YOP Winter Party & Volunteer Recognition
Date: January 8
Location: AMC, Boston, MA
All YOP Leaders and volunteers are invited to come help us celebrate the holidays and a great year. We will also be thanking the many volunteers that supported the program in 2008.
NY/NJ Committee Meeting
Date: January 8
Location: New York, NY
YOP Committee meetings are open to all YOP Leaders. Please contact us at 917-364-0056 or yop@outdoors.org for details.
Workshop: Wilderness First Aid
Date: January 9-11
Location: Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ
YOP recommends all outdoor leaders have wilderness first aid training – here’s your chance to get this essential certification! Moving beyond urban first aid, you will learn the basics of wilderness medicine from preparation and prevention to assessment and treatment. Includes hands-on practice and classroom instruction. Upon completion, participants receive 16-hour Wilderness First Aid certification. May be used to re-certify a current WFR certification. Food, materials, and lodging at Mohican Outdoor Center included. $80 for YOP members and youth workers.
Workshop: Natural Connections: Welcome to Winter!
Date: January 21
Location: Boston, MA
Learn how to lead a fun day of winter activities! We will focus on ways to enjoy the outdoors in the winter and how to feel more comfortable in colder weather. Spend a day exploring the Blue Hills Reservation, learn about winter ecology, and come away with activities you can use the next day. Lunch, equipment, and instruction are included. 10 AM – 3 PM. Free
Open House
Date: January 22 (1-3 PM & 5-7 PM)
Location: New York, NY
Come learn more about YOP and all the resources we have to offer at an Open House. Find out how outdoor adventures can benefit your youth—and how YOP can help you get started! For more information or if you would be interested in having an Open House in your community or at your organization, please contact us at 917-364-0056 or yop@outdoors.org.
Workshop: Winter Exploration
Date: Jan 30 – Feb 1
Location: White Mountains, NH
Expose youth to exciting winter outdoor activities! This popular workshop focuses on the basics of backcountry snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Other topics include winter navigation, trip planning, hypothermia, group dynamics, logistics, and nutrition. We’ll explore the trails around Crawford Notch in New Hampshire by day and sleep in the heated lodge by night. If you have completed the Outdoor Leadership Training (OLT), and want access to YOP equipment year-round, this workshop is your next step. Transportation, meals, lodging, equipment, educational materials, and instruction included. Mandatory 6:30 PM pre-trip at AMC on January 27. Depart Friday morning, return Sunday evening. $65
Workshop: Winter Exploration
Date: January 30 – February 1
Location: Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ
Don’t let winter keep you inside – enjoy the season at Mohican Outdoor Center! Experience the wonders of winter and open up a wealth of new outdoor possibilities. Topics include snowshoeing, keeping warm, winter navigation, trip planning, proper clothing, hypothermia, and nutrition. Learn how to make winter activities fun and effective for youth! Explore the Delaware Water Gap by day and sleep in a heated cabin at night. If you have completed the Outdoor Leadership Training (OLT) and want access to YOP equipment year-round, this workshop is your next step. Food, lodging, equipment, educational materials, and instruction included. $60
Workshop: Winter Exploration
Date: February 6-8
Location: White Mountains, NH
Expose youth to exciting winter outdoor activities! This popular workshop focuses on the basics of backcountry snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Other topics include winter navigation, trip planning, hypothermia, group dynamics, logistics, and nutrition. We’ll explore the trails around Crawford Notch in New Hampshire by day and sleep in the heated lodge by night. If you have completed the Outdoor Leadership Training (OLT), and want access to YOP equipment year-round, this workshop is your next step. Transportation, meals, lodging, equipment, educational materials, and instruction included. Mandatory 6:30 PM pre-trip at AMC on February 3. Depart Friday morning, return Sunday evening. $65
Boston Committee Meeting
Date: February 10
Location: AMC, Boston, MA
YOP Committee meetings are open to all YOP Leaders. Please contact us at 617-391-6637 or yop@outdoors.org for details.
Open House
Date: February 12 (10 AM – 1 PM)
Location: AMC, Boston, MA
To learn more about the Youth Opportunities Program (YOP) and the exciting services we offer, please join us for an Open House at the Appalachian Mountain Club, 5 Joy Street, Boston. To RSVP or for more information please contact us at 617-391-6637 or yop@outdoors.org. Pizza will be served!
