My 13 year old had a transformative 4 weeks at Roughing It day camp. She bonded with her group of girls, and responded to the great counselors and staff. Near the end of camp, she fell off a horse (only hurt her pride), and the counselors were so helpful and concerned for her to literally "get back on the horse" as soon as possible. That little tumble ended up being the pivotal positive experience in her entire summer! Although she attended camp reluctantly, she is now enthusiastic about returning this summer as a camper in leadership training (CILT). read more

The registration process is all online but good Lord they require a lot of information. If your child has ADD they require a Dr's note, if you don't want to medicate at the camp - I find the paper work excessive. It's super expensive ($600+) so I registered for the sample day (one day instead of the whole week) for $60. We are trying out the camp to see if it's worth the $$$. Cons - They don't provide lunch (for that much $$?) - The hours are 9-3 (technically that's not a full day when your a working mom) Pro - Check in was quick. They show up and check everyone in between 8:45 - 9am. - It's outdoors and they let the kids choose the activity - It appears friendly and loving Would I pay crazy dollars to go here? No, but I have always wondered what it was like. It's very similar to the Camp Potowatami at East Avenue, with a lake. read more

The camp has two sessions that are 4 weeks long. One summer we sent our child for one session and the next summer we sent our child for two sessions. There are other week-long camps for younger kids which are probably great, too, but I'm reviewing the long sessions. Why I keep sending my kid: * The 4 week sessions allow the kids to form deeper bonds. This is important toward an atmosphere that fosters mutual respect, inclusion and rising to the challenge of trying new things -- the kids are surrounded by friends who are all trying new things. * Thanks to this camp, my kid is a great swimmer now and has been developing her dressage skills. * The camps are outdoors all day, which I think is great. * My child loves the counselors. * The bus ride is fun. They sing songs and play games. The ride is an extension of the camp experience. It's a 45 minute ride from SF, but the kids are having a blast. * Another highlight of the camp is the optional overnight campout. Depending on what you're looking for, there is one possible downside: * They don't do any sports such as soccer, basketball, tennis -- no team sports. Instead, the physical activity comes from swimming three days per week, horseback riding 2 days per week and games that involve running around everyday. They also do crafts and outdoor activities related to camping. Everyday, my kid comes home exhausted and extremely happy with lots of excitement for the next day back at camp. I recommend this camp enthusiastically! read more

It's too bad that I cannot give this place more than 5-stars. I would if I could. My daughter has been coming to Roughing It now for 6-years. She's grown up with the anticipation of spending a part of her summer there. It is an institution, run by a dedicated, passionate couple who's been doing this for over 40 years! Hobie and Ann have created a great 'camp culture' with a mix of singing, crafts and a huge variety of lake activities. The highlights for my daughter though are swimming and horseback riding. She loves it all, and we love the supervision and mentoring she receives from the well-trained counselors. To me, this camp is a 'throw-back' to what adults remember as camp. Playing, bonding with friends, activities, arts & crafts and the highly-anticipated 'overnight' every session. It seems like so many camps are 'specialized' (language camps, video game camps, etc.) which are fine (although I wonder if this type of camp is because adults 'think' this is what they should be doing), but I believe there's a lot to be said for a camp that celebrates kids being kids, under the watchful eye of people who have been doing this for years. It is a bit on the pricy side, but I find that it's worth it. The paperwork is a bit long, but we all know that this is simply 'the way of the world' in the 21st Century and the camp's protecting itself from a legal POV (and we've never had the slightest issue). My daughter has also done Camp Galileo, which she likes as well, but nowhere near the level of Roughing It. I cannot recommend it enough. Your kid will never forget what a fun experience he/she had doing the types of activities that their parents fondly remember. read more

I attended Roughing It Day Camp as a child so I was super excited to send my now 7.5 year old daughter. I was nowhere near as excited as my child! She has attended other excellent day camps in the past but she has never been as happy as she was this past summer at Roughing It. I picked her up from the bus every day and the first words out of her mouth were always "guess what happened today..." and then I'd hear about what she did at horseback riding, or how her camp group won group of the week for arts and crafts, or how she learned to canoe across the reservoir. There was never a single day that she did not come home tired and extremely happy. I was also extremely impressed with the entire Roughing It staff! The counselors were well-trained, attentive and very engaged with the kids. My daughter adored her counselor and practically hero-worshipped the arts and crafts counselor and the riding staff. She is already talking about what she'll do when she goes to camp next summer! I highly recommend this fabulous camp! read more

Roughing It is a truly amazing summer camp. After 8 years at camp my children still love to return each summer. Every year they meet someone new and every year is special. My children have developed real skills that they have continued to use outside of camp. They both ride horses, fish, kayak, dive and swim all thanks to the low pressure but consistent teaching of Roughing It counselors over the years. It's a family business and after almost 50 years of Roughing It Ann, Hobie and Amy know how to run a camp and have kids enjoy a stress free and unforgettable summer. If your child likes to be busy, likes getting grubby in the summer sunshine learning new skills and singing some good old fashioned camp songs along the way then they'll love Roughing It! read more

My son went to this camp for almost 10 years. It is the most terrific day camp in the bay area. It did more than entertain him or teach him a variety of skills. It helped to mold his character and bring out his strengths. I can't say enough about the knowledge and love that have been the guideposts of Roughin It. No one could go wrong sending a child here. My son is now has a Pharm.D and is a pharmacy manager for Walgreens. read more

