loves arts and crafts as well as playing softball and volleyball. Her warm, “ray of sunshine” personality makes her a wonderful fit for our youngest campers!

Elias brings a lifelong connection to Roughing It, having grown up attending camp before joining the staff team. He is currently studying Biology at Cal Poly Humboldt, with a particular interest in Genetic Engineering and the natural world. Elias loves exploring local environments and learning about insects, and he also enjoys making art and listening to music. He is an enthusiastic leader of traditional camp songs and brings plenty of energy and curiosity to everything he does. In summer 2026, Elias served as the B1 Group Counselor, creating a fun and engaging experience for his campers!

Elise brings a love of the outdoors, creativity, and working with children to Roughing It. She is currently studying Wine and Viticulture at Cal Poly SLO and grew up in the Lamorinda area. Elise has experience working with children as a teacher’s aide and lifeguard, along with years of dedication to dance and an active lifestyle that includes swimming, tennis, and soccer. After experiencing the transformative power of unplugging in Yosemite, she developed a passion for helping others reconnect with the outdoors. Elise served as the G1 Assistant Group Counselor in summer 2026 and is dedicated to creating a fun, inclusive environment where every camper feels seen and supported!

Hannah brings several years of experience at Roughing It and a passion for working with children to the camp community. She is currently studying Biology at Northeastern University, with hopes of eventually pursuing pediatrics in medical school. After serving as a Group Counselor for two summers, Hannah joined the leadership team and brings her experience and enthusiasm to her work with campers. Outside of school and camp, she enjoys snowboarding, reading, and surfing!

Bella brings a deep-rooted love of wildlife and the outdoors to Roughing It. A graduate of UC Berkeley with a degree in Conservation and Natural Resources, she has extensive experience working with children and connecting them with the natural world. Her experience includes teaching English in Taiwan and introducing young visitors to animals such as turtles and tarantulas at the Lawrence Hall of Science. Bella loves kayaking and hiking as well as creative pursuits like painting and crochet, and she enjoys sharing her passion for nature and the arts with campers!

Isla brings incredible energy, leadership, and enthusiasm to everything she does. She is currently studying Cognitive Science at UC San Diego and has extensive experience working with children through youth cheer clinics and babysitting. An accomplished cheerleader and choir leader, Isla also has a special heart for animals and previously served as a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind. She served as the G3 Assistant Group Counselor in summer 2026 and is passionate about creating an environment where every camper feels seen, valued, and included.

Jillian is currently studying Early Childhood Studies at Sonoma State University, with plans to become a kindergarten teacher. She brings hands-on experience from her work at the SSU Children’s School, where she focused on nature-based education and exploration. Growing up, Jillian was active in sports including soccer, swimming, and Taekwondo, and she enjoys bringing that same energy to working with children. In summer 2026, Jillian served as a K2 Group Counselor, helping campers explore the world around them through hands-on experiences and play!

Owen brings an adventurous spirit and a passion for staying active to Roughing It. A graduate of The Athenian School, he is currently studying Engineering at the University of Wisconsin. Owen enjoys competing in triathlons and participating in cross country, track, and basketball, and he once completed a 26-day backpacking trip through Death Valley. With experience as a swim instructor and lifeguard, he also enjoys working with younger children in the water. His enthusiasm for outdoor adventure and athletics makes him a wonderful addition to the Roughing It community!

Jonas Hagan brings a lifelong passion for sports and outdoor adventure to Roughing It. An Oakland native, he enjoys surfing and fishing as well as playing and watching sports such as football and basketball. Jonas is currently studying Kinesiology at Diablo Valley College and has been part of the Roughing It team as both an Assistant Group Counselor and Group Counselor. His energy, enthusiasm, and experience working with campers make him a valued member of the team!

Katelynn is currently studying Nursing at the University of Portland and brings wonderful energy and experience to the Roughing It community. A Pleasant Hill native, she has worked as a swim instructor and enjoys staying active through volleyball and dance. She is also a talented musician who plays the trumpet. After serving as an Assistant Group Counselor, Katelynn stepped into the role of G2 Group Counselor in summer 2026 and also served as a bus counselor for the LM route. She loves creating a positive and welcoming experience for campers!