Open House
Date: February 24 (10 AM – 1 PM)
Location: New York, NY
Come learn more about YOP and all the resources we have to offer at an Open House. Find out how outdoor adventures can benefit your youth—and how YOP can help you get started! For more information or if you would be interested in having an Open House in your community or at your organization, please contact us at 917-364-0056 or yop@outdoors.org.
Volunteer Logistics Crew Meeting
Date: February 26
Location: Boston, MA
Open House
Date: March 4 (11 AM – 1 PM)
Location: Lowell, MA
Come learn more about YOP and all the resources we have to offer at an Open House. Find out how outdoor adventures can benefit your youth—and how YOP can help you get started! For more information or if you would be interested in having an Open House in your community or at your organization, please contact us at 617-391-6637 or yop@outdoors.org.
Workshop: Wilderness First Aid
Date: March 7-8
Location: Milton, MA
All outdoor leaders should have wilderness first aid training – here’s your chance to increase your confidence and get this essential certification! Move beyond urban first aid to learn the basics of wilderness medicine from preparation and prevention to assessment and treatment. Includes hands-on practice and classroom instruction. May be used to re-certify a current WFR certification. Choose from two courses: WFA Part I if you have never taken the course; WFA Part II to recertify Advanced WFA or if you have taken a WFA course within the last year. WFA Part II offers more hands-on practice with greater emphasis on leadership. Conducted in Milton, MA. Meals, equipment, resource manual, and instruction included. Rustic overnight lodging is also available at no additional cost. CPR offered Saturday evening for an additional $15. Instruction by SOLO. $80 for YOP members and youth workers.
Workshop: Advanced Wilderness First Aid
Date: March 7-8
Location: Milton, MA
All outdoor leaders should have wilderness first aid training – here’s your chance to increase your confidence and get this essential certification! Move beyond urban first aid to learn the basics of wilderness medicine from preparation and prevention to assessment and treatment. Includes hands-on practice and classroom instruction. May be used to re-certify a current WFR certification. Choose from two courses: WFA Part I if you have never taken the course; WFA Part II to recertify Advanced WFA or if you have taken a WFA course within the last year. WFA Part II offers more hands-on practice with greater emphasis on leadership. Conducted in Milton, MA. Meals, equipment, resource manual, and instruction included. Rustic overnight lodging is also available at no additional cost. CPR offered Saturday evening for an additional $15. Instruction by SOLO. $80 for YOP members and youth workers.
Open House
Date: March 18 (6 – 8 PM)
Location: AMC, Boston, MA
To learn more about the Youth Opportunities Program (YOP) and the exciting services we offer, please join us for an Open House at the Appalachian Mountain Club, 5 Joy Street, Boston. To RSVP or for more information please contact us at 617-391-6637 or yop@outdoors.org. Pizza will be served!
Workshop: Natural Connections: Nature at Night
Date: March 20
Location: Hale Reservation, Westwood, MA
Want to show your youth the wonders of the outdoors at night and help them feel more comfortable when the sun goes down? Easy-to-replicate activities will include sensory awareness, the night sky, and animal adaptations. Leave with a new bag tricks to use on your next adventure. Snacks provided. 7-10 PM. Free
Workshop: Wilderness First Aid
Date: March 20-22
Location: Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ
YOP recommends all outdoor leaders have wilderness first aid training – here’s your chance to get this essential certification! Moving beyond urban first aid, you will learn the basics of wilderness medicine from preparation and prevention to assessment and treatment. Includes hands-on practice and classroom instruction. Upon completion, participants receive 16-hour Wilderness First Aid certification. May be used to re-certify a current WFR certification. Food, materials, and lodging at Mohican Outdoor Center included. $80 for YOP members and youth workers.
