Trail Crews and other volunteer opportunities
Trail crews provide a great opportunity for doing volunteer work on the A.T. if you don't live close by. There are six crews that do work on every part of the A.T., with base camps in TN, Virginia, PA, Vermont, and Maine.
You not only get the satisfaction of giving back and the opportunity to make a piece of the A.T. your home a week, but you often learn trail-building or rehab skills you can take back to your local area. And you earn a really cool, prestigious t-shirt you can wear with great pride!
(This is not directed at CookerHiker, who I know has already paid his dues :-))
Thru-hikers (because they are strong and tough) are especially welcome on Trail crews, and are particularly sought after for the S.W.E.A.T. crew in the Smokies (which requires a big climb with heavy tools before the work even start).
For volunteer opportunities of all types, check out our new on-line searchable database at http://www.appalachiantrail.org/volunteer (click on "SEARCH for volunteer opportunities on the A.T.") Volunteering on the A.T. is not all about heavy tools and muscle power. Some jobs require brain power, computer skills, people skills, or an interest in science--whatever your interests, there's probably something for you to do.
Laurie P.
ATC