American Hiking Society

Online Crew Leader Training

Virtual Training

Webinar Crew Management Program Administration

The Crew Leader Training Program is a self-guided online course developed by American Hiking Society, designed to train new and experienced volunteer trail crew leaders in the fundamentals of leading trail service projects. This training specifically focuses on equipping trail crew leaders with the skills and experience to create a safe, welcoming and encouraging experience for volunteers of all backgrounds and skill levels, and covers both front and back country projects for 1-7+ days in length.

This course draws on over 50 years of experience organizing and leading Volunteer Vacations on public lands across the U.S. This training is now available to individuals, and organizations outside AHS who want to bring professional-level structure, inclusion and safety to their volunteer trail maintenance and building projects.

Whether you're a trail crew volunteer, experienced trail crew leader, or just passionate about engaging volunteers in trail stewardship, this training helps you lead with confidence and make a difference in including everybody in trail building and maintenance.

Designed specifically for those that volunteer or work with trail organizations, nonprofits, land managers, and outdoor programs, this self-paced, online training equips your staff and volunteers with the tools they need to lead safe, inclusive, and efficient trail service projects. The full program includes:
-One-of-a-kind facilitation training centered on building respect, belonging, and positive group dynamics in outdoor spaces
-Structured training modules via Google Classroom, including leadership lessons, safety protocols, and logistics
-Downloadable slide decks, quizzes, and reference materials for internal use or group training
-Meal planning resources with guides, recipes, and gear lists tailored for trail crews
-Equipment checklists for camping, backcountry, and indoor accommodations
-Templates for group communication, community agreements, and Indigenous land acknowledgements

Location

This is a virtual training. See the event website for more details.

Trail Competencies

Crew Management
• Crew Recruitment
• Crew Training
• Crew Management

Program Administration
• Communications
• Education and Public Outreach

Relevant Trail Types

Upcoming Event

Training Dates

Starts	August 15, 2025 10:11 AM
Ends	December 31 10:00 AM

This event takes place in Pacific Daylight Time.

See more time zones >

01:11 PM Eastern Daylight Time
12:11 PM Central Daylight Time
11:11 AM Mountain Daylight Time
10:11 AM Mountain Standard Time
10:11 AM Pacific Daylight Time
09:11 AM Alaska Daylight Time
08:11 AM Hawaii-Aleutian Daylight Time
07:11 AM Hawaii Standard Time

Registration