Leader Policy

Policy Definitions

The following terms are defined below for this policy.

Backpack:
A "backpack" trip is defined as having one or more overnight stays in a "wilderness area."
Day Hike:
A "day hike" is a trip in a "wilderness area" with no overnight stay.
Tree line:
"Treeline" is defined as the area on a mountain where the trees are less than eight feet tall. (Source: page 146 of the AMC White Mountain Guide - 26th edition).
Trip:
A "trip" is defined as an outdoor activity (hiking, kayaking, rollerblading, biking, etc.) that is publicly advertised to AMC members through AMC trip listings or at AMC events by AMC leaders.
Three season:
A "three season" trip is defined as one that does not take place in the "winter" (please see winter definition).
Wilderness area:
A "wilderness area" is any area that is located more than one mile or one hour away from rescue services.
Wilderness First Aid:
"Wilderness First Aid" (WFA) is training in emergency medicine recognized by the Wilderness Medical Society (or other official body such as the U.S. D.O.T.). Alternatively, relevant emergency medical training of more than 16 hours (e.g., a EMT license) can be substituted in place of WFA.
Winter:
"Winter" is defined as the time period between November 1st and March 31st (both dates included).

TRIP POSTING DISCLAIMER:

All trips posted by YM Leaders (either Three or Four Season) are subject to review and approval by the LRC. A YM Leader's skill set must be compatible with the types of trips being led. At the LRC's discretion, a YM Leader may be asked to provide evidence of their expertise as it pertains to the type of trip being proposed prior to approval. Trips may be denied or approved.

Social Events

Description

Organizes and/or hosts social gatherings and walks in urban areas (e.g., downtown Boston or the Arnold Arboretum).

Requirements

  • Active AMC Membership
  • AMC Leadership Training or commensurate experience (as approved by LRC)
  • YM Leader status or approval of the YM Steering Committee for the Social Coordinator volunteer position

Co-Leader (CL)

Description

Co-leads trips to wilderness areas with qualified AMC YM leader.

Requirements

  • Active AMC Membership
  • AMC Leadership Training or commensurate experience (as approved by LRC)

Three Season Leader

Description

A Young Members (YM) Three Season Leader coordinates, organizes, and leads trips to wilderness areas, touring centers, resort areas, and outfitter sponsored events during the period April 1 - Dec 1 of any calendar year. Such trips may include hiking, backpacking, and bicycle trips. YM Three Season Leaders are permitted to lead trips within the I-495 corridor year-round. YM Three Season Leaders may also lead day and overnight trips to alpine ski areas and cross-country ski touring centers year round.

Note: Some trips outside the I-495 corridor may be approved at the discretion of the LRC.

Requirements

It is suggested that applicants for YM Three Season Leader co-lead a minimum of three hiking or backpacking trips. The types of trips co-led should be consistent with the future planned activities of the aspiring Leader. For instance, future Leaders interested in running above tree-line wilderness hikes should co-lead hikes of equivalent difficulty. We suggest that Co-leaders screen the trips that they co-lead.

In addition:

  1. The applicant's AMC membership must be in good standing.
  2. The applicant must have taken Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification or its equivalent at one point (as approved by LRC). See the WFA page for more information.

Four Season Leader

Description

A Young Members (YM) Four Season Leader coordinates, organizes, and leads trips to wilderness areas, touring centers, resort areas, and outfitter sponsored events at any time of the calendar year. Such trips may include hiking and backpacking trips, backcountry ski trips, and bicycle trips.

Requirements

Applicants for YM Four Season Leader must co-lead a minimum of three hiking, backpacking, or back-country ski trips during calendar winter. In the Northeastern United States and Canada, calendar winter typically encompasses the period December 21st through March 20th. The trips must meet the following minimum criteria:

  1. All trips must occur in a wilderness area.
  2. At least one of the trips must ascend above treeline. For Example, areas in the White Mountains above treeline generally encompass the Franconia Ridge from Mount Lafayette to Little Haystack, The Presidential Ridge from Mount Madison to Mount Pierce, the section of ridge between Mount Guyot and Bondcliff in the Pemigewasset Wilderness, and the summit area of Mount Moosilauke. Other areas in New England may be considered above treeline at the discretion of the Leadership Review Committee (LRC).
  3. At least two of the qualifying trips must be screened by the applicant.
  4. A maximum of one qualifying hiking or backpacking trip may be co-led with a Hiking/Backpacking (HB) Committee Leader or one backcountry ski trip with a Ski Committee Leader.

In addition, the following apply:

  1. The applicant's AMC membership must be in good standing.
  2. The applicant must have taken Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification or its equivalent at one point (as approved by LRC). See the WFA page for more information.
  3. The applicant should submit three recommendations to the LRC Chair from the leaders with whom they co-led the qualifying winter trips. At least two of these leaders should be YM Four Season Leaders. In the case where the applicant has co- led two trips with the same leader only two recommendations are necessary.

Important !

Please remember that the Young Members committee wants you to become the type of leader that you want to put the work into. This is a give and take relationship that results in policy changes (hopefully improvements) based on the needs of the committee as understood by the steering committee. If there are special issues or needs that aren't being met please strongly consider attending a steering committee meeting so that these issues and needs can be heard. Meeting Dates