Instructor Training for Boston Instructors
Date: March 28
Location: Waltham, MA
Workshop: Debriefing Tools – Add Power to your Processing
Date: April 4
Location: Beverly, MA
Ready to refine your debriefing skills? This workshop, facilitated by Project Adventure, is ideal for all YOP Leaders who want to expand their debriefing repertoire and enhance that critical time of reflection on their outdoor adventures. We’ll learn a variety of processing and debriefing techniques and how to set up metaphors in activities that will add power to your processing on and off the trail. Lunch, equipment, and instruction are included. 9 AM – 5 PM in Beverly, MA. $25
Instructor Training for Mohican Instructors
Date: April 4 – 5
Location: Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ
Workshop: Natural Connections – Offline and Outside
Date: April 8
Location: Blue Hills Reservation, MA
Gain a better understanding of the natural world and how we can help youth understand their impact on it. Get more comfortable outside in a supportive learning atmosphere. Equipment, lunch, and instruction are included. 10 AM – 3 PM in the Blue Hills Reservation. Free
Boston Committee Meeting
Date: April 15
Location: AMC, Boston, MA
YOP Committee meetings are open to all YOP Leaders. Please contact us at 617-391-6637 or yop@outdoors.org for details.
Outdoor Leadership Training – Backpacking
Date: April 23 – 26
Location: Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ
Learn how to lead youth on camping trips and day hikes! The OLT is your first step to becoming a YOP member and receiving the benefits such as free equipment loans and reduced rates at AMC destinations. Choose between the Camping OLT and the Backpacking OLT. $110
Workshop: Backpacking Leave No Trace
Date: May 8-10
Location: Catskill Mountains, NY
Review your backpacking skills while learning fun and easy methods for teaching youth about environmental awareness and low impact camping skills. Participants become official “LNT Trainers” and get the chance to visit the beautiful Catskill Mountains! Equipment, instruction, educational materials, and meals are included. Mandatory pre-trip meeting on May 5. Must be an OLT graduate and have basic backpacking skills. $60
Outdoor Leadership Training – Backpacking
Date: May 13-17
Location: White Mountains, NH
Learn how to lead youth on camping trips and day hikes! The OLT is your first step to becoming a YOP member and receiving the benefits such as free equipment loans and reduced rates at AMC destinations. Choose between the Camping OLT ($120) and the Backpacking OLT ($150).
Outdoor Leadership Training – Camping
Date: May 14 – 17
Location: Cardigan Lodge, NH
Learn how to lead youth on camping trips and day hikes! The OLT is your first step to becoming a YOP member and receiving the benefits such as free equipment loans and reduced rates at AMC destinations. Choose between the Camping OLT ($120) and the Backpacking OLT ($150).
Workshop: Wilderness First Aid
Date: May 15-17
Location: Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ
YOP recommends all outdoor leaders have wilderness first aid training – here’s your chance to get this essential certification! Moving beyond urban first aid, you will learn the basics of wilderness medicine from preparation and prevention to assessment and treatment. Includes hands-on practice and classroom instruction. Upon completion, participants receive 16-hour Wilderness First Aid certification. May be used to re-certify a current WFR certification. Food, materials, and lodging at Mohican Outdoor Center included. $80 for YOP members and youth workers.
Outdoor Leadership Training – Backpacking
Date: May 28-31
Location: Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ
Learn how to lead youth on camping trips and day hikes! The OLT is your first step to becoming a YOP member and receiving the benefits such as free equipment loans and reduced rates at AMC destinations. Choose between the Camping OLT and the Backpacking OLT. $110
Outdoor Leadership Training – Backpacking
Date: June 3-7
Location: White Mountains, NH
Learn how to lead youth on camping trips and day hikes! The OLT is your first step to becoming a YOP member and receiving the benefits such as free equipment loans and reduced rates at AMC destinations. Choose between the Camping OLT ($120) and the Backpacking OLT ($150).
