Q5. What are the meals like at camp?

Our Camp Food Manager coordinates meals with the Prude Kitchen Staff and most meals are served buffet-style in the Prude Ranch Dining Hall. For strict vegetarians and those with special dietary needs, you should plan to supplement your meals. You can contact the to discuss camp menus in advance so you can prepare accordingly.

Sample Meals:
· Breakfast options typically include a main entree of eggs or pancakes/French toast and bacon or sausage and bagels, cereal, fresh fruit, juice, and coffee
· Dinner/lunch options include an entree, vegetables, a salad buffet, tea and/or lemonade, coffee
· Sack lunches are served on some days and typically include a sandwich, fruit and chips

Q6. Are there any medical considerations I should be aware of?

Prior to coming to camp, consult your family physician regarding your participation level and be sure you have had a recent tetanus shot. The Camp Nurse/Medic will visit with you prior to the start of camp to review any medical issues or questions you might have. If you should need medical attention beyond the first aid that the Camp Nurse/Medic can provide, you will probably want to go to the Big Bend Regional Medical Center, 2600 N. Hwy. 118, just north of Alpine, approximately 32 miles from the Prude Ranch

Q7. What should I do to prepare for the different climate and altitude?

August daytime temperatures usually in the low 90's, night time temperatures in the 60's, and low humidity provide a great escape from the summer heat. However, due to the higher solar intensity and the thinner mountain atmosphere, you need to use sunscreen and wear a hat.

Q8. How do I get my bike ready for camp?

If you plan on biking at camp, it is very important that your bicycle be in good working order. Prior to coming to camp, have your bike tuned up at your local bicycle shop. The cycling staff provides many services throughout camp and, although they are responsible for providing a safe ride (providing water and snacks and sag support), as well as presenting information and nstructions in workshops/clinics, they are not required to fix flats or perform repairs.

Test your bike at home:
1.  Brakes - you should not be able to push the bike forward if both brakes are on; if your brake levers squeeze all the way to the handle bars, your cables need to be adjusted or replaced
2. Gear shifters - your front and rear derailers should shift properly without dumping the chain off the chain rings or the sprockets in either direction
3. Tires & tubes - check for cuts, worn spots or dry cracking on the sides; if in doubt, replace them before coming to camp
4. Wheels - spin your wheel to be sure that they are straight and not wobbly; check for loose spokes; wiggle your tire to make sure that everything is tight and adjusted

Attend the Bike Fit Clinic:
After you register on Sunday, you can attend the Bike Fit Clinic for minor adjustments or repairs. Although the bike staff will bring some supplies/equipment, they cannot guarantee that they will have what you need.

Q9. What cycling items do I bring to camp?

Cycling items to bring:
· Spare tubes, CO2 cartridges or portable air pump and patch kit;
· Tools – tire levers and allen wrenches (for your seat post, bottle cages, etc.)
· Floor air pump
· Hydration water bags or water bottles
· Nutritional supplements - energy bars and gels, etc.
· Riding equipment – gloves, shoes, helmet (you must wear a helmet while riding)
· Sunscreen

Q10. I want to cycle at camp but I do not have a bike. What are my options?

The options we recommend are:
1. Lease one from your local bike shop
2. Lease one from Peyton's in Midland, Texas (they have rented bikes to campers before)
3. Borrowing one from a friend or relative can be risky because it may not fit you very well and it might not be in good repair. Unless you are planning to go on very short rides, this option is not recommended.

Q11. What is the dress code?

The dress code at camp is pretty laid back with most people wearing what they need for the activity at hand (i.e. running or bike shorts with T-shirt or tank top). For dinner, some campers choose to exchange their athletic wear for casual summer wear. Bring along a light jacket or long sleeve sweatshirt for those cool nights and mornings. The closest laundry facilities are in Fort Davis.

Q12. Do I need to bring my own linens and soap/shampoo?

If you are tent camping or staying in an RV, be sure to bring all your necessities, as the Ranch provides a bathhouse for showering and RV hookups only.

If you are staying in a cabin, towels, linens, and pillows are provided.
· Fresh towels are available daily; each morning, put dirty towels (and trash bags) outside your door and the maid service will replace them with empty bags and clean towels
· Soap is provided, but no shampoo or conditioner
· Tissues and a coffee maker are provided in the Hilltop Cabins only
· Sheets, linens, and pillows are provided; sheets and linens are changed once during the week  on Wednesday

There are towels provided at the pool for everyone's use but you might want to bring your own swim towel. If you plan on getting a massage, you need to bring your own sheets and not use the Ranch sheets.

Q13. When do I need to arrive?

Registration starts on Sunday at 3 p.m. At that time, you will receive your room/cabin assignment and activity packet. After you register, plan on attending the Activity Fair, which is designed to allow you to ask questions about the week's upcoming activities from the Camp Staff members who will be leading those activities. You can also attend the Bike Fit Clinic to make any last minute adjustments to your bike.

Q14. When do I pay the balance of my camp fees?

Your balance will be due in full by July 1st. Ensure your final payment is postmarked on or before July 1st to avoid paying a $25 late fee. Please mail your remaining balance to:

Davis Mountains Fitness & Training Camps, Inc.
PO Box 13311
Austin, TX 78711-3311

Deposit of $200 is due with registration form. You will receive an invoice via email upon receipt of registration. Deposit is fully refundable on or before June 15th. NO deposits will be refunded after June 15th. And, no refunds of any kind will be given after onsite registration on the Sunday when camp starts.  

Q15. What do I bring?

Here is a suggested packing list:
· Running, walking, and/or hiking shoes
· Bicycle (road and/or mountain), riding gear, water bottles, helmet
· Tube patch kit, tire pump and/or C02 cartridges, spare tubes
· Bike tools, duct tape, extra rear derailleur cable & rear brake cable
· Swimsuit, goggles, aqua jogger and/or vest, kick boards and pull buoys
· Liquid replacement drink/powder and favorite snack/power foods
· Snorkel, mask, aqua shoes, noodles for Balmorhea Pool day on Wednesday
· Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, ice chest
· Canteen, fanny pack/knapsack, hiking/walking stick, binoculars, family radios
· Light jacket/sweater/long sleeve shirt for possible cool nights
· Warm-ups for cool mornings
· Lightweight rain gear or a poncho for mountain rain showers
· Soap, shampoo, tissues, other toiletries
· Tent or RV campers: bring ALL things you need for camping, including linens
· Yoga mat (non-slip) and/or yoga kit (mat, blocks, strap), and/or a regular mat.
· Clothesline and pins for clothes drying
· Bed sheets for massage therapy or if bunking at the Ranch Saturday night
· Musical instrument, alarm clock, camera
· Flashlight and reading lamp for night time use
· Lawn chair or camp stool for porch sitting and conversation
· Dance CD/cassette music and shoes/boots for dance classes and Friday dance
· Props and costumes for Friday night skits
· Diabetics/strict vegetarians: bring special foods/snacks compatible with your diets
· Coffee-maker
· Fly swatter, fly paper, insect vacuums, Venus fly-traps, or any other anti-fly devices