The fee for August Camp covers your tent lodging and three meals a day, from Saturday dinner to next Saturday's breakfast, as well as transportation each day on Camp-led hikes or other activities. Some special optional activities, such as rafting, may cost you an additional fee.

Prior to May 1, 2025, all but $300 per person will be refunded.

After May 1, 2025, but at least 31 days prior to the first Saturday for which a person is registered, 50% of payment in excess of $300 per person will be refunded.

No refunds will be given for cancellations received within 30 days of the first Saturday for which a person is registered.

Cancellations must be e-mailed to [email protected].

Force Majeure: On rare occasions, August Camp may need to cancel all or a portion of a camp session due to force majeure events. Force majeure refers to any event or circumstance beyond the reasonable control of August Camp, making it impossible or impractical to carry out the camp. This includes but is not limited to terrorism, local health conditions, natural disasters, changes in the local regulatory environment, extreme weather conditions, wildfires, smoke, heatwaves, pandemics, or other infectious disease outbreaks. In such cases, your camp fee will be refunded less any camp expenses already incurred plus any non-cancellable future camp expenditures. August Camp will notify participants of such cancellations as soon as reasonably practicable.

Travel Insurance: August Camp strongly recommends that all participants purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellations and interruptions due to force majeure events, including but not limited to pandemics, infectious diseases, and wildfire, smoke or other hazards. Participants acknowledge and agree that August Camp shall not be liable for any costs or expenses incurred due to a force majeure event, and that travel insurance is the sole responsibility of the participant.

If, within 14 days prior to arrival to August Camp, you experience symptoms of COVID or have been exposed to COVID, please do not come to camp.

Camper expenses outside the registration fees, such as travel expenses, are not the responsibility of August Camp. August Camp strongly recommends that Campers purchase travel insurance to cover expenses in the case of personal cancellation and also in the case of camp cancellation. If you choose to purchase such insurance, verify with your insurer that it covers cancellation for any reason.

Unfortunately, we cannot make exceptions to our cancellation policy for medical issues and other personal emergencies that may arise, so we strongly recommend that you purchase trip insurance to protect yourself in case such a situation occurs.

Participants can purchase insurance online from any agency of their choice.

This is a hiking camp – Expect to be on the trails for 5-8 hours a day for six consecutive days. Distances range from 6 to 13 miles with elevation gains of 500 to 2,500 feet (or more), at a pace appropriate for the chosen hike.  If you join a hike beyond your ability or fitness, you may be asked to choose easier hikes for the rest of the week.  Even our easiest “C” hikes require you to hike the indicated distance and elevation gain at a steady pace of around 2 miles/hour. (See hike rating section below)

While we offer occasional non-hiking activities, such as biking, kayaking/rafting, or a service trip, these vary by location and are limited in number. There are no half-day options at Camp, no “walks” and no organized activities if you cannot do the scheduled hikes at the group's pace or choose to remain at Camp rather than join a hike.

Our hike rating system

A hikes are the most difficult and may run from 7 to 13 miles in length with elevation gains from 1000’ to over 4000.’  Because of the length and gain, they run at a fast pace with shorter breaks.

B hikes are our intermediate level hikes, covering 5-10 miles, with elevation gains of 1000’ to over 2000’, and are run at a more moderate pace than the A hikes.

C hikes are easier, and proceed at a sustained pace somewhat slower than the B hikes, generally on less challenging terrain and with more frequent stops. Although some hikes on the C list are as short as 2-3 miles, these would be combined with another hike or activity to make for a full day’s outing. C hikers can expect to do six or more miles in a day with up to as much as 1500’ of elevation gain. 

Although our rating system is based on distance and elevation gain, it does not take into account the condition of the trail (steep ascents/descents, boulders, mud, scree, stream crossings, etc). Such hazards may make any given hike considerably more challenging.  Special features, when known, will be described at campfire the night before by the hike leaders, along with the expected distance and elevation gain for the day.

Your preparation and conditioning

A variety of hikes are offered daily, and you will be out on the trails for several hours each day. Hiking is a physically demanding activity, regardless of the difficulty rating of a particular hike. Our hike rating system assumes that all campers are starting from a foundation of being active, healthy people with good footing, strength and balance.

If you can agree with the statements below, August Camp is the place for you!

I follow a regular fitness program, exercising several times a week.
I regularly participate in strenuous exercise that elevates my heart rate.
I am able to navigate uneven surfaces.
I am comfortable hiking/walking 6-10 miles.
I am able to hike for half an hour without needing a break. 
My health status does not hinder my hiking ability.
I enjoy hiking 5-6 days in a row.
I am able to hike at a pace of 1.5-2 miles per hour, and am able to maintain a regular, uninterrupted pace.
I am able to hike multiple miles with elevation change (500-2500’ of elevation gain).