© Janet DiMattiaAMC August Camp
© Janet DiMattia
Sue and Jeff Filling Water Bottles
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: 2/18/2008
Q. What altitude will I be hiking at?
Q. What are the daily hiking options?
Q: Can I bring my hairdryer and other appliances to camp?
Q: How can I be reached in case of an emergency?
Q: I am on a restricted diet—can it be accommodated?
Q: How can I make my tent "home-like"?
Q: What if I don’t want to hike every day? What else is there to do?
Q: have special dietary needs; can that be accommodated?
Q: Will a novice hiker fit in? How about a fast competitive hiker?
Q: What overnight activities are planned?
Q: What kind of medical facilities are available?
Q: Is there a danger from bears and other wildlife?
Q: If I decide to leave camp early for any reason, can I get a refund?
Q: Do we need to bring guidebooks for hiking?
Q: What if I am not comfortable with my tent-mate?
Q: Other than the cost for attending camp, are there other expenses?
Q: How can I prevent dehydration?
Q: What is the age range of August Campers?
Q: Are there single people who come to camp?
Q: What will I do for a tent-mate if I come alone?
Q: Can I bring my child/ grandchild/ nephew/ niece?
Q: How hot or cold does it at camp? What clothes should I bring? What kind of sleeping bag?
Q: What about alcoholic beverages?
Q. What altitude will I be hiking at ?
A: Most of the hikes will be at an altitude of at least 7000 feet, with many going above 10,000 feet. This will feel somewhat strenuous the first couple of days, but since the camp itself is at 7500 feet, you will soon get acclimatized.
Q. What are the daily hiking options?
A: Most days there will be hikes offered of 3 or more levels of difficulty and length. In addition there will generally be a walk, of perhaps 2 to 3 miles and approximately 500 feet of elevation gain. The A hikes are the longest, highest, fastest and most challenging, up to 15 miles and sometimes over 3000 feet of elevation gain. We are also hoping to offer a trip to the summit of Mt. Whitney (at a small extra charge) for the very ambitious and fit hiker. The C hikes are shorter, generally about 4 to 5 miles, climb less, generally under 1000 feet of elevation gain, and are at a slower pace. The B hikes are in between, generally less than 10 miles and less than 2500 feet of elevation gain..
Q: Can I bring my hairdryer and other appliances to camp?
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!
Q: How can I be reached in case of an emergency?
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 are always a possibility. Bring repellant and head nets. Some people choose to bring netting for their tents, but if flaps are kept closed mosquitoes in the tents are rarely a problem.
Q: I am on a restricted diet—can it be accommodated?
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.
Q: How can I make my tent "home-like"?
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 having a tarp or rug 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!
A: A buffet table is set up in the "lunch tent." Campers make their own lunch before going to breakfast, which is served around 7 a.m. in the dining tent.
Q: What if I don’t want to hike every day? What else is there to do?A: Although August Camp is primarily a hiking camp, we will also schedule some non-hiking excursions to scenic areas, and if possible some boating activities. These extra activities may involve some extra charges, such as admission fees, or costs of an outfitter. In addition, it is perfectly ok to stay in camp for the day and relax with a book or your camera, or plan your own activity
Q: have special dietary needs; can that be accommodated?
A: Since outdoor cooking in a field kitchen is a good deal more challenging than normal, we cannot provide specialized menus. However, we provide three hearty, healthy and well-balanced meals each day, and there is food suitable for vegetarians at every meal.
Q: Will a novice hiker fit in? How about a fast competitive hiker?
A: Since we offer hikes at a number of different levels, there really is something for everyone. However, you will enjoy the activities much more if you get in shape ahead of time, and check with your health care provider if you have questions about your ability to participate. Our hike leaders are experienced in helping people of all levels have an enjoyable day. The A hikes are usually challenging enough for most participants, but if you don't wish to stay with a group, you are welcome to go on your own "bootleg" hike. We have a register where bootleg hikers can sign out, indicating the destination and estimated time of return. Campers on bootleg hikes are responsible for their own safety, trip planning and transportation. For a real challenge, we are hoping to offer a trip up Mt. Whitney (small extra cost for permit) or another high mountain during each week of camp, which would include an overnight backpack.
Q: What overnight activities are planned?
A: There will be overnight backpacking or car camping trips each week of camp if there is sufficient interest. Campers interested in participating in an overnight activity away from camp should bring their own tent and ground cloth.
Q: What kind of medical facilities are available?
A: Our 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.
Q: Is there a danger from bears and other wildlife?
A: There is very little risk of encounters with wildlife at camp. We take precautions so that our food preparation areas do not attract bears and other creatures. We recommend that you not keep food in your tent and that you bring airtight containers for storage of aromatic cosmetics, toiletries and your toothpaste
Q: If I decide to leave camp early for any reason, can I get a refund?
A: No refunds are given. Campers are encouraged to obtain trip insurance, such as AMC's policy with TRAVEL INSURANCE SELECT 1-800-937-1387.
Q: Do we need to bring guidebooks for hiking?
A: No, there is no need to have your own personal maps and guidebooks. However if you are interested in familiarizing yourself with the area ahead of time, refer to the books listed under SUGGESTED READING.
Q: What if I am not comfortable with my tent-mate?
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.
Q: Other than the cost for attending camp, are there other expenses?
A: Campers take care of all items of a personal nature. We do set up a "Croo Kitty" for tips at the end of each session. What you wish to contribute is up to each individual camper. The August Camp crew is typically made up of students who work very hard to keep the campers well fed and happy.
Q: How can I prevent dehydration?
A: During hot weather and at high altitudes it is important to maintain good hydration by drinking frequently. We recommend bringing at least THREE one quart water bottles to camp with you, or a large bladder and hose system if you prefer. Fresh drinking water is always available at camp near the dining area. Some hikers like to add a powdered supplement to their water to make the taste more appealing and to replace electrolytes. It is also convenient to keep a drinking water storage container at your tent for the evenings and brushing your teeth.
Q: What is the age range of August Campers?
A: The majority are age 45-60, with some older, and some younger.
Q: Are there single people who come to camp?
A: Yes—couples are the exception, rather than the rule.
Q: What will I do for a tent-mate if I come alone?
A: You will be assigned a tent-mate if you do not have one that you request.
Q: Can I bring my child/ grandchild/ nephew/ niece?
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 age 10 or older who have loved their time at August Camp. The cost is the same, regardless of the age of the camper.
Q: How hot or cold does it get at camp? What clothes should I bring? What kind of sleeping bag?
A: Summer temperatures can range from the 30/ 40's at night to the 80/90's during the day.
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.
Q: What about alcoholic beverages?
A: You can bring your own, for use at your tent, or when socializing. Bottles, or other obvious containers of alcoholic beverages should not be present on the table at mealtime..