It's the premier event of our program year and, like any other activity that attracts several hundred people, it requires a host of volunteers. We need help with workshops, registration, the hiker fair, campground coordination, signs, etc., both in the months leading up to the weekend and during the weekend itself.
We always need help organizing work trips, either tied in with the Gathering or held at other times during the year. This is a great way to give back to the trail while also helping to spread the word about ALDHA. Participants are entitled to a free Work Crew patch, as seen below.
Lots of people are needed to keep tabs on services, relos and other changes that confront every year's batch of thru-hikers. Help make the Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion the premier guidebook on the A.T. Adopt a section and keep tabs on it!
The Hiker Awareness, Safety, and Trail Education Program uses ALDHA’s experience, passion, and expertise to develop and present educational programs, workshops, and information to dreamers, day hikers, section hikers, thru-hikers, and friends of the trail. Programs are to be presented to both community groups, youth organizations, and hikers at trail events.
ALDHA Care is one of our newest and most successful programs. The ALDHA Care Programwill provide assistance to low cost and donation only hostels along the Appalachian Trail. Assistance to these service providers will be made available via logistical support, organized maintenance/cleaning events, and by helping with day to day operations during the peak hiking season.
Want to share your thoughts about long-distance hiking? Consider writing an essay for publication in the newsletter, The Long Distance Hiker, accompanied by a photo that would look great in black and white. Help keep this publication fun, vibrant and inviting.
Trailangelmary is once again coordinating the ALDHA Hiker Reception at Trail Days. It starts at 11 a.m. in the Rock School in Damascus on Friday, May 15.
Photos from ALDHA events like Trail Days and the Gathering look great in color, and the website is a great place to show them off. Or consider writing something for the home page about the Gathering, a work trip or some other ALDHA-related event.
