Alternative Breaks are week-long trail building/maintaining projects organized by American Hiking Society & hosted by BLM, NPS, USDA-FS, USFWS, state parks, trail organizations and other nonprofit partner groups across the country. Most projects are one-week or shorter in length, consist of 8-14 crew members, and involve trail maintenance and building tasks on hiking trails on public lands.
Alternative Breaks are volunteer trail stewardship projects designed specifically for college student groups and young professionals. We have many colleges and universities interested in Alternative Breaks, so we encourage you to consider hosting an Alternative Break crew, especially if you have worked with AHS in the past and can provide indoor accommodations such as cabins or a bunkhouse (which is usually preferred by these groups). Alternative Break projects primarily take place from late February-early April.
Please read through the Alternative Break Host Guide as well as the COVID specific requirements for hosting a crew with us.
American Hiking provides:
- Communication and selection of a crew from a pool of interested colleges and universities
- Logistical support and communication throughout the planning and trip process
- Assistance from a volunteer crew leader who will aid with menu planning, food shopping and lodging logistics
Hosts provide:
- Project plan and backup plan
- Technical expertise and supervision of the volunteers
- Lodging/Accommodations for volunteers (cabin, lodge, house, or campsite. Please note indoor accomodations are often preferred)
- Tools & safety equipment/first-aid supplies
- Group cooking supplies including stove, pots, pans, utensils, and fuel (see AHS Volunteer Vacations Group Cooking Gear)
- Follow the COVID specific guidelines for hosting
Volunteers provide:
- Volunteer labor and eager attitudes!
- Limited hiking and camping gear (backpack, sleeping bag, tent, personal items) if indoor accommodations are not provided
- Travel to the project location