Crew Leader Training Program

What’s Included

Training Videos & Slide Decks
Self-paced modules covering trail crew leadership, communication, safety, and more.

Specially Designed To Foster Belonging, Respect and Individual Potential
Create welcoming group dynamics for all participants. Topics include conflict resolution, addressing bias, and more!

Accommodation & Gear Checklists
Customizable gear lists for indoor, camping, and backcountry trips.

    Meal & Menu Planning Resources
    Guides, videos, and templates to help plan        group-friendly meals.

Preview a Module

Fostering Belonging, Respect & Individual Potential

Lead with confidence

Self-paced. Fully online. Start today.

How It Works

Sign Up

Once you enroll, you'll receive instant access to all materials in our online training hub. No application required—just register for $199 and get started. Whether you're a solo adventurer or part of an organization, you're welcome.

 

Complete at Your Pace

Work through a curated mix of short videos, downloadable slide decks, checklists, and guides—everything we've developed from decades of field experience. You decide when and how to move through the content, whether that’s in one weekend or over a few weeks. The training typically takes 8-10 hours to complete.

 

Earn Your Certificate

After completing the training, you’ll receive a digital AHS Crew Leader Certificate you can share with employers, include on resumes, or simply keep for your own confidence. You'll be equipped with the tools and mindset to lead meaningful, well-organized trips in any outdoor setting.

The Crew Leader Training Program is a self-guided online course developed by American Hiking Society, designed to train new and experienced volunteer trail crew leaders in the fundamentals of leading trail service projects. This training specifically focuses on equipping trail crew leaders with the skills and experience to create a safe, welcoming and encouraging experience for volunteers of all backgrounds and skill levels, and covers both front and back country projects for 1-7+ days in length.

This course draws on over 50 years of experience organizing and leading Volunteer Vacations on public lands across the U.S. This training is now available to individuals, and organizations outside AHS who want to bring professional-level structure, inclusion and safety to their volunteer trail maintenance and building projects.

Whether you're a trail crew volunteer, experienced trail crew leader, or just passionate about engaging volunteers in trail stewardship, this training helps you lead with confidence and make a difference in including everybody in trail building and maintenance.

Access The Training Today!

Have Questions? Reach out to eplace@americanhiking.org