  Susan Murray
Join AHS' in-person crew leader training to gain the skills and experience to successfully oversee volunteer trail crews and become a leader in helping to provide safe, sustainable and welcoming access to the outdoors for others!
This comprehensive training will include hands-on instruction including the hard and soft skills required to be a successful Trail Crew Leader with American Hiking Society and beyond. Thanks to our generous partners, sponsors and donors, for select participants, AHS will provide expenses paid including travel, food, lodging and the full training event sessions.
For those selected for training, it will be expected to join the full duration of the training event (5 days), complete all training sections and qualifications, and commit to leading and/or co-leading a Volunteer Vacation with American Hiking Society in the 2023 or 2024 season (7-day projects are nation-wide and typically run from May - November). We hope that as a new AHS Crew Leader, you will continue to lead Volunteer Vacations with American Hiking Society in subsequent years as available.
Crew Leader Training Details
What does an AHS Volunteer Vacation Crew Leader do?Â
The success of the Volunteer Vacations program depends on hard working and dedicated volunteers. If you are interested in taking on a more active role during your next Volunteer Vacation and contributing your leadership skills and personality to help fellow crew members, consider being an American Hiking Society Crew Leader.
AHS Crew Leaders act as liaisons between the AHS office, the project host, and the crew. You do not need to be an expert trail builder to take on the role of Crew Leader, but you do need to have prior group volunteer experience, have good communication and organizational skills, and be a flexible team player.
Join us in this important endeavor to improve trails, inspire the next generation of trail stewards, and ensure a memorable experience for all volunteers! See the full volunteer description for an AHS Crew Leader here.
Who can apply to attend the Crew Leader Training?Â
Anyone who is interested in gaining the skills to be an AHS Crew Leader is encouraged to apply for the AHS Crew Leader Training. You do not need to be an expert trail builder to take on the role of Crew Leader, but you do need to have prior group volunteer experience, have good communication and organizational skills, and be a flexible team player.
American Hiking Society's mission is to empower all to enjoy, share and preserve the hiking experience. People of color and others with identities that are underrepresented in the outdoor industry (including but not limited to: gender identity, class, socioeconomic status, conviction history, sexual orientation, age, ability, and background) are strongly encouraged to apply.
What will the training entail?Â
This multi-day training event will be led by trail maintenance experts and leaders in the field. Participants will stay on site, with all meals and lodging provided. Primary training sessions will include:
- Technical Trail Maintenance & building
- Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion training
- Group leadership, facilitation & conflict resolution
- Group meal planning and preparation
- Emergency prevention & emergency response training
- Trail maintenance tool use & safety
Commitments:Â
For those selected for training, it will be expected to join the full duration of the training event (5 days), complete all training sections and qualifications, and commit to leading and/or co-leading a Volunteer Vacation with AHS in the 2023 or 2024 season (7-day projects are nation-wide and typically run from May - November). We hope that as a new AHS Crew Leader, you will continue to lead Volunteer Vacations with American Hiking Society in subsequent years as available.
Training Event Details
Dates: May 3 - 7, 2023
Location: Touch of Nature Environmental Center, Makanda, Illinois
Nearest Major Airports: St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Nashville International Airport