Leo brings extensive camp experience and a strong background in working with children to Roughing It. Originally from Oakland, he is currently studying Psychology and Economics at San Francisco State University. Leo has worked at several day camps throughout the Bay Area since middle school and also grew up as a Roughing It camper himself. Outside of camp, he enjoys going to the gym, playing tennis, and skiing. In summer 2026, Leo served as a B2 Group Counselor, bringing his leadership skills and enthusiasm to create a fun and safe camp experience!

Lila brings a passion for nature, outdoor adventure, and working with children to Roughing It. A San Francisco native, she is currently studying Zoology at Colorado State University on a pre-veterinary track. Lila loves spending time outdoors, particularly hiking, camping, and surfing. She also has experience working with children as a swim instructor and environmental educator. Her enthusiasm for the natural world makes her a wonderful fit for the Roughing It community!

Mikey Bruno brings plenty of experience working with kids and a passion for staying active to the Roughing It community. He has coached soccer and rugby camps and taught surfing through the Me Water Foundation. A lifelong San Franciscan, Mikey currently attends Loyola Chicago University, where he plays Division II rugby. He loves staying active through weightlifting and outdoor activities like kayaking and canoeing. Mikey also served as a bus counselor for the XS route and brings tons of energy and leadership to everything he does!

Michelle brings a passion for creativity, learning, and discovery to Roughing It. She is currently double majoring in Fine Arts and Philosophy at UC Santa Barbara and enjoys reading, writing, and painting. An avid birder, Michelle loves identifying local wildlife as well as hiking and camping. She has experience working with children through tutoring and a Montessori internship, where she focused on fostering curiosity and wonder. Michelle enjoys helping campers explore new experiences and develop their own sense of curiosity about the world around them!

Olivia brings creativity, energy, and a love of working with children to Roughing It. A lifelong Lafayette resident and graduate of Acalanes High School, she is currently studying at the University of Washington. Olivia has extensive experience with arts and crafts, including painting, sculpting, and embroidery, and has also spent years coaching youth swimming and water polo. She served as the K Assistant Group Counselor in summer 2026, combining her artistic and athletic interests to create a fun and engaging experience for our youngest campers!

Selim Jones brings extensive experience working with children and a passion for the outdoors to Roughing It. An Oakland native and graduate of UC Santa Cruz with a degree in Community Studies, Selim hopes to one day work as a Park Ranger. He has worked with children through the Boys & Girls Club as well as Echo Lake and Urban Adamah camps. Outside of work, Selim enjoys camping, hiking, ultimate frisbee, biking, and listening to music. In summer 2026, he served as a B2 Group Counselor and AL Bus Counselor, bringing his enthusiasm for the outdoors and youth leadership to camp!

Skylar brings creativity, dedication, and a passion for working with children to Roughing It. She is currently studying Education at UC Berkeley with a minor in Data Science and has extensive experience through tutoring, coaching, and babysitting. Outside of academics, Skylar enjoys crocheting intricate clothing and playing club lacrosse. She also brings a range of practical skills to camp, from helping campers with swimming technique to teaching paddling mechanics. In summer 2026, Skylar served as the K1 Assistant Group Counselor and bus captain for the BR route!

Xavier brings energy, enthusiasm, and a passion for working with children to Roughing It. A San Ramon local, he is currently studying Computer Science at California Baptist University. An avid athlete, Xavier enjoys playing basketball and soccer, while also spending his downtime playing chess and video games. In summer 2026, he served as a B3 Assistant Group Counselor and bus captain for the XD route. He is passionate about creating a camp environment where every camper feels comfortable, safe, and included!

Drew brings plenty of energy and enthusiasm to the Roughing It community. A student at Michigan State University, he balances his accounting studies with competing as a Division I varsity athlete. Having lived in several states, including Tennessee, Drew brings a welcoming attitude and adaptability to everything he does. He has great experience working with children through youth leadership and previous camp roles, and he especially enjoys sharing his love for fishing and kayaking with campers!

Whether he is snowboarding down a mountain or heading out for a long-distance run, Chris loves staying active and being outdoors. A San Ramon native, Chris is currently studying Computer Science at the University of Colorado Boulder. He brings great experience working with children from his time as a counselor at Bricks 4 Kidz, where he helped campers explore new projects and skills. Chris also enjoys fishing, hiking, and playing just about any sport, from football to soccer. His enthusiasm for the outdoors and passion for working with kids make him a wonderful addition to the Roughing It community!

