Already have a group of people and looking for a way to volunteer for trails? We can help design a Custom Crew that will meet the needs and expectations of your group. Please take a look at the following outline to help get your Custom Crew started.
Primary Contact: Alex DeLucia, AMC’S North Country Trails Volunteer Coordinator, (603) 466-2721 x 192 or adelucia@outdoors.org
Minimum Notice: 3 months*. Projects must be discussed and confirmed at least one month before desired dates.
* Depending upon the extent of the project, some may require more preparation time.
Project Goals: What are your goals for the project? Does your group need to fulfill Community Service requirements? Do you have an area or specific AMC trail in mind?
Scheduling Your Project: Do you have an established itinerary? We will work with you to match the needs of the group with current trail needs as well as staff and lodging availability.
Group Size - Back Country: Maximum: 10. This number includes everyone in the group — all chaperones, parents, peer leaders, etc. with the group. Depending on the level of coordination necessary for your custom crew, we may also establish a minimum group size. A backcountry group can meet the AMC staff leader at a trailhead of a project, a roadside campground, or at AMC Camp Dodge Volunteer Center.
Group Size - Front Country / Camp Dodge: Maximum: This number is flexible and is dependent upon age of participants, amount of supervision, and type of project work. Depending on the level of coordination necessary for your custom crew, we may also establish a minimum group size. These crews will base operations out of Camp Dodge Volunteer Center and conduct day trips out of that facility.
Costs: Groups are responsible for all of their own costs associated with the project (food, backcountry gear, backcountry shelter, lodging). There is also a fee for AMC staff leadership, tools, and safety equipment. The leader(s) will provide their own food and personal gear. A full list of associated costs will be provided during the coordination of the project.
Campsites (Backcountry): Groups are required to supply their own tents, sleeping bags, etc. Groups of 10 or less can utilize backcountry campsites throughout the White Mountains. Some are free and some are $8.00 per person, per night. There are no reservations for campsites, but the groups should use the online AMC Group Notification System or by calling (603) 466-2721 x220.
Huts (Backcountry): All Custom Crews are responsible for reserving and paying for their stay at the huts. No discounts are available (except for the standard AMC Member Discount). Once the project is confirmed, the group is responsible for making their own reservations. Contact AMC Reservations at (603) 466-2727.
Camp Dodge (Front Country): All Custom Crews are responsible for a minimal payment for their stay. At Camp Dodge, you have a choice of tenting (using your own gear) in the field, or staying in our bunkhouses. You also have the ability to use the full-service kitchen, bathhouse, and showers.
Food: All Custom Crews will bring and cook food for their group — back country or front country). All AMC staff will be self-sustaining (food and shelter) while working with Custom Crews in the back country. If staying at Camp Dodge, we would be able to provide all meals for the Custom Crew for an additional cost.
Finalize The Project: Once the group has assured their commitment, further communication and finalization of the specific project, meeting places, time frame, and leadership will be confirmed by Ali Kosiba, AMC Camp Dodge Projects Coordinator, (603) 466-2721 x166 or volprojects@outdoors.org.
Registration: Once the project is finalized, we will send you a registration packet that contains information to help you be fully prepared for your trails project. The registration packet will also contain registration information that must be returned before the start of the program. Confirmation of your project will be sent upon receipt of all paperwork.
Supervision: Your group leaders are responsible for the supervision of the group at all times. AMC staff are responsible for trail project coordination, teaching of trail work skills, and maintaining safety at the project site.
Other Trail Work Opportunities: See our Full 2008 Schedule for a variety of day, weekend, week-long, and multiple-week trail project opportunities!