Outdoor Leadership Training - Part 2
Date: June 4-7
Location: White Mountains, NH
Need a review of backpacking basics and group leadership? The OLT2 helps YOP Leaders build on their first OLT experience and renews YOP membership benefits which must be updated through training every two years. Transportation, meals, lodging, equipment, educational materials, and instruction are included. Mandatory pre-trip Saturday, May 30, 8:30 AM – 1 PM. $125
Workshop: Canoeing
Date: June 5-7
Location: Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ
Canoeing offers new and exciting ways to introduce youth to the outdoors. Join us on Mohican Outdoor Center’s 60-acre glacial lake to learn the canoe basics needed to take kids out! We’ll start by learning about canoes, equipment, and safety. Then we’ll move out onto the water to learn strokes and paddling techniques, honing our skills in the afternoon. Sunday will feature water rescues and sharpening paddling skills with canoe games and races. Meals, equipment, educational materials, and lakeside camping are included. After this course you’ll be eligible to use Mohican’s canoes! $60
Outdoor Leadership Training – Camping
Date: June 18–21
Location: Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ
Learn how to lead youth on camping trips and day hikes! The OLT is your first step to becoming a YOP member and receiving the benefits such as free equipment loans and reduced rates at AMC destinations. Choose between the Camping OLT and the Backpacking OLT. $110
Workshop: Trip Planning
Date: June 24
Location: New York, NY
Need a little help planning those summer trips? Not sure where to go or how much food to bring? Come join YOP for an evening of customized trip planning assistance. YOP staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer your questions and address any concerns for your upcoming trips. This workshop is perfect for first time leaders or those looking for some new ideas! Free
Workshop: Trip Planning
Date: June 25 (3 – 6 PM)
Location: AMC, Boston, MA
Need a little help planning those summer trips? Not sure where to go, how much food to bring, or where to go? Come join YOP for an afternoon of customized trip planning assistance. YOP staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer all your questions and address any concerns for your upcoming trips. This workshop is perfect for first time leaders or those looking for some new ideas! Join us at the AMC in Boston at 3 PM. Free
YOP Reunion
Date: June 25 (6 – 9 PM)
Location: AMC, Boston, MA
YOP Leaders and volunteers are invited to joins us for our annual barbeque.
PONKAPALOOZA
Date: June 28
Location: Blue Hills Reservation, MA
New - a great trip destination right outside of Boston! Come learn about AMC’s Ponkapoag Camp in the Blue Hills Reservation in Milton, MA. Preview the group campsite, cabins, and YOP’s new canoes! Learn about the many hiking trails! Go on a canoe ride! Site tours and trip planning sessions offered 9 AM – 4 PM. Lunch at 12 PM. Free
Workshop: Pond Canoeing
Date: June 28
Location: Blue Hills Reservation, MA
Join YOP on this NEW workshop! Learn basic paddle strokes, water safety, and fun activities for pond canoeing trips. Successful completion of this workshop will allow you to borrow YOP’s canoes, life jackets, and paddles at Ponkapoag Pond in the Blue Hills. Lunch, equipment, map, and instruction included. 9 AM – 5 PM. $25
Workshop: Map and Compass
Date: June 28
Location: Blue Hills Reservation, MA
Come spend a few hours learning about navigation and how to stay found. WE will review the basics of map reading and participate in fun activities that teach compass skills. Meet at AMC’s Camp Ponkapoag in the Blue Hills Reservation. 1 – 4 PM. Come early for a free lunch at noon! $5
Workshop: River Canoe Camping
Date: July 10-12
Location: Saco River, ME
Did you know YOP provides canoes, trailer, paddles, and life jackets free of charge? Come learn about water safety, paddle strokes, and the joys of floating down a river! Canoeing offers a great alternative to hiking. Successfully complete this workshop and gain access to YOP’s fleet of canoes and canoe trailer. Transportation, equipment, instruction, and food are included. Mandatory pre-trip meeting on July 7, 6:30 PM at AMC. Depart Friday morning, return Sunday evening. $65
Youth Adventure: Trust Activities & Initiatives
Date: July 15
Location: Central Park, New York City
Bring your group for an exciting day of team building activities and initiatives. Youth will learn the value of trust, communication, and teamwork through empowering games and problem solving. YOP will provide a hearty lunch! $3/person
Youth Adventure: Trust Activities & Initiatives
Date: July 16
Location: Branch Brook Park, Newark, NJ
Bring your group for an exciting day of team building activities and initiatives. Youth will learn the value of trust, communication, and teamwork through empowering games and problem solving. YOP will provide a hearty lunch! $3/person
Youth Adventure: Boston Harbor Island Campout
Date: July 23-24
Location: Bumpkin Island, Boston Harbor, MA