Cooper brings plenty of energy and enthusiasm to his work with campers. A Danville native, he is currently studying Strategic Communications at the University of Colorado Boulder. He has experience working with children through years of coaching flag football and volunteering with the Special Olympics Club. When he isn't at camp, Cooper loves staying active through backpacking, hiking, and skiing. His love of the outdoors and passion for working with kids make him a great addition to the Roughing It team!

Dahlia brings creativity, enthusiasm, and a deep connection to Roughing It to her work with campers. She is currently studying Theatre and Political Science at Northwestern University. Having attended Roughing It as a camper during her middle school years, she truly understands the magic of our camp community. Dahlia brings a wealth of creativity from her extensive training in singing, dance, and various arts and crafts. She loves sharing her positive energy with campers and spending time in the great outdoors!

Originally from Oakland, Dalton brings great energy and an entrepreneurial spirit to the Roughing It community. A graduate of Gonzaga University with a degree in Business Entrepreneurship, he has been part of the Roughing It team as a camper and staff member. Having grown up attending many different Bay Area day camps, Dalton is passionate about sharing that same joy and love for the outdoors with his campers. He is a big fan of mountain biking, hiking with his dog, and playing sports like basketball, lacrosse, and soccer. Dalton has also served as an AL Bus Counselor. He loves using his creative side to lead skits and song parodies!

Emma is no stranger to Roughing It, returning to the team for her third year on staff and continuing a family connection to camp as the daughter of a former Roughing It staff member. She currently attends Cal Poly SLO, where she participates in both the club swim and debate teams. Emma has previously served as a Group Counselor and most recently worked with our CILT program, bringing her experience and enthusiasm to our 9th and 10th grade leaders. She has a deep love for the outdoors and previously spent several years volunteering with the Friends of Orinda Nature Area. Her natural optimism and positive energy make her a wonderful asset to our camp community!

Playing rugby or performing in sketch comedy shows are just two ways Friedie brings incredible energy and creativity to everything she does. A student at Barnard College studying History and Economics, Friedie grew up in Piedmont and brings years of experience coaching youth lacrosse and working as a counselor. Though she is a newer member of the Roughing It staff, Friedie is already part of the camp family as the daughter of a former staff member. She loves spending time outdoors and bringing her creative side to camp, whether through games, crafts, or perhaps even a hilarious skit!

Having traveled to more than 30 countries around the world, Rahi brings a wonderful sense of adventure to the Roughing It community. A student at UC Berkeley studying Statistics, Rahi is also a talented musician who sings and plays the piano, guitar, and ukulele. She grew up in San Ramon and has extensive experience working with children through babysitting and tutoring. Rahi loves hiking, camping, and spending time outdoors, and she enjoys sharing her passion for music and adventure with campers!

A Piedmont native and student at The George Washington University, Mary brings energy, enthusiasm, and a love of working with children to Roughing It. As the daughter of a former Roughing It employee, she is already very familiar with the magic of camp life. Mary has experience working with children as a youth lacrosse coach and recreation leader. When she isn't studying International Affairs or competing on the collegiate lacrosse and Model UN teams, she loves exploring new coffee shops and practicing yoga!

Originally from Calgary before moving to Moraga, Owen brings a high-energy spirit and a love of adventure to Roughing It. He is currently pursuing a dual degree in Business and Computer Science at the University of Calgary. Owen has served on the Roughing It team as both a Group Counselor and Assistant Unit Leader, most recently working with the B5/6 Group. He brings a wealth of experience working with children through coaching flag football and leading science labs. Owen loves bringing his energy to improv games, outdoor adventures, and everything in between!

From directing theater productions to leading hiking trips as an outdoor education guide, Phoebe brings a fantastic range of skills to the Roughing It community. A student at Georgetown University, she grew up in Orinda and has spent much of her childhood attending various summer camps. Phoebe brings wonderful experience working with children through tutoring and volunteering with special needs youth programs. An avid reader and film buff, she also loves spending time outdoors running and exploring nature. Her creativity, enthusiasm, and love of the outdoors make her a wonderful addition to the Roughing It team!

Whether she is leading a crochet club or performing in a Shakespeare play, Ruth brings an incredible amount of creativity to everything she does. A graduate of Bentley School, she is currently studying at Northwestern University with an interest in pre-law. Ruth was a cross country captain in high school and loves staying active through soccer and track. With her experience as a peer counselor, she enjoys working with children and bringing plenty of fun painting and craft projects to camp!

