Do you want to bring your youth on camping, hiking, or backpacking trips? Are you looking for fun ways to promote leadership and confidence? The Youth Opportunities Program can help you do it!
YOP has been providing the training and resources youth workers need to bring urban and at-risk youth on outdoor adventures for over 40 years — and our signature Outdoor Leadership Training is the first step to getting involved. No previous experience is required — just a desire to learn, a positive attitude, and a commitment to bring the experience back to your youth by leading trips. Through experiential learning, this exciting and intensive training will give you leadership experience, practice camping, backpacking skills, and valuable information about leading youth on outdoor adventures. Check the schedule, sign up for an Outdoor Leadership Training, and open up a world of opportunity to the youth you serve!
You'll learn effective leadership; environmental awareness; group management and dynamics; equipment use; navigation; and proper clothing and nutrition.
The OLT is designed for youth workers, teachers, camp counselors, social workers…anyone who regularly works with youth is eligible to participate in the training. Current participants include YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs, residential programs, schools, community centers, camps, religious groups, and scouting groups.
YOP Services
Remember — the OLT is just the first step! Upon successful completion of the OLT you will be able to take advantage of YOP's support services, which help make outdoor trips a reality. These include:
- Free equipment use.
- Reduced lodging rates at AMC destinations — huts, camps, and lodges.
- Trip planning assistance.
- Advanced training, including canoeing, snowshoeing, and wilderness first aid.
- Quarterly newsletter.
- Networking opportunities with other youth workers.
2008 Rates
The Outdoor Leadership Training is highly subsidized by the AMC in order to make it more affordable for youth workers to participate. Scholarships are also available. Equipment, meals, lodging, AMC guidebook and/or maps, YOP Outdoor Leadership Manual, instruction, and AMC membership are all included.
- Boston Camping, $120.
- Boston Backpacking, $150
| - Mohican Outdoor Center, $110.
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Application Process
Download an OLT application packet below (in PDF format) or contact us for more information. Early registration is strongly recommended.
Please select the appropriate application based on the location where you wish to take the Outdoor Leadership Training:
The PDF packets contain a cover letter, in-depth information, equipment list, application, medical and release forms.
YOP Services | FAQs | Outdoor Leadership Training | Schedule
