Volunteer Vacations Host Information

We understand that with reduced budgets and limited resources, trail building and maintaining needs often get backlogged or remain incomplete.  Our Volunteer Vacations program is designed to send you a crew of eager volunteers, ready to assist with your trail needs.

Volunteer Vacations 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 6-10 crew members, and involve trail maintenance and building tasks on hiking trails on public lands.

Please read through the Host Guide as well as the COVID specific requirements for hosting a crew with us.

For more information, please watch the following virtual information session that provides an in-depth discussion on the benefits and requirements of hosting an AHS Volunteer Vacation crew.

American Hiking provides:

  • Promotion of your trip nationally through our website, social media, industry events and through our sponsors and partners
  • Logistical support and communication throughout the planning and trip process
  • Volunteer food stipend
  • Assistance from a volunteer crew leader who will aid with menu planning, food shopping and lodging logistics

Hosts provide:

Volunteers provide:

  • Volunteer labor and eager attitudes!
  • Camping gear (backpack, sleeping bag, tent, personal items) if indoor accommodations are not provided
  • Travel to the project location

Please contact eplace@americanhiking.org for questions about the application process.

Shaun Paul

Spread the word about hosting a Volunteer Vacation

Lionello Delpiccolo

Questions

If you are wondering what type of trail projects we typically select, please review these things to consider before making your request.
If you need further information about hosting a Volunteer Vacation, please contact Ellie Place at EPlace@americanhiking.org or call 301-565-6704 ext. 704.