Join YOP on one of Boston’s historic Harbor Islands for two unforgettable days in a beautiful setting. This is a great chance for new trip leaders to get extra support on an overnight trip. Bring your youth while YOP provides food, games, ferry transportation, adventure, education, ghost stories and entertainment. And the Nighttime Treasure Hunt! Group size is up to 12 per agency, including two staff. At least one staff must be a YOP Leader. YOP Leaders are responsible for picking up and returning their own equipment. $10/person
Youth Adventure: Summer Campout
Date: July 23–24
Location: Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ
Escape the summer heat of the city and join us for camping, hiking, games, and a campfire cookout at Mohican Outdoor Center! YOP handles most of the planning, making it a great introductory trip for youth workers. Food, campsites, and activities included. You won’t want to miss it! $5/person
Youth Adventure: Discover the Park
Date: July 28
Location: Central Park, New York City
Did you know that Central Park makes up 6% of Manhattan and is the most visited park in the United States? Bring your group for this guided hike and discover what Central Park has to offer. YOP will provide snacks and a hearty lunch! $3/person
Youth Adventure: Yoga in the Park
Date: July 29
Location: Central Park, New York City
Yoga is a powerful activity for the mind and body. It builds self-esteem, promotes a healthy lifestyle, and provides a sense of calm. This workshop offers an introduction to Yoga for youth and youth leaders. Learn fun postures, discover helpful breathing techniques that can be applied to hiking, and experience the natural beauty of Central Park. Lunch provided. $3/person
Workshop: Backcountry Cooking
Date: July 29
Location: Boston, MA
Become a great backcountry chef! Learn new cooking techniques, discuss how to involve youth in meal planning and preparation, and leave with practical recipes to dazzle your next group! We’ll fire up the stoves for fun backcountry treats and finish the night by sampling our creations. 6 – 9 PM at AMC’s Boston office. Free
Youth Adventure: Map Awareness
Date: August 4
Location: Central Park, New York City
Navigation is a powerful tool for the backcountry, the city, and in daily life. Youth will learn basic map-reading skills, play games, and explore the beauty of Central Park. YOP will provide a hearty lunch! $3/person
Youth Adventure: Map Awareness
Date: August 5
Location: Branch Brook Park, Newark, NJ
Navigation is a powerful tool for the backcountry, the city, and in daily life. Youth will learn basic map-reading skills, play games, and explore the beauty of Central Park. YOP will provide a hearty lunch! $3/person
Youth Adventure: Summer Campout
Date: August 13-14
Location: Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ
Escape the summer heat of the city and join us for camping, hiking, games, and a campfire cookout at Mohican Outdoor Center! YOP handles most of the planning, making it a great introductory trip for youth workers. Food, campsites, and activities included. You won’t want to miss it! $3/person
Youth Adventure: First Aid for the Trail
Date: August 19
Location: Central Park, New York City
It’s never too early to start learning about first aid, both at home and on the trail. Dings and bumps will happen – now your youth can find out how to respond. Learn about the importance of preventing injuries and what to do when they occur. Recommended for ages 14 – 18. YOP will provide a hearty lunch. $3/person
Youth Adventure: Go Green
Date: August 20
Location: Central Park, New York City
Through fun games and activities we will cover the essential principles of Leave No Trace and how we can minimize our impact on the earth. Applicable for life in the city as well as the woods! Recommended for ages 12 and up. YOP will provide a hearty lunch. $3/person
Youth Adventure: Blue Hills Adventure Day
Date: August 21
Location: Blue Hills Reservation, MA
Join YOP for a day filled with fun, adventure and learning. Enjoy games, hikes, and more – all facilitated by YOP staff and volunteers. You will leave with plenty of ideas for future adventures in the Blue Hills. Lunch included. Group size is up to 12 per agency, including two staff. At least one staff must be a YOP Leader. YOP Leaders are responsible for picking up and returning equipment. $3/person
Workshop: Wilderness First Aid
Date: September 18-20
Location: Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ
YOP recommends all outdoor leaders have wilderness first aid training – here’s your chance to get this essential certification! Moving beyond urban first aid, you will learn the basics of wilderness medicine from preparation and prevention to assessment and treatment. Includes hands-on practice and classroom instruction. Upon completion, participants receive 16-hour Wilderness First Aid certification. May be used to re-certify a current WFR certification. Food, materials, and lodging at Mohican Outdoor Center included. $80 for YOP members and youth workers.
