August Camp Information

August Camp is a volunteer-run summer program of the Appalachian Mountain Club. It offers four one-week sessions of group hiking for adults in or near National Parks, Forests, and Wilderness areas, chiefly in the Western US. The hikes are led at several levels of pace and challenge daily, to accommodate a variety of preferences. When the area allows, the program may also offer (at an extra fee) canoeing, kayaking or bicycling outings as well. Each summer August Camp sets up a tent community for about 60 people in the chosen area, which serves as a base camp, with most activities being within an hour's drive. Participants sleep on cots in 2-person tents, and are provided three meals a day, transportation to the day's activities, and an evening campfire program. The Camp Director, Head Hike Leader, and Hike/Activity Leaders are all highly skilled and trained volunteers. The weekly fee covers the costs of running and maintaining August Camp, including salaries for the Camp Manager, Assistant Manager, Cook and Croo. 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.