Whether it’s a 50-mile backpacking trip or a weekend spent studying salmon spawning, Dylan is truly at home in the great outdoors. A student at the University of Nevada, Reno studying Hydrogeology, he brings an incredible amount of outdoor expertise to Roughing It through his experience as an Eagle Scout and his passion for water resource management. Dylan has a wealth of experience leading youth through Scouting and has been part of the Roughing It waterfront team as a Fishing Counselor. He loves sharing his passion for fishing and the outdoors with campers and encouraging them to explore and learn along the way!

Having once paddled 75 miles in a canoe from Minnesota all the way to Canada, Jacob is no stranger to life on the water! An Eagle Scout from San Ramon, Jacob is currently studying History and Education at the University of Washington. He brings a wealth of outdoor experience to Roughing It, from backpacking through Europe to participating in coral replanting efforts in the Florida Keys. When he isn’t outdoors, Jacob enjoys playing the viola and performing with his university symphony. His adventurous spirit, leadership experience, and passion for the outdoors make him a wonderful addition to the Roughing It waterfront team!

Whether it’s practicing piano by ear, training for a half-marathon, or navigating whitewater in a kayak, Jonah loves staying active and exploring the outdoors. A student at Chico State studying Business Entrepreneurship, he brings a wealth of experience from his time as both a camper and counselor at a 4-H sleepaway camp. Jonah also has great experience working with children through coaching soccer and babysitting. He brings plenty of humor, positive energy, and enthusiasm to the Roughing It waterfront and loves helping campers build confidence while trying new things!

Having lived in Utah and New York, Joseph brings a unique perspective and plenty of outdoor experience to the Roughing It community. He has been part of the Roughing It waterfront team as a Waterfront Counselor and currently studies Psychology at Ohio Wesleyan University. Joseph loves spending time outdoors through backpacking, kayaking, and fishing, and he also enjoys playing basketball. He can even teach campers how to play the ukulele or drums! His adventurous spirit, variety of interests, and enthusiasm for working with campers make him a wonderful member of the Roughing It team!

Joining the Roughing It waterfront team as a Fishing Counselor, Ryan brings a passion for the outdoors and plenty of experience working with children. A San Ramon native, he currently studies Business Administration and Economics at Diablo Valley College while playing college baseball. Ryan has experience working with children through years of volunteering with local summer school programs. An avid outdoorsman, he spends much of his free time fishing and loves being out on the water. Ryan enjoys sharing his passion for fishing with campers and helping them discover the fun and excitement of life on the water!

Caleb brings a reliable, friendly presence and plenty of outdoor expertise to the Roughing It swim team. After spending three summers on our maintenance team, he transitioned to the pool as a Swim Counselor, bringing his experience and knowledge to a new area of camp. Caleb studied Environmental Science at Chico State and has spent much of his life immersed in outdoor activities. Having competed on a swim team for five years, he brings a great deal of experience and a watchful eye to the water. Caleb also has a deep knowledge of local flora and fauna and loves spending time kayaking and fishing. His enthusiasm for the outdoors and commitment to keeping campers safe make him a wonderful member of our aquatics team!

Though he is newer to our swim staff, Colin is no stranger to Roughing It as a former camper and the brother of our former Swim Director, Blake! Colin brings six years of experience on his local swim team to his role as a Swim Counselor. He is currently studying at Boise State University and enjoys staying active both in and out of the pool. Outside of swimming, Colin loves working out and playing sports like soccer and basketball, and he also has experience working as a math tutor. His enthusiasm, athletic background, and connection to Roughing It make him a great role model for our campers!

Originally from Orinda, Diana brings plenty of aquatic expertise and enthusiasm to the Roughing It swim team. She is currently studying Political Science and Communications at Northeastern University. Diana grew up doing synchronized swimming for eight years and has also worked as a swim instructor. She brings wonderful experience working with children with disabilities through her volunteer work with SNAP Kids, where she helped teach swimming. When she isn’t in the pool, Diana loves to paint, bake, and hike. Her experience in the water and passion for helping others make her a wonderful addition to our swim team!

