Summer Camps Serving Kensington

An all-outdoor day camp in the East Bay. Free transportation provided from Kensington.

Campers rowing with their counselor on the Reservoir
Campers learning to swim from their swim counselor

All-outdoors summer camp activities since 1972!

Since 1972, Roughing It has been offering summer camps in an all-outdoors environment for children ages 4 to 16. We serve many Kensington families and are located at the beautiful Lafayette Reservoir.

We provide many outdoor activities found in a traditional summer camp, including swimming, waterfront activities, and more! We also have programs specifically designed for teens and younger campers. Come check us out at a local event or talk with a camper parent in your area.

Learn More about the Roughing It Program

2, 4 & 8-Week Day Camp (PreK-10th Grade)

Counselor with her happy campers
Campers at the waterfront

FREE transportation!

Our Bus Stops serve San Francisco, East Bay, Contra Costa and Tri-Valley.

Our buses are driven by year-round professional school bus drivers in safe school buses.

Need more info on times or want to inquire about home pick up? Learn more about our Camp Bus Stops & Transportation   » 

Kensington and Berkeley Bus Stops

  • Kensington Library
  • Berkeley: Arlington & Mendocino
  • Berkeley: Claremont & Woolsey
Roughing It camper's board the bus and head home

Free Extended Care

We offer free extended care (Before & After Camp) to families who choose to drop off and pick up directly at camp. Learn more here!

What parents are saying

You have an incredible organization, fabulous staff and a real love of doing this, it is obvious.

-Terezia N, Berkeley

My daughter likes the variety of activities, and we like having 4 weeks for her to bond with her fellow campers. We also like the variety plus the focus on the outdoors, so close to home.
-Ann S, Berkeley


Parent References

We understand that finding the right camp for your child can be challenging. We can put you in touch with another family in your area (or school) who can speak about Roughing It. Here are families in your area who would be happy to talk with you:
  • Ann Smulka & Robert Blackburn
  • Terezia Nemeth & Charles Gibson
  • Joanna Sedman & Andy Packard
  • Rhonda Clark & Jessica Warren
  • Tamara Lange & Alex Helperin
  • Andrea & Brook Dooley
  •  Christine & Rick da Silva
  • Dawit Kidane & Aster Yosief
  • Dele & Daniel Kammen
  • Hilary & Jason Keith Jennifer & Edan Kabatchnick
  • Jennifer & Felix Baum Jennifer Judy & Jared Caldwell
  • Kara Winter & Tim Golden
  • Meghan & Kevin Leader
  • Rebecca Johnson
  • Ruth Singer & Daniel Bodner
  • Selamawite Negusse & Amanuel Zerit