Alternative Break Scholarship

The American Hiking Society Alternative Break Scholarship offers your school group the unique opportunity to participate in a 2021 Alternative Break. If selected, your group would participate in a profound week-long service trip that not only provides critical conservation work to a park in need, but provides your group with leadership training, team building opportunities, and outdoor skills instruction from leaders in the field.

DATES: The Alternative Break will take place in Spring 2021, during your school’s Spring Break. (Note: Some locations can host volunteers in early May as well)

LOCATION: We offer Alternative Breaks in multiple different parks and forests. We will work with your group to select the location that is best suited for your group’s geography and schedule.

SERVICE: This trip is specifically designed for those new to the outdoors and trail maintenance. Experienced project hosts will provide safety demonstrations, instructions on tool use, and guidance and supervision throughout the week.  After learning the basics of park conservation from staff, your group will help maintain trails and make infrastructure improvements throughout the park.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Indoor accommodations (bunkhouse, cabin, lodge, or dormitory) will be offered with access to indoor bathrooms and a full-service kitchen for meal prep. You just need to bring your personal items.  We will provide a recommended packing list.

NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:  No prior trail service, hiking, or outdoor experience is required, though participants should be prepared to walk up to 3 miles per day to complete the work.  Participants need only bring their personal items, and we will provide a recommended packing list.