Becoming a Leader

All new leaders begin by completing Outdoor Leader Fundamentals, AMC’s required online leadership training. This self-paced course introduces the core responsibilities of leading AMC activities.

• Group management and decision-making
• Safety, risk awareness, and leader responsibility
• AMC expectations, policies, and code of conduct
• Creating a welcoming and inclusive experience

After completing the online training, you’ll work with the AMC volunteer committee that supports the type of activity you want to lead, such as hiking, paddling, bicycling, or mountaineering.

• Orientation to how trips are planned and led
• Activity-specific guidance and training
• An assessment of your experience and readiness to begin leading trips

Before leading trips on your own, you’ll gain experience by assisting or co-leading trips with experienced AMC leaders.

• Practice leadership skills in real conditions
• Learn how AMC trips are run
• Receive feedback and guidance from experienced leaders
• Gradually take on more responsibility

Hiking leaders work with the Hiking Committee to learn how AMC hiking trips are planned, described, and led. As part of this process, prospective hiking leaders participate in training that uses role-play and scenario-based practice to explore common leadership situations, decision-making, and group management challenges.

• Level 1 Hiking Leaders may lead Level 1–2 hikes
• Level 2 Hiking Leaders may lead Level 3–4 hikes
• Level 3 Hiking Leaders may lead Level 5–6 hikes

New hiking leaders start at a level that reflects their prior hiking experience, leadership background, skills, and judgment, as determined by the Hiking Committee.

If you're interested in hiking leadership or have questions, please contact Mike April (Hiking Committee Chair) at hiking@amc-wma.org.

Bicycling leaders in the Western MA Chapter work with the Bicycling Committee to plan and lead group rides safely and effectively. Local preparation emphasizes route planning, communication, and managing groups of riders with varying abilities.

In Western MA, new bicycling leaders typically begin at Level 2, which allows them to lead day rides. The Bicycling Committee works with prospective leaders to assess experience and determine appropriate approval.

Leaders may advance to Level 3 after gaining experience leading rides. Leaders who wish to lead overnight bicycling trips must first co-lead an overnight trip before leading one independently.

Volunteers with prior bicycling leadership experience — such as leaders from other AMC chapters or organized cycling groups — are encouraged to contact the Bicycling Committee Chair to discuss appropriate placement.

If you're interested in bicycling leadership or have questions, please contact Robyn Maislin (Bicycling Committee Chair) at bicycling@amc-wma.org.

Paddling leaders in the Western MA Chapter work with the Paddling Committee to plan and lead trips on freshwater ponds, lakes, and rivers. These trips include flatwater, swiftwater, and whitewater venues and generally include both kayaks and canoes. Expectations and requirements may vary depending on the type of paddling environment involved.

Paddling leaders are expected to have paddling skills meeting or exceeding the difficulty level of their proposed trips. In addition, they are expected to be proficient in assisting others on the water and performing rescues of swimmers, boats, and gear - we provide opportunities to perfect and practice these skills. Because conditions on the water can change quickly, paddling leadership emphasizes careful planning, conservative decision-making, communication, and active group management. Leaders are expected to assess weather, wind, water temperature, current, and hazards, and to adjust plans as conditions change.

The Paddling Committee works with prospective leaders to determine appropriate approval based on skills, prior experience, judgement, and comfort managing groups on the water. Paddling leaders will be certified as either flatwater or whitewater leaders. Paddling leaders continue to work closely with the committee and the broader chapter community for guidance, skill development, and support.

If you're interested in paddling leadership or have questions, please contact Deb Weisenstein and Bonna Wieler (Paddling Committee Co-Chairs) at paddling@amc-wma.org.

Mountaineering leadership includes more technical and strenuous activities. Leaders work closely with the Mountaineering Committee to develop advanced, activity-specific skills and experience appropriate to the trips they wish to lead.

If you're interested in mountaineering leadership or have questions, please contact Chris Neil (Mountaineering Committee Chair) at mountaineering@amc-wma.org.