Crew Leader Hall of Fame

American Hiking Society Crew Leader Hall of Fame

Jasper Van Der Meij

Libby Wile

Welcome to the Crew Leader Hall of Fame, where we honor the exceptional individuals who have dedicated their time and leadership skills to the success of the Volunteer Vacations program at American Hiking Society. Our Crew Leaders are the backbone of our projects, acting as liaisons between our office, project hosts, and fellow volunteers. These extraordinary individuals bring their passion for trail stewardship, excellent communication, and organizational skills to every project they lead. While expertise in trail building is not required, our Crew Leaders possess invaluable prior volunteer experience and embody the spirit of teamwork and flexibility. Through their dedication, they inspire and empower volunteers, ensuring memorable and impactful experiences for all involved. Join us in celebrating the remarkable contributions of our Crew Leaders as they continue to improve trails and inspire the next generation of trail stewards.

Crew Leaders

Ken Brooks

(he/him)

Involvement with AHS

Before his involvement with AHS, Ken was a day hiker for many years, and often volunteered to complete local trail work. After enjoying the trails that others built and maintained for so long, Ken knew that he wanted to do something to give back to the hiking community and found that Volunteer Vacations were the perfect way to do so.

Now, Ken has been serving as a crew leader on Volunteer Vacations for 15 years. He tries to pick a different location each year, and often comes early or stays after to see a bit of the local area and enjoy the trails. Ken has led projects in West Virginia, Vermont, Tennessee, Indiana, Michigan, Arizona, Texas, Alaska, Oregon, Virginia, Washington, the US Virgin Islands, and more.

Favorite Aspect of Volunteer Vacations

In addition to giving back and getting the chance to explore a new area, Ken's favorite thing about his time as a crew leader has been meeting volunteers from all across the US. He has always found the Volunteer Vacation crew members to be happy, hard working, and cooperative.

Ken has also enjoyed mentoring new crew leaders, and is always happy to pass along experiences and lessons that he has learned along this journey. Thanks to his guidance and support, two of his former volunteers have successfully transitioned into crew leaders, a testament to his leadership and commitment to fostering growth within the organization.

Diane Briggs

(she/her)

Involvement with AHS

Diane grew up with a family of avid campers in Montana before moving to Washington, where she taught middle school physical education for 35 years. It was here that she developed a love for backpacking. Specifically, she loved the Eagle Cap Wilderness area of Wallowa County, Oregon.

Diane participated in her first AHS Volunteer Vacation in 2001, and hasn't stopped since. She became a crew leader about 10 years ago, and has led 1-2 annually thereafter.

Favorite Aspect of Volunteer Vacations

Diane loves meeting new crew members and sharing trails and work with them. She says that several volunteers have joined her trips more than once, and that she has made life-long friends thanks to Volunteer Vacations. Diane's impact extends far beyond the trails she has worked on; she has enriched the lives of countless individuals and strengthened the AHS community.

While she plans to step down from her role as a crew leader, Diane plans to continue to be active with the Volunteer Vacation program, and says that it has been a pleasure to closely collaborate with AHS. AHS is truly fortunate to have had the privilege of working alongside Diane, and her legacy of service will continue to inspire others for years to come.

Lisa Speas

(she/her)

Involvement with AHS

Lisa's journey with AHS began in 2021 when she joined her first Volunteer Vacation at Grayson Highlands, Virginia. Having hiked thousands of miles on trails maintained by dedicated volunteers, she felt a strong desire to give back. During that first project, she connected with fellow AHS Crew Leader Ken Brooks, who encouraged her to take the next step and become a crew leader herself.

Since then, Lisa has participated in multiple Volunteer Vacations and led her first crew at Grayson Highlands in 2023. She finds immense satisfaction in tackling large-scale projects and seeing them through to completion, knowing that her efforts contribute to the longevity and accessibility of the trails she loves.

Favorite Aspect of Volunteer Vacations

For Lisa, being an AHS Crew Leader is incredibly empowering. She finds immense satisfaction in taking on a big project, working alongside a dedicated team, and seeing it completed before heading home. The sense of purpose and accomplishment that comes from restoring and building trails is deeply rewarding.

Nature and trails are Lisa’s spiritual place—where she truly listens, smells, and hears the world around her. Volunteering with AHS is a natural extension of that connection. The act of maintaining and creating trails fills her with joy, gratitude, and hope, knowing that her work will allow millions of others to experience the same sense of peace and adventure. For Lisa, the AHS volunteers make the experience even more meaningful—an inspiring, hardworking, and joyful group that she feels privileged to work alongside.

American Hiking Society Crew Leader Hall of Fame

Jasper Van Der Meij

Libby Wile

Crew Leaders

Ken Brooks

(he/him)

Involvement with AHS

Favorite Aspect of Volunteer Vacations

Diane Briggs

(she/her)

Involvement with AHS

Favorite Aspect of Volunteer Vacations

Lisa Speas

(she/her)

Involvement with AHS

Favorite Aspect of Volunteer Vacations

Wesley Trimble

Mick Haupt

Empowering all to enjoy, share, and preserve the hiking experience

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