Summer 2026
Program Information
Get Ready for Outdoor Fun, Amazing Adventures & Camp Friends!
Welcome to Roughing It for Summer 2026!
There is no better place for kids to be than outdoors with camp friends having amazing adventures at Roughing It.
We can’t wait to see you back at camp to make more memories that last a lifetime!
Adventures Await You in 2026
All Outdoor Activities at The Lafayette Reservoir
Our all-outdoor camp program gives kids more opportunities to enjoy a wide variety of activities (and learn new skills) at the Lafayette Reservoir. See All Outdoor Activities
Our Day Camp Program – Great Friends and Awesome Counselors!
For over 50 years, Roughing It Day Camp has been known for our outdoor programs at the Lafayette Reservoir where campers make great friends, build life skills and belong to a strong community led by awesome staff.
Waterfront: Canoe, Row, & Kayak
Get ready for boating adventures in Captain Rough’s Cove. Paddle out to beach your canoes and explore the island, learn to row to Princess Rowaboata’s Tower, and kayak on the far side of the reservoir at the L-dock. Paddle all over the waters of the Lafayette Reservoir, learn or improve your strokes, build your endurance, and become a Waterfront Explorer! See Waterfront Program
Fishing
Enjoy fishing with friends down on the dock. Learn fishing techniques like drop line and casting. Common catches are blue gill, bass, and catfish. See our Fishing Program
NEW! Fishing Awards: Angler Apprentice, Master Fisher, & Casting License. See Fishing Skill Levels
NEW! Campers can now participate in Twilight Fishing, a 40-minute fishing period every Wednesday after camp. Learn More
Swimming , Diving and Watersports
Lessons for beginner – advance swimmers, learn to swim, stroke improvement, pool games for all abilities, Jr. lifeguard, diving, & water polo. See our Swim Program
NEW! Swim Awards (Levels 1-6) and JR Lifeguard & Diving Certifications
More Outdoor Cooking
New recipes and camp favorites include campfire pizzas, tacos, Westen Chili, and s’more treats! More cooking at Choice, SuperChoice & Iron Chef Cook Off.
More Outdoor Skills & Hiking Challenges Hiking, outdoor living skills, nature activities & crafts give campers more opportunities to try new things. Camper groups can explore the 13+ trails. Hikes for all ages and levels from the Sunset Loop to the Rim Trail. See Outdoor Skills & Activities
Sports and Teamwork Challenges
Field Sports and Team Challenges offer campers more fun ways to learn teamwork and life skills. Get ready for more G.R.I.T. (Great Roughing It Team Challenges!)
Arts & Crafts
Campers of all ages show their creativity making lanyards, friendship bracelets, bandanas, clay, beading, jewelry, and nature crafts. Camp favorites for older campers include woodworking, tie dye, painting and leatherwork.
NEW! Woodworking – Whittling and wood creations
SuperChoice – Specialty Clinics for 5th – 10th Graders
Specialty activity clinics are offered for campers 5th to 10th grade. Learn advanced skills in your favorite activities – kayaking, sports, swimming, cooking, fishing, and crafts. Check out all SuperChoice Activities.
NEW! SuperChoice 2026 Clinics
Adventure Challenges & Rock Climbing
Basic Climbing, Repelling, & Zip lining at SuperChoice
NEW! Drama & Improv
Theatre games, skits and musical performances during choice.
NEW! Music
Campers will learn camp songs, play instruments and put on musical performances.
Choice Activities for Pre K – 4th Graders
Choice Activities are offered for campers Pre K – 4th grades. Do more fishing, outdoor cooking, drama, hikes, sports, crafts and more!
NEW! Check out Choice 2026 Activities
Level Up! Learn New Skills and Earn Certifications
Campers can build outdoor skills and earn certifications in these areas over the summer!
- Fishing: Casting License, Angler Apprentice, & Master Fisher Achievements
- Kayaking: Levels 1-3
- Canoeing: Levels 1-6
- Birding: Levels 1-5
- Swimming: Levels 1-6 & Junior Lifeguard & Diving
CILT Program for 9th and 10th Graders
The Campers in Leadership Training (CILT) Program provides high school students training and leadership opportunities at camp. High school students gain leadership skills working with younger campers and participate in all teen camp activities. Many graduate to become Junior Counselors and even Staff Members! See our CILT Program
Theme Days and Special Events – See Camp Calendar
Water Carnival and Friday Field Games
Water games and more fun camp games!
Longer Sessions Provide the Most Opportunity for Growth!
Our sessions are designed to give campers a consistent experience in small groups. Our Day Camp program runs in 2, 4, 6, and 8-week sessions to give camp families more flexibility. We plan a full summer of unique experiences and new challenges each session. Many campers enjoy coming all summer as our longer sessions provide more opportunities for growth, friendship, and fun.