My daughter has attended Roughing it Day Camp for 2 summers. She really enjoys it and prefers it over other camps and even spending the week in Tahoe with family. The camp staff is well trained. Her swimming capabilities and horse back riding abilities have greatly improved from attending this camp. I love the home pick-up and drop -off. Excellent camp and worth the money. read more

We sent our 1st grader to a 4-week session this summer, and she had the time of her life. Some of the other camps in the area have similar activities, but what makes this place special are the traditions, songs, and wonderful outdoor setting at the reservoir. Also, the group environment is really conducive to building camaraderie and strong friendships. Someone mentioned that the hours are only 9-3, but the Reservoir Club aftercare extended her day to 5:00 at no extra charge. Since transportation was provided (my daughter loved the song-filled bus rides), she was taken care of from 8:30 - 5:30 every day so our work schedule was uninterrupted. The cost is higher than other options, but when you see the camp in action, you'll know why. In addition to the group counselors, there was a swim staff, reservoir staff, horse staff, etc. along with the various camp leaders and directors. Every one of them knew my daughter's name, and there was no doubt she felt loved there. In short, if you're looking for the best place rather than the cheapest, you're very likely to find what you're looking for here. I only wish I had a place like this when I was growing up. read more

WOW! Last spring is the first I'd ever heard of Roughing it and I'm glad I did! Over the summer, my son was in the 2 week Little Raccoon session. We used the transportation from the Walnut Creek site which was convenient for all involved. My son had the best time and came home tired every day. Between swimming, fishing, rowing and checking out the nature, he always had some fun things to share with us. When his session was over, he begged us to go back for the next session. He just loved Roughing it! The camp counselors are very tuned into the needs of children and communicate with the parents via phone, email and us mail. At the end of the session, we received a report on how well he did fishing and swimming. Also, he was sent home with a leadership reward too. I have nothing but good things to say about this camp. We'll definitely send him again next year! read more

I am a mom of a long time camper and I highly recommend Roughing It Day Camp to parents who are looking for a great outdoor summer camp for their children. They have a well organized program, grouped according to the age or grade level of the camper. They have a well trained and First aid certified staff and counselors. They provide transportation service for pick up and drop off. And each bus has counselors to make sure that the campers are safe and are having fun on their way to the camp. I would say that this is the perfect place to fill your child's summer with fun, excitement and adventures. read more

For the amount of money that this camp costs you could expect lunch provided and that they have better counselors. They called me everyday to say that my son wasn't carrying his backpack. Really?! How much $$$$ am I paying you? I think you can figure that out. My son had a good time, but as a parent, I don't know of any other camp that is this hideously expensive to get a nasty call from some college punk who can't get a boy to carry his back pack. Oh and he didn't want a hug from my son. I'm looking elsewhere and found many alternatives for 1/3 the price. Move on and do your research -- there are so many other camps that offer a very similar format. read more

No better program. No better staff. No better experience for your child...no matter their age. I was fortunate enough to have been a camper at roughing it as a kid and am so excited to finally have a child old enough to experience the magic of this wonderful camp program. The quality of Roughing it's programs and staff is unmatched anywhere!!! 40 summers in the business of making memories, makes a difference! read more

What a terrific camp! My daughter absolutely loves this camp and there are so many wonderful things about it that it is hard to put them all down here. The counselors are terrific - so kind and caring and knowledgeable. The activities are stupendous ranging from sports to arts and crafts to fishing and camping skills. If there is something your child wants to do I bet you Roughing It has it or can figure out a way for your child to do it. The bus is the best thing ever and my daughter loves riding it. Basically this camp is awesome and it is worth every penny!!! We will definitely be signing up for this one again - just AWESOME! read more

I have been sending my 6 year old daughter to this camp for the past three years and she has had a wonderful time! The first year we sent her for one week and she had such a great time that we decided to send her for the 4 week session the last two years! It s a family owned camp with great counselors and lots of fun activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, crafts and much more! My daughter has met great friends at camp and loves sharing all of her experiences with her friends and family! Roughing It has been a wonderful experience that has exposed her to a variety of different activities and people in a safe environment allowing her to explore and grow as a person. read more

My son did the Little Racoons 2 week session last year and LOVED it!! They offer shuttle service from all around the bay area. He thought the bus ride was super fun too. Fishing, swimming, art, row boats on the reservoir, singing, etc. Counselors were super friendly and provided updates. read more

Roughing It has been an amazing experience for both of my children. My son will be going for his 5th year and my daughter her 4th this summer. My son started at 5 years old in the 4 week Day Camp. He is a slow to warm kind of kid and the staff were amazing at supporting and encouraging him. My daughter started in the Little Raccoons at 4 yrs old and quickly made new friends and was enthralled with the arts and crafts, signing and games. The wonderful activities at Roughing It make for a memorable summer from fishing and swimming to horse back riding but what means most to me as a parent is the confidence my children gain at camp. We live in SF and they take the bus to Lafayette which at first seemed so far to me but I was really impressed with the bus counselors and the fun songs they sing on the way to and from camp. Camp really starts at the bus stop and my kids love the ride!! The counselors at Roughing it are truly wonderful. They are engaged and active and really seem to enjoy being with the kids. It also makes me feel better to know they are all life guard and CPR trained and really know about outdoor safety. Check out Roughing It at one of their Open House Events at the camp or other locations!! read more

my kid comes home tired every day, which is a good thing, but he according to him, "the counselors are so strict, it's like being in school.. " :\ read more