AMC's Mountain Leadership School for Day Hike Leaders (MLS) is a four-day experiential outdoor leadership training program that trains participants to lead high quality, safety-focused excursions with minimal impact on the backcountry. Drawing on backcountry curriculum refined over the last 6 decades, this program is staffed by senior AMC volunteers who have a wide variety of backcountry knowledge and experience. This session focuses on the needs of those outdoor leaders who primarily lead day hikes. The day hike excursions range from 5-12 miles per day and cover challenging terrain in the White Mountains. Each evening the group returns to the comfort of the Shapleigh Bunk House at the Highland Center in Crawford Notch to enjoy a hearty dinner at the Highland Center. The program continues into the evening to cover leadership topics and debrief the day’s key events.

MLS for Day Hike Leaders is designed for:

• AMC chapter day hike leaders
• School teachers
• Outing Club leaders
• Avid hikers who lead groups of friends.

Program Details

MLS offers a rigorous opportunity to learn about and practice wilderness leadership, so participants must be in good physical condition. Although the group returns to the comfort of the Shapleigh Bunk House at the Highland Center in Crawford Notch each evening, much of the day will be spent in the White Mountain National Forest traveling moderate distances with well equipped 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:

• Group dynamics and management
• Trip planning
• Accident prevention and emergency scene management
• Emergency bivouac skills
• Time management
• Low-impact backcountry travel
• Clothing and equipment
• Navigation

Intensive participation and interaction with the group are expected of every student. You are expected to arrive fully prepared by having read the student manual. 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 addition, each participant should be prepared to share knowledge and experience through peer teaching. In the process, you are likely to develop life-long friendships.

Additional details, including how to prepare, and what to bring, will be sent to participants after enrollment. If you have questions prior to enrollment, please contact leadership@outdoors.org


2012 MLS for Day Hike Leaders Schedule

Program	Location	Dates	Rates (Member/Non-Member)
Mountain Leadership School for Day Hike Leaders	Highland Center	August 9 - 12	$345/$379

For more information, please email leadership@outdoors.org. To register, call our reservations department at 603-466-2727.