Most of AMC’s outdoor activities are led by trained volunteer leaders. We take pride in offering an array of outdoor leadership learning opportunities so that our leaders have skills appropriate for the events they lead. We encourage our members to become trained leaders in the outdoors activities they love so they can share their favorite places and experiences with others. Most training and instruction programs are led by volunteer trainers and leaders generally follow the same path to leadership.

Path to Leadership:

The path to leadership will teach what you need to know to feel comfortable as a leader so that you can take groups on fun outdoor activities.

1. Successful Completion of an AMC Leadership Training Course

1. Chapters offer leadership training courses usually in the spring and/or fall.  Search the ActDB for ‘leadership’ to find training.

2. Any AMC Chapter leadership training course provides the fundamentals including screening participants, risk management, leadership styles, trip planning, managing a group, organizational rules, dealing with an emergency, conservation practice, etc.

3. If you take leadership training with a chapter or AMC program other than the one you intend to lead with, you will need to complete your requirements with the committee where you do intend to lead. For example, if you take leadership training in the Delaware Valley Chapter, and intend to lead in the Potomac Chapter, you will need to connect with the Potomac Chapter to take the next step.

2. Mentoring – The next step to leadership immerses you in the experience of leading a group with an experienced Leader to assess your skills and comfort level with the activity.

1. At least 2 co-leads with certified AMC leaders for the activity area you intend to lead. For one of these co-leads you would act as the leader

2. The ultimate assignment of Leader status for any AMC volunteer activity rests with the volunteer unit (chapter, committee, etc.) with whom you intend to lead.

3. Additional Training

1. For activities where specific hard skills are needed such as paddling, skiing, winter backpacking, or climbing, leaders will need to demonstrate their proficiency with those skills.

2. Basic Red Cross First Aid/CPR is required for some activities.  Wilderness First Aid is required for others.

3. If you need additional training AMC volunteers can help.

4. Additional Requirements

1. All leaders must be age 18 or older

2. All leaders must be members of the AMC to be covered by our liability insurance policy.