Summer 2024

Get Ready for Outdoor Fun, Amazing Adventures & Camp Friends!

Welcome to Roughing It for Summer 2024!
There is no better place for kids to be than outdoors with camp friends having amazing adventures at Roughing It.
We can’t wait to see you back at camp to make more memories that last a lifetime!

Welcome to Roughing It for Summer 2024! We can’t wait to see you back at camp to make memories that last a lifetime.

Camp Memories and Friends that Last a Lifetime!

Adventures Await You in 2024

All Outdoor Activities at The Lafayette Reservoir
Our all-outdoor camp program gives kids more opportunities to enjoy a wide variety of activities (and learn new skills) at the Lafayette Reservoir. See All Outdoor Activities

Our Day Camp Program – Great Friends and Awesome Counselors!
For over 50 years, Roughing It Day Camp has been known for our outdoor programs at the Lafayette Reservoir where campers make great friends, build life skills and belong to a strong community led by awesome staff.

Waterfront Activities – Canoe, Row, and Kayak
Get ready for boating adventures in Captain Rough’s Cove. Paddle out to beach your canoes and explore the island, learn to row to Princess Rowaboata’s Tower, and kayak on the far side of the reservoir at the L-dock. Paddle all over the waters of the Lafayette Reservoir, learn or improve your strokes, build your endurance, and become a Waterfront Explorer! See Waterfront Program

NEW!Canoeing Levels 1 – 5 & Voyager Award! – Learn more about Waterfront Skill Levels

Fishing
Enjoy fishing with friends down on the dock. Learn fishing techniques like drop line and casting. Common catches are blue gill, bass, and catfish. See our Fishing Program

NEW!Casting License and the New Angler Award! –Learn more about Waterfront Skill Levels

Swimming Lessons, Diving and Watersports
Swim lessons for beginner – advanced swimmers including learn-to-swim and stroke improvement. Our program also includes water games, Jr. Lifeguard training, diving, and water polo. Instruction for all levels taught by our experienced swim staff. See our Swim Program

NEW! Swimming Skill Levels 1 – 6, JR Lifeguard & Diving Certifications – Learn more about Swim Skill Levels

Outdoor Skills, Hiking & Nature

Campers connect with nature and learn outdoor skills as they explore the 900 acres wilderness of the Lafayette Reservoir with their counselors and group. Learn about the native wildlife, birding, and outdoor survival skills like tent pitching, shelter building, outdoor first-aid and safety. Plus fort building, lizard huts, and more! See our Outdoor Camp Activities

Outdoor Cooking is back!
Campers of all ages love cooking! Favorite camp recipes include campfire nachos, pizzas, Western chili, and s’more desserts!

NEW! Iron Chef Cook Off and SuperChoice Meals

Group going on an outdoor adventure

NEW!Hiking Challenges
Camper groups explore all the trails of the Lafayette Reservoir. Hikes for all levels and ages including Sunset Loop, Lakeside Nature Trail, Vista Point Hike, Oak Trail, Campo and Upper Rim Trail!

Arts & Crafts
Campers of all ages show their creativity making lanyards, friendship bracelets, bandanas, clay, beading, jewelry, and nature crafts. Camp favorites for older campers include woodworking, tie dye, painting and leatherwork.

Sports and Field Games
Campers of all ages build skills, endurance, and teamwork. Sports include soccer, softball, t-ball, flag football, field hockey, volleyball and lacrosse! Our goal is for everyone to play to the best of their ability, build skills, and have fun!

Teamwork and G.R.I.T. Challenges

Great Roughing It Team Challenges continue with more fun ways to learn teamwork and life skills. Campers work together to complete G.R.I.T challenges as they use collaboration and problem-solving. Get ready for more G.R.I.T. fun!

SuperChoice & Clinics for Older Campers
Specialty activity clinics are offered for campers 5th grade and up. Learn advanced skills in your favorite SuperChoice activities – kayaking, fishing, fishing, swimming, sports, crafts, climbing and cooking.
NEW! SuperChoice 2024 Clinics

NEW! Climbing Program
Learn basic rock climbing and rappelling skills at SuperChoice

Junior Counselors Pose Wearing PFDs

CILT Program for 9th and 10th Graders
The Campers in Leadership Training (CILT) Program provides high school students training and leadership opportunities at camp. High school students gain leadership skills working with younger campers and participate in all teen camp activities. Many graduate to become Junior Counselors and even Staff Members! See our CILT Program

NEW! Level Up! Learn New Skills and Earn Certifications
Campers can build outdoor skills and earn certifications in these areas over the summer!
NEW! Birding: Levels 1-5;
Fishing – Casting and Angler Award: Levels 1-4;
Canoeing: Levels 1-4;
Swimming: Levels 1-6 & Junior Lifeguard & Diving

Water Carnival and Friday Field Games
Water games and more fun camp games!

Theme Days and Special Events – See Camp Calendar

group hug

Longer Sessions Provide the Most Opportunity for Growth!
Our sessions are designed to give campers a consistent experience in small groups. Our Day Camp program runs in 2, 4, 6, and 8-week sessions to give camp families more flexibility. We plan a full summer of unique experiences and new challenges each session. Many campers enjoy coming all summer as our longer sessions provide more opportunities for growth, friendship, and fun.