Swimming Program
Swim Lessons for Beginner - Advanced levels, Games & Water Sports!
Our Swim Program
Roughing It Day Camp has been successfully teaching campers to swim and improve their swim skills since 1972. Our swim program is designed to be safe, fun and challenging for all ages and abilities. We offer swim lessons based on the American Red Cross (ARC) curriculum for beginner – advanced swimmers.
Swim Skill Levels
- Learn to swim – PreK & K Campers: Introduced to swimming with one-on-one and small group lessons, games, and activities to build confidence and basic skills.
- Levels 1-6 (Beginner – Advanced): Progress through a six-level ARC-based swim program from beginner to advanced levels for 1st – 6th graders.
- Teen Swim Clinics: Enhance skills with specialized swim clinics.
How Our Swim Program Works
On the first day of camp, every camper is evaluated by our trained swim staff. Campers remain with the same group and swim counselor for the duration of their session. Key details:
- Campers are split into groups (1-6 campers) based on their ability level
- Lessons are led by a swim counselor
- Campers swim three times a week with their group
- All swimming takes place at the Soda Aquatic Center in Moraga
- We use a shallow lap pool for our beginner lessons and a diving pool for more advanced lessons
- The swim period is 40 minutes: a 30-minute lesson based on ARC instruction, then 10 minutes of supervised free swim
- Campers who are non-swimmers are given one-on-one instruction until they can join the beginner swim group.
- All swim instructors and staff are certified ARC lifeguards
- Group & assistant counselors provide extra support and encouragement at the pool
Swim FAQ
How are campers supervised at swimming?
Campers are supervised 100% of the time at camp, including at the pool. There is a life guard on duty at the pool, as well as all of our swim staff who are certified life guards and are in the pool with the campers.
How are swim lessons taught?
Swim lessons are taught in small group settings in accordance with the American Red Cross lessons, which are designed for varying ability levels. For more info on our swim program, click here.
If my camper is a non-swimmer, can they still participate?
Of course! Please just note on their application if your camper is a non-swimmer so that staff will be notified and ready to offer them the support they need to successfully participate.
What Swim Skills will my child learn?
Campers will learn a variety of swim skills depending on their skill level. Read about our breakdown of our swim levels and skills here.
