ABOUT CAMP
Welcome to August Camp
August Camp is a volunteer-run summer program offered by the Appalachian Mountain Club, providing four one-week sessions of group hiking for adults. Each year, we set up camp in or near National Parks, Forests, and Wilderness areas, primarily in the western U.S.
Every summer, August Camp becomes a vibrant tent community of around 60 participants. This base camp is set up near the stunning landscapes of National Parks or wilderness areas, with daily activities located within an hour’s drive.
Campers stay in comfortable two-person tents, equipped with cots. Your camp experience includes three daily meals, transportation to daily activities, and a nightly campfire that fosters community through storytelling, announcements, and fun activities
You will be out of camp most of the day; even the easiest hikes will require you to be able to hike a minimum of 5 miles with 500-700 feet of elevation gain. Shorter, easier hikes are combined with other hikes or other activities to make for a full day's outing.
A Typical Day at Camp
A Typical Day at Camp:
- 6:15 AM: Wake-up call, coffee/tea tent opens for self-serve.
- 6:30 AM: Prepare trail lunches in the lunch tent.
- 7:00 AM: Sit-down breakfast is served.
- 8:00–9:00 AM: Depart for a day of hiking.
- 4:00–6:00 PM: Return to camp, shower, and socialize.
- 6:30 PM: Dinner is served.
- 8:00 PM: Campfire—hike reports, the next day's announcements, and optional sing-alongs.
- 10:00 PM: Quiet hours begin.
Leadership and Staff
August Camp is organized and overseen by dedicated volunteers. During camp, day-to-day operations are handled by a skilled hired staff, including a camp manager, a cook, and our hardworking 'croo' of young adults, who assist in all aspects of camp life.
Hiking and Activities
Our volunteer hike leaders are certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR, ensuring your safety. While they are not paid guides, they are skilled volunteers trained to lead group hikes. We offer hikes for a range of fitness levels, from easy to challenging. It’s important to choose hikes suited to your ability and stay with your group throughout the day.
Hikes and other activities at Camp are designed to be a group experience. We offer hikes at several different levels to accommodate as wide a range of experience and expectations as we can. Our trained hike leaders will do their best to ensure that each group has a rewarding and safe experience. You can help by choosing a suitable level of activity, staying with the group throughout the day, and taking responsibility for your own safety. Groups are generally limited to 12 people, so we don’t anticipate a very wide range of abilities on any hike. That said, we set out as a group and return as a group.
When the area allows, the program may also offer (at an extra fee) canoeing, kayaking or bicycling outings as well.
Camp Facilities
Campers stay in spacious 8’ x 10’ two-person wall tents, large enough to stand and move around. While tents don't have floors, most campers bring a tarp or small rug for added comfort. Each tent is equipped with two cots, washbasins, and water pails.
Campers provide their own sleeping bags, full-length air mattresses or foam padding, and pillows.
Drinking water will be available at camp. Shower stalls are provided for use with one’s own sun shower.
Chemical toilets and hand-washing facilities will be provided at Camp.
Food and Meals
Three meals a day are provided for campers.
Hot beverages, including coffee and tea, are available an hour before breakfast and again in the late afternoon, just before dinner.
Breakfast and dinner are prepared and served by August Camp’s hired “Croo” under a dining pavilion. A variety of items are available for campers to prepare a trail lunch in the morning.
August Camp accommodates vegetarian diets but not vegan diets. Vegetarian options often include tofu, pasta, and cheese. Gluten-sensitive options are available. Lactose-free milk is available if you alert us on your registration form. If you have very specific dietary restrictions, you may need to bring some of your own food to camp.
We are a “field kitchen” in a primitive setting and cannot accommodate overly restrictive dietary needs. Campers may store a limited amount of personal food in an on-site secure, communal bear box.
Happy Hour, Alcohol and Evening Activities
Happy hour is a beloved August Camp tradition, offering campers a chance to unwind and bond. Campers provide their own beverages and snacks, fostering an atmosphere of relaxation and camaraderie.
A campfire is held nightly. During this time campers report on the day hikes and leaders organize for the following day's activities.
There are sometimes sing-alongs for interested campers.
Each week organizes a "Follies" presentation where campers share their talents for music, poetry, dance, storytelling and comedy. All are welcome and encouraged to perform, no talent required.
