What, you may ask, is August Camp? It's an adult hiking camp sponsored by AMC that moves locations from year to year. In recent years, it has been based in a variety of great places such as Olympic National Park, Oregon's Central Cascades, Mt. Rainier National Park, and the Canadian Rockies. August Camp provides large tents with two cots (they pair you with a same gender tent mate if you are traveling alone) and handles all meals and transportation once you arrive at the designated airport. Individuals sign up to attend one or two weeks of camp, Saturday to Saturday. Each week accommodates 64 campers ranging in age from mid-30's to mid-80's. No matter which week you attend, you will meet a congenial group of fellow hikers and share a week of fun adventures.
Every day, 5-6 hikes of varying levels are offered. These are labeled as A, B, and C hikes with A being the most challenging. There are also alternative activities such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, and visits to scenic local attractions offered throughout the week.
Why is August Camp so wonderful? Because you meet great people and get to reconnect with them each summer, you get to go to beautiful places with people who share your interest in the outdoors, you don't have to do any work. and the cost of attending camp includes everything but airfare. At a cost of $925 a week (including lodging, meals and ground transportation) for AMC members, it makes for a real bargain in the world of vacation travel.
August Camp 2017 will take place in an exciting new location, in the center of a triangle formed by Mount Adams, Mount Saint Helens and Oregon's Mount Hood. The camp will be located a short distance north of the spectacularly beautiful Columbia River Gorge and the Bridge of the Gods, where the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) crosses the mighty Columbia River. The PCT meanders right by the camp site, which will be located just west of Stabler, WA, just one and a half hours from Portland International Airport.
Activities are planned and led by AMC-trained and approved volunteer leaders; meals are prepared by the friendly camp staff. All you have to do is show up at the airport Saturday to enjoy the hiking, the scenery, the people, and the fun that is August Camp!
Detailed info, pricing and registration materials will be available at augustcamp.org beginning in early December. Camp filled by mid-February in 2016, so don't miss out! Plan your one or two week adventure now and be part of one of the AMC's oldest traditions. Registration opens January 2, 2017.
For additional information, including registration details, go to augustcamp.org