Brango said that the campers range in age from 32 to 59 and come from a wide variety of fitness levels. Campers enroll in a three- or five-day-a-week plan and meet for one hour each day. At the start of the camp a participant's measurements are recorded to track progress from week to week. The camp runs from Nov. 5 to Dec. 7 with one week off.
Brango, of Phoenixville, is a certified personal trainer with American Aerobic Association International and is certified as an Adventure Boot Camp instructor through the National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association. Adventure Boot Camp originated in Orange County, Calif., and the Great Valley camp is Brango's first. Brango said she planned to run another camp in the West Chester area, probably indoors, starting at the end of January.
The Great Valley Adventure Boot Camp is designed for females. The purpose of the all-female environment, Brango said, is to alleviate the fact that some women may be self-conscious working out in front of men.
"Sometimes when men are involved it becomes more competitive and some women could be intimidated by that," Brango said.
Each day of the outdoor boot camp is different but always involves intense exercise and a fun and motivational atmosphere, Brango said. She instructs campers to rest on weekends and sign an agreement to not consume junk food or alcoholic beverages during the camp.
Jeanne Jarmoska, 59, of West Chester, is a marathon runner and former physical education teacher, and a Great Valley camp participant. Jarmoska said she has always been active in fitness and sports but for the last four to five years has had trouble getting out to do it. Jarmoska said that Brango's program was inviting because there was friendly camaraderie among the women at the camp.