Oakley brings more than a decade of competitive swimming experience and a passion for working with children to the Roughing It swim team. A student at Pomona College studying Neuroscience, she grew up in Oakland and has spent much of her life in the water, including serving as a club swim team captain. Oakley also brings wonderful experience working with children of all abilities through her volunteer work with SNAP Kids. She loves keeping things high-energy and fun while helping campers feel safe and confident in the pool. Her enthusiasm, leadership, and extensive swimming background make her a great member of our aquatics team!

Originally from Walnut Creek, Owen brings plenty of energy and aquatic experience to the Roughing It swim team. He has served as a Swim Counselor after previously working with the camp’s swim staff. Owen currently attends Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo, where he is pursuing a degree in Public Health. He has extensive experience in the water from years on a swim team and working as a lifeguard, and he also brings plenty of energy from his background playing rugby and soccer. Outside of the pool, Owen loves fishing and kayaking and spending time outdoors. His enthusiasm for the water and love of working with campers make him a wonderful member of the Roughing It team!

Tori is currently studying Creative Writing at Chapman University, with plans to minor in Game Development. She brings eight years of experience with the Pleasant Hill Aquatics swim team to her role as a Swim Counselor, giving her a strong background in and passion for swimming. Tori also has an extensive background in leadership through her many years working with Girl Scout camps. Outside of the pool, she is an avid reader and loves painting, drawing, and photography. Her creativity, leadership experience, and love of the water make her a wonderful part of the Roughing It swim team!

From competitive field hockey fields to the computer science lab, Tara has always loved embracing new challenges. Currently studying at UC Merced, she balances her academics with competing in field hockey and brings plenty of energy and enthusiasm to everything she does. Tara has been part of the Roughing It team as a Group Counselor and has also brought her creativity and passion for the outdoors to our Res program. When she isn't on the pitch or coding, you can find her rock climbing, hiking through Yosemite, or baking delicious treats for her nonprofit, Tara's Bakes. Her adventurous spirit and love of trying new things make her a wonderful addition to the Roughing It community!

Whether it is teaching woodcarving, first aid, or wilderness survival, Laura has a true passion for helping kids connect with the natural world. Originally from Pleasant Hill, she brings an incredible background in outdoor education to Roughing It, having spent four summers working at a Boy Scout camp in Southern California. An Eagle Scout herself, Laura also brings high energy and leadership experience from her time as a varsity cross country captain. She is currently studying at Diablo Valley College and loves helping campers feel comfortable and confident while exploring the great outdoors. Her expertise, enthusiasm, and passion for outdoor education make her a wonderful member of the Roughing It team!

Growing up as the eldest of five siblings in Parlier, Luis Lupercio developed a natural talent for leadership and creativity. A student at UC Berkeley studying Environmental Sciences, Luis brings a unique combination of scientific curiosity and a deep passion for the performing arts to Roughing It. He has served as a Group Counselor and is now part of our Music and Performing Arts team, where he draws on years of experience in improv, drama, and playing the alto saxophone. Luis also loves exploring the outdoors through hiking and scientific research. His creativity, energy, and love of music make him a wonderful member of the Roughing It community!

After spending a semester conducting ecological research in the rainforests of Costa Rica, Riley brings a wonderful global perspective and deep passion for the natural world to Roughing It. A student at CU Boulder studying Environmental Studies, she grew up exploring National Parks and is passionate about protecting the environment. Riley is also a talented crafter with experience in everything from crochet to jewelry making, and she loves connecting with others through art and music. Her bubbly energy and background in community volunteering make her a wonderful addition to the Roughing It team!

Shahriar brings a deep love of the outdoors and a passion for adventure to the Roughing It community. A Mechanical Engineering student at George Washington University, he grew up in Concord and has developed extensive outdoor skills through his years in Boy Scouts, including campfire cooking. When he isn't studying, Shahriar enjoys backpacking and capturing the natural world through wildlife photography. His enthusiasm for outdoor living and willingness to share what he knows make him a wonderful member of our Reservoir Staff!

Soli brings her wonderful creative touch and years of experience with Roughing It to our Crafts program. She has been part of the Roughing It family since 2019, growing from camper to CILT, junior counselor, Group Counselor, and now Crafts Counselor. She currently attends Sonoma State University, where she studies Psychology, and is a deeply imaginative person who loves painting, drawing, and sculpting. Soli is also a huge animal lover with five pets of her own. Her creativity, enthusiasm, and deep connection to the Roughing It community make her a wonderful person to have inspiring campers through art and crafts!

