Program Guidelines
We provide these guidelines to help you better understand, prepare for, and enjoy your volunteer trail crew experience.

Registration Information

Teen Volunteer Trail Crews & Adult Volunteer Vacations
All one to four week teen and adult Volunteer Trail Crew program participants can mail or fax the Initial Registration Form to the appropriate location based on the crew of choice. Once we receive your Initial Registration we follow up with a full program packet with detailed program information, equipment lists, travel information, forms, and waivers specific to your crew.

Berkshire Programs:

AMC Southern New England Regional Trails Office
P.O. Box 131, South Egremont, MA 01258  
Phone: 413-528-8003   Fax (call ahead): 413-528-8003

All Other Programs:

AMC North Country Trails Volunteer Programs
P.O. Box 298, Gorham, NH 03581  
Phone: 603-466-2721 x8128   Fax: 603-466-2822

Weekend Work Parties & Adopter Skill Sessions
The contact group and registration information is different for each program based on the location of the program. Please view the full Work Party & Skill Session Schedule >>

Food, Tools, and Equipment
These are provided for all week-long volunteer crews and for other programs as noted. The AMC also provides first-aid supplies, group cooking gear, and some equipment for week-long crews and other programs. Please bring your own sleeping bag, backpack, work gloves, and sturdy, all-leather hiking boots.

Travel and Expenses
You must provide and pay for your own travel to and from the rendezvous point. All travel costs, program fees, and incidental expenses incurred on these public-service projects are considered charitable contributions and are tax-deductible if you itemize.

Transportation and Rendezvous
Participants should arrive by early evening on the first date listed for the crew, and should expect to leave the woods on the last date listed. Volunteers will often share a final meal back at base camp after packing out of the woods and cleaning up. Volunteers are free to leave after this, or they may stay the night and depart early the following morning. You will be given specific locations and times for each crew after we receive your Initial Registration. Please try not to arrive earlier than instructed for your particular crew.

Cancellations and Refunds

• Reservations canceled more than 30 days in advance will receive a full refund of the program fee.
• Reservation canceled 29-15 days in advance will receive a 50% refund of the program fee.
  
• Reservations canceled fewer than 15 days in advance will forfeit the full program fee.
  
• Fees will be refunded in full to applicants who are not accepted because of space limitations, or if the AMC must cancel a scheduled activity
  

Participant Age
For week-long trail crews, the minimum age is 15. Teen crews, unless otherwise noted, are a mix of male and female volunteers with an age range of 15- 18. Adult crews, unless otherwise noted range in age form 18-70+. Minimum age for Maine crews is 18. Safely participating in trail work opportunities involves inherent risks and other associated risks. The programs listed here vary in several respects: Some take place very near roads and others take place in wilderness settings where participants may experience delays or difficulties with evacuation and transportation to medical care. Some short programs are led by AMC staff, and others are led by AMC volunteers who may not be paid professional guides or leaders. All participants are expected to share in the responsibility for their own safety and the safety of the group.

Weather
Our crews work on the trails regardless of weather conditions. Please come prepared to work rain or shine. After you have signed up for a program, you will be sent a list of gear, detailing all necessary personal items to bring for safe, wet-weather work.

Contact Information
If you have further questions, call the phone number for your program as noted on the
Teen Volunteer Trail Crews & Adult Volunteer Vacations schedule and Work Party & Skill Session schedule, or contact:

Berkshire Programs

AMC Southern New England Regional Trails Office
P.O. Box 131, South Egremont, MA 01258  
Phone: 413-528-8003   Fax (call ahead): 413-528-8003

All Other Programs

AMC North Country Trails Volunteer Programs
P.O. Box 298, Gorham, NH 03581  
Phone: 603-466-2721 x8128   Fax: 603-466-2822

 

 Trail Opportunities Overview | Types of Crews  | Volunteer Vacations | Work Parties | Skills Series | Schedule | Locations | Program Guidelines | FAQs | Registration (PDF)