Are electronics and cell phones allowed at camp?
We ask that campers leave any electronics and cell phones at home. Camp is an opportunity for campers to unplug and make real connections with friends and nature. Roughing It a place for children of all ages discover the wonders of the great outdoors.
What items are not allowed at camp?
Along with valuables, toys and trinkets, we also ask that you leave any electronics, accessories, makeup and weapons of any kind at home. Here is a more detailed list of what you should and shouldn’t bring to camp.
What should my camper wear?
Campers should wear comfortable clothes that they can be active in. Closed-toe athletic (tennis) shoes are required! For more detailed guidelines, look here.
What do campers do for lunch and is food provided?
Campers should bring their own lunch from home. If a camper attends camp plus, we provide a light snack. For detailed lunch guidelines, check here.
How are food allergies handled?
Due to food allergies and dietary needs of our campers, we don’t allow campers to share food with each other. If your camper has a food allergy, please indicate this on their application so that all staff can be aware.
How do you group campers in Day Camp?
Campers are grouped by age and gender. For example, all of the girls going into second grade will be in a group together. Campers in Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and our CILT programs are co-ed, and are still grouped by age. For a more detailed explanation on how campers are grouped, look here.
Can my camper be in the same group as their sibling?
Campers are grouped by age and gender. If they are in the same year of school and the same gender, then they will be grouped together, otherwise they will be in their respective age groups. They will be able to connect with each other on the bus to and from camp though, and this will allow them to branch off and meet other campers in their group. For a more detailed explanation on how campers are grouped, look here.
Can my camper be in the same group as their friend?
Campers are grouped by age and gender. So if the campers are, for example, both girls going into 4th grade, then they would be in the same group. However, please keep in mind that campers are paired up with new buddies every day in order to build the group community and allow campers to meet and befriend new people. For a more detailed explanation on how campers are grouped, look here.
Does my camper need to come with a friend to camp?
Definitely not. We love it when camper families bring in new friends to camp, however most of our campers come to camp without knowing other campers. Campers will be paired up from the moment they step onto the bus with a bus-buddy, usually someone who has attended camp before and who can help answer any questions. Campers also get a new buddy every day in their group to help make sure that everyone in the group gets a chance to interact and engage with each other. This helps to build our camp spirit and camp community, and we find these friendships continue summer to summer with campers looking forward to reuniting with their camp friend each June.
How will I know my campers schedule?
We will email this info to you the week before your camp session begins.
How can I communicate with my camper’s counselor during camp?
Please call our office at 925-283-3795 and we will be able to get a message to your camper or their counselor. If you need to speak directly with the counselor, they will be able to return your call as soon as the camp day has ended.
What should I do if my camper is going to be absent?
Please call into the office or send us an email as soon as you know that your camper is going to be absent, even if it is the morning of the absence! Our office number is 925-283-3795 or you can email camp@roughingit.com.
What are the counselor qualifications?
Our top-quality, all-adult staff are personally selected by our Roughing It administrative team. Applicants go through rigorous interviewing and reference checks. All staff also participate in a week-long staff training where they prepare for camp. We are proud of our staff and what they contribute to camp, as quality staff really make a difference in the lives of our campers. Look here for more info on our staffing qualifications.
How are campers supervised at camp?
Campers are supervised 100% of the time at Roughing It by our all adult staff. Campers are always with their group counselor. There is also at least one administrator at each of our sites to help supervise as well. In addition, our program staff also serve as additional eyes on the campers. The staff to camper supervision ratio is 4 campers to 1 adult staff.
What do campers do on hot days?
We have a hot weather plan where we modify activities, bring extra shade and water to the sites and take lots of breaks. Our staff is trained to be aware and on the look-out for signs of over-heating and heat-related-illness prevention.
How hot does it get at camp?
The average temperate at the reservoir during the summer is 82 degrees. We have hot weather and rain plans in case of a dramatic change in temperature.
How are campers protected from the sun?
Counselors all carry sunscreen which is applied multiple times throughout the day. We apply in the morning, mid day, and before and after swimming and riding. We also encourage all campers and staff to wear hats at all times.
What if my camper needs to take medication while at camp?
If your camper will need to take medication while at camp, please provide this information on the camper application, or let us know as soon as possible. Parents will provide the medication with instructions and give Roughing It written permission to administer medication (this includes prescriptions as well as over the counter medications). For any medications needed in life threatening situations, such as an Epipen or inhaler, campers will keep these with them. All other medication is kept in a secure medical box at camp and will be administered by a camp administrator as directed. For more info on medication at camp, look here.