Outdoor Leadership Training – Backpacking
Date: September 24-27
Location: Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ
Learn how to lead youth on camping trips and day hikes! The OLT is your first step to becoming a YOP member and receiving the benefits such as free equipment loans and reduced rates at AMC destinations. Choose between the Camping OLT and the Backpacking OLT. $110
Workshop: Advanced Backpacking
Date: Sept. 30 – Oct. 4
Location: Adirondack Mountains, NY
Ready for a backcountry adventure? This five-day trip will launch you from a beginning backpacker into an experienced backcountry traveler. The group will be involved from the start, learning how to plan the location of the trip, determine the route, plan the menu, and all elements of an extended backpack. Mandatory pre-trip meeting. Must be an OLT graduate and have basic backpacking skills. $100
Workshop: Camping Leave No Trace
Date: September 18-20
Location: White Mountains, NH
Review your camping skills while learning fun and easy methods for teaching youth about environmental awareness and low impact camping skills. Participants become official “LNT Trainers” and enjoy the beauty of fall in the White Mountains! Transportation, equipment, instruction, educational materials, and meals are included. Mandatory pre-trip meeting on September 15, 6:30 PM at AMC. $65
Boston Committee Meeting
Date: September 16
Location: AMC, Boston, MA
YOP Committee meetings are open to all YOP Leaders. Please contact us at 617-391-6637 or yop@outdoors.org for details.
Outdoor Leadership Training – Camping
Date: September 24-27
Location: Cardigan Lodge, NH
Learn how to lead youth on camping trips and day hikes! The OLT is your first step to becoming a YOP member and receiving the benefits such as free equipment loans and reduced rates at AMC destinations. Choose between the Camping OLT ($120) and the Backpacking OLT ($150).
Workshop: Natural Connections – Offline and Outside
Date: October 7
Location: Blue Hills Reservation, MA
Gain a better understanding of the natural world and how we can help youth understand their impact on it. Get more comfortable outside in a supportive learning atmosphere. Equipment, lunch, and instruction are included. 10 AM – 3 PM in the Blue Hills Reservation. Free
Youth Adventure: Halloween Campout
Date: October 17-18
Location: Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ
Spirits come alive at Mohican! We’ll camp right next to Mohican’s beautiful glacial lake in the colorful fall foliage. Enjoy games, a hike to the Catfish Fire Tower with panoramic views, and a campfire with s’mores and storytelling! Food, campsites, and activities included. $5/person
Workshop: Advanced Backpacking
Date: October 21-25
Location: White Mountains, NH
Ready to improve your backpacking skills? This workshop concentrates on advanced technical skills, leadership styles, and group dynamics. Starting with the pre-trip meeting, participants are involved in all logistical aspects of this workshop. Once in the field, you will have a chance to teach and facilitate learning. The routes are longer than the OLT, we’ll sleep under tarps, and the weather will be a significant factor. A short written application is required for this workshop. Future intentions to lead trips, experience, and YOP involvement will be considered. Contact us to request an application today! Mandatory pre-trip meeting on Saturday, October 17, 9 AM at AMC. $125
Volunteer Retreat
Date: November 7-8
Location: Zealand Falls Hut, NH
All YOP volunteers are invited to attend this annual event at Zealand Falls Hut.
Boston Committee Meeting
Date: November 18
Location: AMC, Boston, MA
YOP Committee meetings are open to all YOP Leaders. Please contact us at 617-391-6637 or yop@outdoors.org for details.
Holiday Gathering & Volunteer Recognition
Date: December TBD
Location: New York, NY
All YOP Leaders and volunteers are invited to come help us celebrate the holidays and a great year. We will also be thanking the many volunteers that supported the program in 2008.
Equipment Repair Day
Date: December 5
Location: AMC, Boston, MA
Come by AMC and help us organize, clean, and fix gear for the new year! Stop by anytime 10 AM – 4 PM.
