Older Camper & Teen Programs

There is so much you can do at camp!

Roughing It’s Programs for Older Campers (5th grade – 10th grade)

At Roughing It, older campers have the opportunity to experience everything camp has to offer with groups and activities designed for their age, abilities and interests. Get ready to have a summer you will never forget – new friends, amazing staff, and experiences and adventures you will want to share with everyone you know!

Activities for Teens:

Sports & Field Games
Group Activities and Games
Arts & Crafts
Nature & Environmental Education
Outdoor Adventure & Hiking
Adventure (4th grade & above)
Teambuilding
Fishing
Kayaking & Canoeing
Swimming
Singing and Skits
Opening & Closing Circle
SuperChoice – Specialty Clinics for older campers on Fridays

See All Teen Activities »

Roughing It is the highlight of the year for us

and we feel that it is one of the best experiences for developing the whole person that we can provide for our kids.

Cindy and Lee, 8-Year Camper Parents

Junior High Campers

I made great friends at camp and met my best friends.

Kelly, 7-Year Camper

Junior High Camper Group

Camp is all about making new friends!

Delana, 6-Year Camper

Junior High Camper Group

The friends and relationships that you make at camp are really special because

they really are forever. I still keep in contact with people that were in my group so many years ago.

Romeo, 7-Year Camper

Junior Counselor

Something that camp has taught me is how to create friendships and how to keep them.

We build relationships that really do last a lifetime. There are a lot of people that I’ve met throughout camp that I still keep in touch with. I love how camp is the foundation of our friendship.

Bea, 12-Year Camper

Junior Counselor

We look forward to camp all year and it always turns out to be the best part of the year.

He’s loving being a CILT (Counselor In Leadership Training), and it is really good for him!

Johanna, Camper Parent

CILT Group

Camp is a great chance for campers to learn to be really independent.

When I see them having a good time, that really warms my heart to know that I’m actually making a difference.

Sam, Unit Leader

3 Years at Roughing It

What I love about camp is how it makes you feel like we’re all a family!

Zach, 8-Year Camper

CILT Program

I like that camp gives us the opportunity to try a lot of new things that we wouldn’t have tried.

Also that we can be introduced to new friends that we probably wouldn’t have the opportunity to meet.

Leila, 5-Year Camper

5th/6th Grade Camper Group

Teen Groups – New Friends and Fun!

Our older campers have their own groups based on grade and age with designated groups for boys and girls tailored for their ages and abilities. We have special groups for 5th & 6th grade boys and girls, Junior High groups for 7th and 8th grade boys and girls and a co-ed high school group for 9th and 10 graders as part of our leadership program (CILTs). Each group is lead by an adult counselor who provides leadership, support and team building for all. Learn more about our Camp Community.

Specialty Clinics & SuperChoice

Our older campers also participate in SuperChoice, two-hour specialty clinics for campers 5th -10th grade every Friday. These are instructional workshops designed to challenge teens with clinics offered for advance – novice levels. Our “Challenge by Choice” activities let campers participate at their own skill level, Our specialty clinics give teens the opportunity to specialize in a variety of activities each week and try advanced activities just for older campers. See SuperChoice Activities »

Camper in Leadership Training (9th & 10th Graders)

The CILT Program provides special training and hands-on leadership opportunities in different camp activities, with a variety of age groups. Our high school students gain leadership skills while participating in many of the teen camper activities. Learn more »

Junior Counselors (11th & 12th Graders)

This is a volunteer program for teens entering 11th or 12th grade to gain leadership experience and skills working with younger campers groups. Learn more »

Importance of Camp for Teens

Camp provides many opportunities for Teens to develop and grow while having a fun summer. See how new activities and healthy risk taking can help Teens learn leadership and lifelong skills. Find out more »

How are Roughing It camp days spent?

The camp day is from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm with extended care options. Camper groups spend their day in scheduled of activities and group time. This ensures that each camper has the opportunity to experience every camp activity. These camp activities include formal instruction for all ability levels taught in a fun manner. Each day includes special group activities designed for the camper group by their counselor. There are also times for snack / water breaks, sunscreen, and lunch in the shade. Each day, campers experience group building by doing a variety of activities together.

FAQ for Teen Campers

Are electronics and cell phones allowed at camp?

How will my camper get to camp?

Can my camper be in the same group as their friend?

What are activities for older campers?

Yes! All of our program areas are designed to be modified for various age groups. We have special clinics for our older campers at our program areas to continue to challenge them week to week and summer to summer. We also offer Kayaking and adventure for our older campers, as well as our SuperChoice program. At SuperChoice, campers 5th grade and above get an extended choice period every Friday where they can master skills they are interested in at the different program areas. For more info on our teen programs, check here.

Sessions

Campers can attend 2, 4, or 8-Week sessions. Our longer 4 & 8-Week sessions are the most popular and provide the best camp experience. We understand session length is a commitment for families and so offer shorter 2-week sessions that still provide a great outdoor experience.

The Value of 4 & 8-Week Sessions

Caring & Experienced Adult Counselors

We select staff who have experience working with pre-teens and teens. Our overall camper to counselor ratio is 4:1.
More About Our Quality Staff »

Camper Safety

Since our founding in 1972, we have understood the trust parents put in us to take care of their children. That is why the health and safety of each camper is the primary concern of each Roughing It staff member. Supervision of campers by staff is always constant.

All our staff are certified in /First Aid and CPR, and receive additional training in safety and health procedures during the week of staff orientation. All swim and waterfront staff are certified lifeguards. More Safety Information »

Transportation Included

We offer central bus stops in East Bay, San Francisco, Contra Costa and Tri Valley. Buses run from 8-9:00 am and 3-4:00 pm for the full camp day. Learn More »

Extended Care

We offer before and after extended care. Learn More »

Ready to Sign up for Camp?

See all of our Dates & Rates or click on the button below to enroll in camp today!