Organization Address

Liability Insurance

Due to the nature of trail work, accidents can happen.

Project Dates/Travel Information

Please indicate the week(s) you would be available to host an alternative break crew. The dates listed are the most common weeks colleges/universities have off in 2021. Most projects are scheduled Sunday through Saturday, with weekends allowing time for travel; however, this might vary based on the group’s travel plans and how long it takes to get to your location.
Most groups will drive to the project location. Please provide a street address so groups can determine if the drive is feasible from their school.

Project Details

This information will be included on our website and will help “sell” your trip to potential Alternative Break groups. It should explain the actual work that will be done during the project. Keep in mind that most Alternative Breaker’s are new to trail work. Projects should not require prior trail work experience or expertise and will need to be explained thoroughly.

COVID-19 Safety Requirements

We have created the following guidelines for all hosts to keep volunteers/staff safe and mitigate the spread of COVID-19

Clean and disinfect

  • Clean AND disinfect (with wipes and/or spray) all frequently-touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.
  • If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap-and-water prior to disinfection.
  • Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work.

Hygiene

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before you eat, after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Practice social distancing

  • Stay 6 feet apart on the trail, indoors, and in camp
    • For trips with indoor accommodations- beds and living spaces should be arranged to allow for proper social distancing.
    • For camping trips- tent sites should be a minimum of 10’ apart.

Cloth face coverings

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others. You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.

Meals/Food Sharing

  • No personal food or utensils should be shared.
    All need to eat at least 6 feet away from anyone who is not a member of their household.

Tool Sanitation

  • Gear and tools should only be used by one person throughout the week and cleaned and disinfected daily.
  • Volunteers must bring their own work gloves and PPE and should not share with others.

Area & Volunteer Accommodations

Describe your park or forest including terrain, natural and scenic features, landmarks or tourist attractions and recreational opportunities. This is a great time to “sell” your location to students not familiar with your area and what it has to offer.

Please note, we are requiring that all trips abide by safety recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please note the following requirements in the accommodations you are providing:

  • Volunteers must stay 6 feet apart on the trail, indoors, and in camp
  • For trips with indoor accommodations- beds and living spaces should be arranged to allow for proper social distancing.
  • For camping trips- tent sites should be a minimum of 10’ apart.
All hosts are required to provide supervision, tools, safety equipment, first aid, and group cooking gear as part of the Host Agreement.

The Vacation

Since students are spending their vacation time volunteering, we want to make sure they have some free time and get the chance to explore the local area. We strongly recommend that you provide a half-day or full day-off from trail work.
Examples: tour of local attractions, guided hike, rafting trip, visit to another park, etc.
Examples: dinner in town, barbecue, pizza party, etc

2021 Crew Leader Terms of Service

Crew leaders are liaisons between Volunteer Vacation hosts, volunteers and American Hiking Society. American Hiking crew leaders do not need to be expert trail maintainers, but you do need to be flexible, organized and a team player. Your host will provide the technical guidance for the project. The leader’s main responsibility is in assisting with pre-trip planning, menu planning and shopping, and motivating the crew to ensure a week of quality trail work and great memories.

Requirements:

  • American Hiking Society member
  • Outdoor leadership experience
  • Participated in an AHS Volunteer Vacation (strongly preferred)
  • Basic knowledge of trail maintenance and building techniques (expertise not required)
  • Agreement to comply with established AHS ethics, practices, and crew leader guidelines as well as host organization rules and regulations
  • Agreement to comply with the COVID-19 safety precautions and guidelines American Hiking Society has established for its volunteer crews.