AMC August Camp

(photo by Carson)

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 12/12/01

Q. What altitude will I be hiking at out in Idaho?

Q. What happens if more than the allowed number of people send their applications in on April 1st?

Q: Can I bring my hairdryer and other appliances to camp?

Q: How can I be reached in case of an emergency?

Q: What about mosquitoes?

Q: I am on a restricted diet—can it be accommodated?

Q: How can I make my tent "home-like"?

Q: What is a "sun shower"?

Q: How do we get lunch?

A: Elevations are high, camp alone is at 5000 feet and we will occasionally hike to 10,000 feet on an "A" hike, however most hikes will be at the 6000-8000 foot range.  Whatever your fitness level, expect to have to acclimate to the altitude.    Sun Block at these high altitudes is essential!

A: On occasion, it may be necessary to conduct a lottery to deal with an over subscription of applicants.   This, however, has only been held twice before, according to our August Camp records.  Be aware that if you designate only one choice of sessions -- it may be difficult to accommodate your request.  It might be wise to leave your options open and have yourself available either session.

A: There is no electricity in camp, however, some campers have been glad to have their appliances, in case there is a stretch of cloudy or rainy weather when the "sunshowers" won’t work, and they go to a campground with coin-operated hot showers and electricity!

A: August Camp is similar to a wilderness camping experience. There is no telephone in camp. The use of cell phones is discouraged, and it is unlikely that they would have reception in this rural area, anyway. The camp staff will check our "800" emergency number once a day. We recommend that those who anticipate having to be reached "on a moment’s notice" consider reservations at another AMC facility with a telephone on site.

A:  Mosquitoes should not be a problem at this camp due to the dryness of the high desert.  However, everyone should bring adequate mosquito protection. We recommend a high concentration (100% DEET) spray for use on the clothes in the evenings. A 30% DEET formula is usually adequate for use on the skin. Alternatively, a cream formula non-toxic product made from soy and geranium oil ("Bite-Blocker" or "Blocker") is very effective on the skin (although the smell is "funky" like geraniums!) This can be purchased at or ordered from many pharmacies, hardware stores and garden stores. Although the tents do not have mosquito netting, many campers find that closing the tent flaps by late afternoon keeps the mosquitos out without a problem. Usually it is cool enough in the evenings that you do not need the tent flaps open. Some campers do get lightweight personal mosquito netting for use over the cot, but it cannot be attached to the tent with pins or other sharp objects, and most campers do not find it necessary.

A: Cooking for a group of 80 in the middle of a farmer’s field is challenging. Unfortunately, we cannot provide specialized menus. The food that is provided is hearty and well balanced will usually accommodate all.  Unfortunately, at this year's camp, no food can be kept in individual tents.

A: Many returning campers bring plastic tarps to put on the ground in the tent, with a bathmat or area rug on top. The tents do not have a floor, so this prevents your backpack, dufflebag, and shoes from getting damp if we have a period of rain and the ground gets moist (which can happen even though the tent keeps you dry.) A folding chair is nice for relaxing with a book or around campfire.  A good length of cord is helpful to set up a clothesline outside the tent.

A: It is a water container that can be placed in the sunlight, to heat the water. The collapsible variety, with one side of clear plastic and a tube with showerhead on it (rather than the rigid black plastic "gas can" variety) is easiest to lift up, when filled. On a sunny day, the water gets almost too hot to use without diluting it! You can have a very enjoyable hot shower with these devices, used in our wooden shower stalls with a pully to lift up the bag. Unfortunately, they do not work on overcast or rainy days! It is highly recommended that every camper purchase a sun shower bag.

August Camp Sun Showers!

Q: How do we get lunch?

A: A buffet table is set up in the "lunch tent." Campers make their own lunch before going to breakfast, which is served at 7 a.m. in the dining tent.

A: No. Campers can participate in whatever activities they wish, or plan their own activities, or take time off to relax, explore the area, etc.

A: Hikes of three levels of difficulty and length are offered daily. The "C" hikes are shorter and the pace is slower, to accommodate the camper who desires a less challenging hike. However, hiking is aerobic exercise, and you need to be in good shape to walk up and down even a 1,000 foot mountain. Campers should check with their health care provider if they have any concerns about their ability to participate in such activities.

