Mountain Leadership School (MLS) is a five-day wilderness leadership training program designed to help you lead groups with minimal impact in the backcountry. Now in its 50th year, this program within the new Leadership Training Institute is staffed by senior AMC volunteers who have a wide variety of backcountry knowledge and experience.
MLS is designed for:
- AMC chapter leaders.
- Camp counselors.
- Youth group leaders.
- Avid hikers who lead groups of friends.
MLS offers a rigorous opportunity to learn about and practice wilderness leadership, so participants must be in good physical condition. The program includes a four-day backpacking adventure — traveling long miles with heavy packs over some of the roughest terrain in the East.
You will discover and develop your own leadership style and learn new skills and ideas in areas such as:
- Trip planning.
- Navigation.
- Time management.
- Clothing and equipment.
- Group dynamics and management.
- Accident prevention and emergency scene management.
- Low-impact camp-craft and backcountry travel.
Intensive participation and interaction with the group are expected of every student. You will take turns leading your group through the mountains in a series of adventures and scenarios designed to develop and test your leadership skills. In the process, you are likely to develop life-long friendships.
MLS will be offered two times during 2008. MLS will begin with a day of instruction at the MLS Base Camp — the Highland Center. After a night at the Highland Center each group begins its four-day camping adventure.
Prior to enrolling in MLS, taking a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course is highly recommended. A well-trained leader should be able to prevent backcountry emergencies and care for patients in remote settings. A hands-on WFA class takes place the Monday and Tuesday before each MLS session and will be taught by SOLO. The course includes a mock rescue and certification upon successful completion.
Rates
The MLS fee* for AMC members is $343 ($381 for nonmembers) and includes:
- Instruction.
- A comprehensive leadership reference manual.
- Meals from Wednesday lunch through Sunday breakfast (excluding trail lunches).
- Lodging.
The fee for the MLS/WFA package is $559 for AMC members ($634 for nonmembers), including three nights of lodging and some meals.
Applying for MLS Registration is open for MLS 2008! To register for MLS programs at the AMC's Highland Center, please call 603-466-2727. For questions or further information, call 603-278-4453, ext. 2010, or email leadership@outdoors.org.
MLS Overview | Be Prepared for MLS | FAQs
