AMCBerkshire.OrgThe Western Massachusetts chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club

The files listed below may be useful to trip leaders.

A child under age 18 may participate in any chapter trip if the following three conditions are met:

• The trip leader’s prior consent is obtained;
• The minor is accompanied on the trip by an adult who agrees take responsibility for him or her; and
• The minor’s parent or legal guardian signs for the minor on the liability release form that all trip participants must sign.

We do have some requirements trip leaders must fulfill (PDF), in order to make sure that leaders are qualified and prepared for possible problems. These requirements are pretty flexible and reasonable, however. We’ll do a lot to help you meet them and get any training you might need or want.

Our volunteer leaders are the lifeblood of the chapter. (We’re including leaders of hiking/paddling/climbing/etc. trips, trail maintenance work parties, social events, and all the other things we do when we say this.) If you’re an active leader, well, thanks! If you’re not, please consider becoming one and sharing your skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm with others.