Our Experience & Family Tradition

Camp Directors Ann & Hobie Woods founded Roughing It Day Camp in 1972 and continue to be intricately involved in the daily operations of camp. They designed Roughing It to be a place where campers of all ages can learn, grow and thrive in an atmosphere that is safe, fun, and nurturing to the spirit of every child. Their mission continues, even now, 40 years later. Daughters Amy and Katey, as well as thousands of children throughout the Bay Area, have grown up spending their summers here. Amy is currently Assistant Director at Roughing It and has been on staff for over twenty years. Katey works as a school counselor.
Ann and Hobie are active members of the American Camp Association (ACA) and Roughing It is the longest ACA Accredited Day Camp in Northern California. Ann and Hobie are honored to receive a number of 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

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 camp 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

Roughing It is ideally located on 900 acres in the beautiful Lafayette Reservoir recreation area, with swimming and equestrian sites nearby. Here, children learn, grow, explore, and make new friends. They have the opportunity to learn and develop skills by taking part in activities they may not experience anywhere else. At Roughing It, exercise and fresh air are abundant. Learn more about our site and where camp activities take place.