About The Crew:
Berkshire Teen Trail Crew’s one week Spike Crew is your chance to live and work in the woods for a week. Crew members, teens 15-19, get to engage in the physical and mental challenges of trail work, working either on some of Massachusetts’ 90 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail or on the 50 miles of trail on Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts’ highest peak. In a busy world, you will find the simple “put the rock in the hole” mentality refreshing. Leave behind distraction for a week to connect with and be a part of a tight knit team of teens with similar interests.
Indeed, most participants cite the people in the group as the most enjoyable part of the experience, closely followed by the satisfaction of the work. Teens find Berkshire Teen Trail Crew is one of the few places that a group of total strangers can become like family within the short span of a week.” All members of the crew contribute to camp chores and work duties equally, developing a close rapport quickly working side by side. Throughout the day the inside jokes fly and the laughter will keep the spirits up even through the toughest rainy days (of which we get our share!)
The work is satisfying because it is challenging and strenuous. You should be prepared to shoulder a 50+ pound pack for a few miles for the pack in. And during the week we will be rolling rocks, swinging tools, and working hard.You don’t need to be a lumberjack or even have a lot of experience in the woods; you just need to have the right attitude and a good understanding of what the crew is about. Don’t hesitate to call if you have any questions.
Camp Life:
It is certainly not all work though. Your crew will take plenty of time to play cards, toss Frisbee, take hikes and maybe even swim if there is a good place close by. The food is abundant and delicious. Crew members all get their turn cooking quesadillas, pasta feasts, and other backcountry delicacies.All of the food for the week is included in the cost, as are tents and other camping equipment. The cost also provides for two AMC crew leaders, typically college upper-classmen with ample outdoor and youth leadership experience.
It is a great experience, and a chance to get 40 community service hours (or more if you do multiple weeks!).Crews start on Sunday with a shakedown and orientation at our beautiful home base in South Egremont and then depart for the worksite in the afternoon. Sunday night they set up camp, where they stay through Thursday night. Friday at noon they are ready to be picked up.
So what are you waiting for? Crews fill quickly so register today to “get out, get dirty, and give back!”
Been there, done that, said this:
"I was a bit uncertain what the work would entail but it is interesting to see how placing large stones in the middle of the trail is helpful. I’m very glad to have worked on a 2-week crew- the food is very good and balances the work well. I highly suggest trail crew to anyone who likes fun, work, food, and inside jokes." Tyler
"I was quite unsure of what AMC trail work was. The work was manual and hard, but it felt good to see what we managed to accomplish. The friends you keep you entertained and there was laughing no matter what. The AMC Leaders are awesome and hard workers. It was a great experience and I will not forget it." Allyson
The most enjoyable part for me was feeling like a lumberjack." Theo
2009 Dates:
June 28 - July 3
July 5-10
July 12-17
August 2-7
August 24-29
Contribution:
$170 (AMC members)
$190 (non-members)
For More Information:
Matt Moore
AMC Regional Trails Coordinator
mjmoore@outdoors.org
Phone: 413-528-8003
Fax (call ahead): 413-528-8003
Register Today!
View The Full 2009 Schedule
