Roughing It Day Camp: Why Roughing It?

Dear Families,

Thank you for stopping by our camp. We wanted to let you know that we, as parents, understand 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 37 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 1972, yet the best part of our camp has stayed the same over the years - to be able 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 are both still intricately involved in the daily operations of camp, both year-round and especially when the campers are here in the summer! Their own daughters, as well as thousands of children throughout the Bay Area have grown up spending their summers at Roughing It. Amy Woods is currently Assistant Director and has been a camp administrator and staff member at Roughing It for over twenty years. Katey Woods was also on staff and is currently a school counselor. For 37 years, Roughing It has been a place where campers or all ages learn, grow and thrive in an atmosphere that is safe, fun, and nurturing to the spirit of every child. Ann and Hobie have been honored to receive many awards that recognize their life's work, including Diablo Magazine's "Best of the Bay."

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 caring 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 nearby swimming and equestrian sites. Here children learn, grow, explore, and make new friends. They have the opportunity to learn and develop skills in activities they may not experience anywhere else such as horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking and adventure. Safety is our top priority. Exercise and fresh air are abundant.

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

Our Counselors are Excellent Role Models and Mentors

We look for the same traits in carefully selecting our counselors that you use in choosing the best teacher or college-age babysitter for your child – prior experience working with children, positive attitude, and strong character. Our staff have a high level of expertise in their program specialty areas. We utilize our many years of experience to carefully choose the best men and women as staff, and to expertly train and supervise them during camp. Each year, we choose a highly qualified staff from over 800 applicants who are adult college sophomores and older, ages 20 to 26 years. Our staff to camper ratio is 4 to 1.

Our Longer Sessions are the Key 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 small group of their peers and have the time to bond with one another and the staff, become proficient in new activities, enjoy the outdoors and achieve beyond their expectations. Each week builds upon the next their counselors utilize specific activities to promote teamwork and friendship.