The Program and the Work

The Berkshire Teen Trail Crew program is ideal for teens, ages 15-19, to engage in a meaningful trail project while experiencing the wonders of backcountry camping.

The AMC Volunteer Teen Trail Crew program is a cooperative effort with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the National Park Service, and AMC’s Berkshire Chapter Appalachian Trail Management Committee. Over the course of a seven-week season, the crew works on 90 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and 50+ miles of hiking trails within the Mount Greylock State Reservation. Each week begins on Sunday afternoon at our Sheffield, Massachusetts, office with orientation and trip preparation. Then it is off to the trail. You can expect to have a great time in the woods, while learning and practicing trail work and backcountry skills!

We offer two variations on the backcountry experience. Base Camp trips generally set up a camp near the van and hike to the worksites each day. Spike trips pack tools, food, and equipment into a backcountry (typically ½ to 3 miles) location where a base camp is then set up. The AMC provides meals from Sunday dinner through Friday lunch. Spike trip participants must leave room in their packs for additional items.

The work may involve clearing brush, cleaning drainage, installing water bars and bog bridges, repairing ski trails, building cairns, working on shelters, painting blazes, and other tasks. Please remember that the work will be strenuous and demanding, and that we’ll be out rain or shine. Work is not all we do, though; we’ll also take time to enjoy the views!

The crew will return to the Sheffield office on Friday morning with a packful of new knowledge and an appreciation for trail work and the natural world. Crew members will depart from our South Egremont Office.

View Full 2011 Schedule>>