The phrase "boot camp" creates in most people a vision of soldiers running in the hot sun, sergeants yelling, and a lot of sweat and tears, but that's not the case for Orangeburg's Adventure Boot Camp for Women.

The program does give women a real workout that stretches their abilities to the limit, but it works on encouragement, not criticism, said June Fanning, who went to California to become a certified boot camp instructor.

The women, who come out to exercise at 5:30 a.m., cheer each other on to do their best, she said.

The focus of boot camp is to enhance the body's core strength through different kinds of exercise, including short-distance running, obstacle courses and hiking, Fanning said.

A lot of people think this is just for women who are physically fit, but actually it's for anyone of any age, she said.

"They come in different sizes, shapes and ages," she said. "It's just amazing to see the difference. A lot of it is for women over 55, and some of my clients have dealt with breast cancer."

Each lady works at her own capability, Fanning said. They can do a mile, either walking or running, and it's not timed, she said.

One of her most amazing clients is 71-year-old Suzie Johnson, who's been with the group for a number of years, Fanning said.

Johnson said boot camp is as much fun as it is beneficial to her health.

"I like the outside, the camaraderie and the fellowship with the ladies," she said. "There are usually about 20 to 25 in the group.

"The fresh air -- the early morning workout -- seems to be more stimulating. It's invigorating, and you go at your own pace. If they're running and I don't feel like it, I walk. The ladies are very encouraging."

Boot camp is good because of the variety of exercises they do, Johnson said.

"They help you keep your weight down and your blood pressure to a normal level," she said.

Johnson said the group ranges from women in their 20s to those in their 70s.

"June usually goes along and looks out for everyone. She's very good about that," Johnson said.

Another amazing client is Rebekkah Brailsford, a former breast cancer patient who's an inspiration to the group, Fanning said.

Brailsford, a 29-year-old wife and mother who was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2008, has been a boot camper for four years. She had to quit while undergoing chemo, but is now doing boot camp in spite of the aftereffects of her treatments.

"I started back as soon as I was cleared by my doctors," Brailsford said. "My energy level went down through radiation and chemo. It has picked back up, but sometimes I still feel a pack of monkeys on my back."

One of her favorite things about boot camp is that it allows her to get out and get her exercise so early in the morning.

"My child's still asleep when I get back, and I get to look forward to the day," she said.

Another good thing about boot camp is the variety of exercises they do, Brailsford said.

"We do legs one day -- lunges, squats. The next day we'll do arms, Arnold presses -- Schwarzenegger came up with them," she said. "We'll do core exercises for our stomachs. It's fun, especially when you're held accountable by the others."

Brailsford has been such an inspiration that the a group of boot campers, known as Rebekkah's Racers, traveled to Daniel Island in October to participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Fanning said.

The next Adventure Boot Camp for Women will be held Nov. 30-Dec. 23. For more information, visit orangeburgbootcamp.com/registration.htm.

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