The Appalachian Mountain Club is a provider of Leave No Trace Master Educator courses and Leave No Trace Trainer courses in partnership with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. Master Educator courses are typically five days in length and designed for people who are actively teaching others backcountry skills or providing recreation information to the public. Trainer courses are two days in length and designed to provide an in-depth orientation to LNT for those interested in developing their backcountry ethic.

Course Descriptions

Master Educator Courses
The Master Course provides participants with a comprehensive overview of Leave No Trace skills and ethics through practical application in a field-based setting. The first day takes place in a classroom and introduces the course agenda and provides in-depth information on the overall Leave No Trace program, the LNT Center for Outdoor Ethics, and the AMC’s history with LNT educational initiatives. Group and individual preparations for the field component of the course are also tended to on the first day. The remaining four days take place on a short backpacking or canoeing trip learning and applying the principles of Leave No Trace and discussing wildland ethics.

Each course is staffed with a minimum of two highly experienced outdoor professionals who are Master Educator Instructors. Leave No Trace techniques are learned through discussions and hands-on activities. Course participants will also lead a short session focused on one of the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace to practice teaching strategies in a supportive, educational environment.

Participants include a mixture of federal agency partners, educators, outdoor retailers, youth group and outing club leaders, and other individuals. Upon successful completion of the course, you will be qualified to teach Leave No Trace Trainer courses. The Leave No Trace Master Educator qualification is recognized and valued throughout the outdoor industry and by land management agencies.

Trainer Courses
The two-day Trainer course is designed to provide an introduction to Leave No Trace and its principles. This program is for individuals interested in developing and strengthening their personal outdoor ethic through discussions and activities with fellow participants and instructors. Participants are able to take lodging the night before at AMC Camp Dodge. The first day of the course starts with a classroom orientation and preparation for an overnight int he backcountry. The group will be transported to a local trail and they will hike in to their campsite for the night to practice Leave No Trace principles. The next day the group will continue learning about Leave No Trace as they hike out and return to Camp Dodge by the afternoon of the second day.

Each course is staffed with a minimum of two highly experienced outdoor professionals who are Master Educator Instructors. Leave No Trace techniques are learned through discussions and hands-on activities. Upon successful completion of the course, you will be qualified to teach Leave No Trace Awareness Workshops that are a day or less.

2012 LNT 2-Day Trainer Courses
Date	Member Rate	Non-member Rate	Location	Activity
April 13-15	$147	$169	Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ	Day-Hiking

Trainer Course tuition includes: meals, lodging the night before the course, instruction, group equipment, transportation, and curriculum materials. Participants are responsible for travel to and from the course starting location, and for lodging the night after the course if applicable. For more information and to register, please call 603-466-2721 x8128 or email amclnt@outdoors.org.
To register for the April Trainer Course at Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ please call AMC Reservations at 603-466-2727.

Additional LNT programs may be offered by an AMC Chapter near you. Search for Chapter LNT programs >>

2012 LNT Master Educator Courses
Date	Member Rate	Non-member Rate	Location	Activity
April 9-13	$629	$699	Delaware Water Gap, NJ	Backpacking
April 30-May 4	$629	$699	Berkshires, MA	Backpacking
May 14-18	$629	$699	White Mountains, NH	Backpacking
June 18-22	$629	$699	White Mountains, NH	Backpacking
July 23-27	$629	$699	White Mountains, NH	Backpacking
Sept 17-21	$629	$699	Lake Umbagog, NH	Canoeing

 

Master Educator Course tuition includes: meals, first night lodging, instruction, group equipment, transportation, curriculum materials, and a one- year membership with the Leave No Trace Center. Participants are responsible for travel to and from the course starting location, and for lodging the night before the course and the night after if applicable. To apply complete the LNT Master Educator Application Form (PDF) . Once we receive the application you will be contacted for additional registration information. For more information and to register, please call 603-466-2721 x8128 or email amclnt@outdoors.org.

Custom LNT Master Educator Courses
If you have a group of 6 to 8 individuals who are interested in being trained as LNT Master Educators contact AMC’s Leave No Trace Coordinator about creating a Custom Master Educator course at a reduced tuition rate. We would ask you to recruit participants, and to provide a meeting space, transportation, some gear and/or food, and other logistical support. AMC would provide the curriculum and instruction, LNT educational materials, and possibly some gear or food. Please contact call 603-466-2721  x8128 or email amclnt@outdoors.org for more information.

Leave No Trace Course Scholarship Applications
Partial scholarships are available through Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. Call 1-800-332-4100 or find the scholarship application on-line. To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled in an approved Leave No Trace Master Educator course prior to submitting the scholarship application.