About The Crew:
This program is designed for 20- to 30-somethings interested in meeting and working with other folks their same age to give back to the trails. New this year, this crew is an alpine program, taking you to the Northeast’s highest peaks and also to some of the most heavily impacted trails in the Northeast. This program provides a unique opportunity to learn about alpine regions and do trail work unique to this ecosystem and environment, and be a proactive part of their stewardship.
You will have the opportunity to meet some amazing people, and do some incredible work on the trails. The week will begin on Sunday evening with dinner and an orientation with Camp Dodge leaders. On Monday the crew will head out for a day trip to a work project nearby and return for another night at Camp Dodge.
On Tuesday the crew will pack into Hermit Lake Shelters, or other basecamp location on a near by alpine peak, with their crew leaders for the next three nights. Packs usually weigh 40 to 60 pounds. Be prepared for what is sometimes called “the worst weather in the world,” even in the summer season, while working in the alpine zone. Projects may include building cairns and scree walls, weather permitting, as well as installing drainage, rock steps, bog bridges, or a variety of other activities. Please remember that the hike and the work will be strenuous and demanding, and that we’ll be out rain or shine.
The crew will return on Friday to Camp Dodge in time to clean up and join the Friday night barbeque at 6 p.m. Participants may leave Friday evening or Saturday morning– Friday night stay and Saturday morning breakfast is included in program cost.
Camp Life:
The week begins at AMC Camp Dodge Volunteer Center where there are bunkhouses, bathroom facilities, hot showers, and a full kitchen / dining room. The rest of the week will be based out of Hermit Lake Shelters at the base of Tuckerman Ravine. At Hermit Lake the crew will all be in one shelter with an available bathroom near by. With a roof over their head and picnic tables for mealtime, it is a great place to return after a day up on the Alpine ridges. While the accommodations for this crew are less rustic than backcountry living, participants should note that there will be a considerable amount of hiking.
Each morning the crew gets up and helps prepare breakfast. Our crews are contacted each morning by handheld radio to check in to see if any additional food or tools are needed. After breakfast the crew takes what they need for the day, including water, rain gear, lunch, tools and safety gear, and heads to the project site. The hike each day could be a few tenths of a mile from camp to a strenuous two and a half miles from camp.
These crews are not all work; there are plenty of opportunities to hike, see the views, eat great food, and more. The crew all works together to help prepare delicious meals to satisfy the Trail Worker appetite. After dinner is a great time to unwind and relax in the beautiful alpine region. Crews play games, tell stories, discusses conservation and environmental ethics, but most of all they just kick back and enjoy the evening and company. The memories of a beautiful day up on the alpine summits is not easily forgotten.
What The Volunteers Say:
"I loved hiking and getting a stone to set for the first time! Volunteering with the AMC was a great way to experience the woods and the White Mountains." Sara (2008 Young Members Crew Participant)
"Lots of hard work, mud, laughs, and good times." Matthew (2008 Young Members Crew Participant)
"This is my first Crew… hopefully of many." Sarah (2008 Young Members Crew Participant)
2009 Dates:
August 9 - 14
Contribution:
$175 (AMC members)
$195 (non-member)
Register Today!
View Full 2009 Schedule
