filed under: volunteers
A manual for working with volunteers to build quality nonmotorized, multi-use, natural surface single-track trails
This manual was created to accompany the Crew Leader training program developed by the Ozark Trail Association (OTA). It serves as an aid to volunteer Crew Leaders working with other volunteers to build and maintain single-track natural surface trails in the Ozarks region of Missouri. This manual is designed to serve as a baseline for trail construction and maintenance and as an introduction to leading small groups of volunteers on natural surface trail construction and maintenance events.
In simplest terms, a leader is someone who has the capacity to guide, organize and motivate people to achieve a common goal. A Crew Leader is responsible for applying this skill set to constructing and maintaining recreational trails while building lasting volunteer relationships.
There are many different styles of leadership with no single style being better than the others. Volunteers building trail will be a diverse group, as will be the goals and objectives of the crew. It is the Crew Leader’s responsibility to ensure volunteers have a safe and quality experience. A person in this role not only serves as a teacher of safety, leadership and trail construction and maintenance, but also as an ambassador for the trail. It is essential that a Crew Leader promote a positive volunteer experience. This encourages volunteers to come back time and time again, feel a sense of pride and stewardship, and essentially take ownership of the trail.
Among the many tasks of a Crew Leader, these are critical: lead, teach, listen, direct activities, provide knowledge of the trail and trail building skills, and emphasize a safe and fun experience. This is not an easy role, but the effective leadership of Crew Leaders is among the top reasons why people form a lasting connection with the trail, bring their families and children to events, and help sustain the trail organization and trail throughout the years.
Published May 2013
Come explore the rugged, natural beauty of the Missouri Ozarks on the Ozark Trail.
Celebrating Women Who Care for Trails
Cathy Corlett, American Trails Director of Strategic Communications, joined Trailkeepers of Oregon's women-only trail work party to find out more about the work being done and the women who opt to spend their Sunday working on the trail, even when the weather conditions are less than ideal.
Volunteers for Outdoor Arizona Crew Leader Manual
This manual has been written to aid crew leaders working with trail work volunteers. It assumes the following priorities, in order of importance, for every volunteer trail work event: 1) Safety, 2) Enjoyment, 3) Quality product, 4) Productivity.
Colorado Trail Foundation Crew Leader Handbook
As a crew leader you represent the CTF. One of your main jobs is to convey the CTF’s thanks to the volunteers for their commitment to making and preserving The Colorado Trail as a national treasure.
Appalachian Mountain Club 2022 Outdoor Leader Handbook
Outdoor leadership skills can be developed and improved over time through a combination of self-study, formal training and experience. Leadership trainings are offered frequently by volunteers and staff of the AMC. The trainings range from a single day to a weekend. If you are looking for additional training, the AMC offers several courses each season through the Guided Outdoors program.