A: The "A" hikes are for the hiker who desires a longer, faster and more challenging hike. That said, the daily hikes at August Camp are a group hiking experience. Although an effort is made to encourage campers to hike at their level of ability, those on a hike must comply with the hike leader’s requests for the group to stay together, even if that slows down the fastest hikers. Hikers who wish not to be encumbered by a group are welcome to go on their own "bootleg" hikes, by signing out in the register, indicating their destination and times of departure from and arrival back to camp. Campers on "Bootleg" trips are responsible for their own safety, and for notifying the director if they do not intend to be back for supper.

A: Overnight hiking  trips are offered at the discretion of the leaders for the session for which the camper is registered. Campers interested in participating in an overnight should bring a camping stove, cookware, tent, and ground tarp, in addition to other equipment suggested on the equipment list.

A: Our hike and canoe leaders are trained in emergency first aid. Each camper is encouraged to bring their own first aid kit and any prescription and non-prescription medicines that they may require. Information about the location of nearby hospitals and medical facilities will be posted at camp.

A: Very little. We will be taking precautions at the 2002 August Camp site in Idaho to ensure that our food-preparation area is not visited by bears.   Food will be stored in bear-proof containers.  We suggest that you bring air-tight containers for the storage of aromatic cosmetics and toiletries (bears love toothpaste!) in your tent.  

A: No refunds are given. Campers may choose to obtain "trip insurance" through a travel agent or insurance agent.

A: Many hikers prefer to do so, so that they can scout out which hikes they are interested in, and plan their week(s) accordingly. However, detailed descriptions of the next day’s hikes are presented each night at campfire, so it is not essential.

A: Though reasonable effort would be made of accommodate your request, reassignment, if any, would be dependent on space availability. Ear plugs (i.e., "Mack’s" silicone earplugs) are helpful for light sleepers who may be concerned about a snoring tent mate, or even the sounds of crickets and other night creatures.

A:  Campers take care of all items of a personal nature and are responsible for their own transportation to Boise, Idaho.  You may wish to bring enough money for a personal river rafting adventure or to rent mountain bikes on your own.  THESE ACTIVITIES ARE NOT PART OF CAMP but are available in the area to perhaps explore on your own.

A: During hot weather, it is important to drink water frequently. It is strongly recommended that each camper bring at least THREE one-quart water bottles, even if they have never had the need for this before. It is also helpful to have a drinking water storage container at the tent, so that you do not have to use your hiking water bottles to brush your teeth, etc. at the tent. This can be a gallon of "bottled water" that can be refilled, or a "collapsible" water jug available through hiking and camping stores. Just remember that anything over 1 gallon is very heavy . Fresh water will be provided in water barrels and from the farmhouse. Some hikers bring a powdered supplement like "Gatorade" (available in the "Koolaid" section of the supermarket, or sports stores) to add to their water if the weather is hot, to replace electrolyte losses. The hike leader may refuse to allow hikers without adequate water to participate in the hike.

A: The majority are age 45-60, with some older, and some younger.

A: Yes—couples are the exception, rather than the rule.

A: You will be assigned a tent-mate if you do not have one that you request.

A: Yes, with the understanding that you are responsible for their supervision at all times, and that this is primarily an adult camp, with no formal "children’s program." There have been many young people who have loved their time at August Camp. The cost is the same, regardless of the age of the camper.

A: It is best to bring clothes for a wide range of temperatures. Summers in the mountains of Idaho have ranged from night-time temperatures in the 20’s to daytime temperatures in the 90’s! A clothing and equipment list is provided when you receive notice that your application has been accepted. It is best to have some flexibility with regard to sleeping bags: a bag rated to 30 or 40 degrees, plus a quilt or fleece liner bag, if the weather is colder, is a good arrangement. Alternatively, if the weather is warm, the quilt or fleece liner can be used alone. An insulated sleeping pad is essential, regardless of the temperature.

A: Camp staff will post information about the closest laundromat, as well as other helpful information about local churches, medical facilities, etc.

A: This depends on the availability of space. There is a per diem charge for guests, which includes their meals.

A: You can bring your own, for use at your tent, or when socializing, but alcohol is not to be brought to the table at mealtime.