A lifelong Lafayette resident, Tyler is a longtime member of the Roughing It family, both as a staff member and through his mom, who previously worked at camp. He currently attends UC San Diego, where he studies Political Science and History. After serving as a Group Counselor, Tyler has taken on additional leadership responsibilities as an Adventure Counselor and Assistant Unit Leader. An avid trail runner, he loves exploring the Las Trampas Wilderness and Mount Diablo and also brings experience from his time volunteering at the Wagner Ranch Nature Area. Tyler enjoys helping campers develop their teamwork skills and discover their own sense of adventure!

Moving from the bustling art scene of Brooklyn, NY, back to his roots in Piedmont, Christopher brings a creative eye and a deep connection to Roughing It. A student at Pratt Institute studying Industrial Design, he brings his artistic talents to camp as part of our Media team. His impressive photography skills have earned him honors including a Silver Key from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Beyond the camera, Christopher has a fascinating interest in aviation and volunteers with aircraft restoration at the USS Hornet. He also brings dedication and teamwork from his years as a competitive rower. His creativity, curiosity, and eye for a great shot make him a wonderful member of the Roughing It team!

Having spent his childhood attending local summer camps in Oakland, Griffin understands exactly how special the camp experience can be. A student at UC Irvine studying Chemical Engineering, he brings a strong passion for the outdoors to Roughing It. Griffin has experience teaching kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding and enjoys staying active through rock climbing, pickleball, and hiking. His enthusiasm for the outdoors and appreciation for the camp experience make him a great addition to our Maintenance team!

After a decade of experience as a TK teacher and after-school leader, Jessi Price brings a wealth of experience working with children and families to Roughing It. She has been part of the camp community as our Camp Registrar and holds a Master's degree in Counselor Education from San Jose State University. Outside of camp, Jessi loves exploring new parks with her two children and cheering on the Golden State Warriors and 49ers. Her friendly, caring presence and extensive experience make her a wonderful member of our administrative team!

A passion for creating beautiful, handmade greeting cards is just one of many creative sparks Lindsey Gail Jones brings to the Roughing It community. Originally from Bradford, England, Lindsey moved to the United States in 2006 and has built an extensive background in administrative work and community involvement. She has served Roughing It in several key roles, including Registrar and Business Office Manager, and now brings her experience to her role as Business Administrator. Lindsey has also dedicated time to volunteering with local preschools and elementary schools and has experience as a Teacher's Aide. Her extensive administrative knowledge and thoughtful approach help keep our camp operations running smoothly behind the scenes!

Phoebe brings a deep history with Roughing It to her work as our HR Assistant. She has been part of the camp community in a variety of roles, including Assistant Unit Leader and Assistant Program Director, before joining the HR team. A graduate of the University of Michigan, where she studied Psychology, Phoebe grew up in Orinda and loves hiking and making jewelry. Her experience across many areas of camp gives her a unique understanding of the Roughing It community and helps her support our staff behind the scenes!

Reyna Cruz brings an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for connecting with families to her work as our Marketing Coordinator. She has been part of the Roughing It community for many years and has experience working with young children through her background in preschool education. Reyna also founded Stroller Strides, a fitness program for moms and babies, bringing her creativity and entrepreneurial experience to everything she does. Her enthusiasm, warmth, and ability to share the excitement of camp make her a wonderful member of the Roughing It team!

Originally from Piedmont, Stella is currently studying International Business at San Diego State University. She brings a wonderful creative energy to Roughing It and has been an artist since age five, always finding new ways to express her creativity. Stella also has experience with rowing, lacrosse, and competitive dance and brings that same energy and dedication to her work on our support team. Her artistic eye and passion for creativity make her a wonderful member of our Media and Office team!

After four years of competitive horseback riding, Tyler Krejci brings her love of horses, creativity, and experience working with children to the Roughing It support team. She is currently studying Health Services and Administration at California State University, Chico, with a minor in Child Development. Roughing It is a special part of Tyler's history, as she attended both Day Camp and Horse Camp here as a child. She also has experience teaching weekly crafts at a horse summer camp in Briones. Her creativity, connection to Roughing It, and passion for working with children make her a wonderful addition to our team!