About The Crew:
This base camp crew, designed for individuals over the age of 18, provides an opportunity to learn more about the Alpine Zone of Mt. Washington and the importance in its preservation, while at the same time enjoying breathtaking views and working alongside others with a passion for the protection of this fragile environment.
The week will begin with dinner and introductions on Sunday evening. Please arrive between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., in time to get settled in before dinner at 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, the crew will head out for day trips to work on trails located in the alpine zone. They have breakfast at 7 a.m., pack a trail lunch, and head out for the day. Most often the crew will access the Alpine Zone on Mt. Washington via the Mt. Washington Auto Road (weather permitting). They will learn on the trail about the Alpine Zone and how to perform trail maintenance on these mountaintop trails. Trail work may involve building cairns and scree walls above tree line - weather permitting, and brushing, installing drainages, rock steps, bog bridges and a variety of other projects. The hike and the work can be strenuous, and we’ll be out rain or shine. Some project locations require a hike to the work site of an hour or more.
There are four work days during this crew (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday). Wednesday is a day for you to explore the White Mountains on your own or with others from the crew. This crew is centrally located, based out of Camp Dodge, and provides easy access to all the White Mountains have to offer.
The crew returns each evening to Camp Dodge in time to clean up and have dinner at 6 p.m. On Friday night, there is a barbeque for all. Participants may leave Friday evening or Saturday morning– Friday night stay and Saturday morning breakfast is included in program cost.
Camp Life:
This crew is based out of AMC Camp Dodge Volunteer Center. The AMC operates this facility under a special use permit with the US Forest Service. Camp Dodge is the launching point for all of our White Mountain Volunteer Trail Crew programs.
The crew will stay in bunkhouses with bunk beds and mattresses each night of the program. Participants should bring their own sleeping bag (and pillow if you like) for the crew. Don’t forget your headlamp or flashlight; there is no electricity in the bunkhouses. Also available at Camp Dodge is a large bath house with bathroom facilities and hot showers, and a dining room and full kitchen.
The crew will still assist the Crew leaders with meal preparation, just like the backcountry crews. Cooking is always a fun part of the Volunteer Trail Crew Programs; there is quite an appetite to satisfy. After dinner the crew has time to relax, play games, and simply enjoy their surroundings.
What The Volunteers Say:
"The people were GREAT. It was wonderful to be around people with shared values: a respect for nature and a love of the outdoors. I also felt a great sense of achievement when I’d completed a project or after lifting a HUGE rock up a mountain." Rosemary (2008 Adult Mt. Washington Base Camp Participant)
"This program exceeded all of my high expectations. The people (leaders and volunteers) were great. The work was hard, but rewarding and fun. The work in the Alpine Region was breathtaking and rewarding at the same time. I will volunteer again and try to talk others into joining me." Bill (2008 Adult Mt. Washington Base Camp Participant)
"I enjoyed building cairns above treeline, and had very knowledgeable leaders." Kate (2008 Adult Mt. Washington Base Camp Participant)
2009 Dates:
July 19-24
Contribution:
$175 (AMC member)
$195 (non-member)
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View Full 2009 Schedule
