Love being outside? Interested in being on a crew while working outdoors, traveling, and camping in a small tight-knit group? If this sounds appealing to you, then CWCC is the place to gain hands-on experience in the trail conservation and outdoor recreation fields. Serve as an AmeriCorps member to build and maintain Connecticut’s 825-mile Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System

Compensation: $400/week living stipend, $280/week additional benefit, Total: $680/Week

Age Requirement: 18-25+ years old (must be 18+ as of start date) 

Terms of Service:

Fall Only: Early Late August 2026 - Late October 2026 (~10 weeks total)

(300hr AmeriCorps Service Term)

Schedule

• Typical schedule is 8 (9- hour) days and 1 (8-hour) day for derig with 5 days off in between.
• Occasionally schedules may differ due to program requirements. 
• Camping overnight during spikes: tents and group camping equipment provided.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Overnight camping while working in remote regions of Connecticut.
• Cooperatively living with other members and performing joint living tasks:
• Such as cooking, cleaning, and other camp chores. 
• Create / rehabilitate new trails, and complete other trail conservation projects. 
• Contribute to tool maintenance and group gear cleaning at the end of spikes. 
• Openness to potentially work with a variety of volunteers inside and outside of CFPA. 
• Work in beautiful natural areas in Connecticut and develop an appreciation for their importance.
• Actively participate in work and at the educational opportunities presented to the group. 
• Positively represent CFPA in all interactions. 
• Perform additional duties as needed.
• Follow all CDC and State-mandated guidelines and protocols. 

Benefits

• AmeriCorps Living Allowance: $400 paid biweekly
• Additional benefit: $280 paid biweekly ($300 paid biweekly for returners)
• Food: $10 per day per person while working added to crew food budget 
• Possible student loan forbearance during service and interest payments as AmeriCorps alum
• AmeriCorps Segal Education Award (if eligible and upon successful completion of program)
• Fall only: 300 hours ($1,565.08 ED Award)

What CWCC Can Offer You

• Strong experience for a career in outdoor recreation, conservation, or land management. 
• Educational workshops in land conservation and environmental education.
• Assistance with independent study or internship credit possible.
• Communal experience living and working with others while learning about trail conservation.
• Uniform shirts, helmet, work gloves, eye pro, and other necessary safety equipment is provided.
• Tents and group camping equipment provided.
• Workers compensation (if injured during work hours).
• Transportation from CFPA Headquarters worksites.

Trainings / skills you may receive:

• Defensive driving with trailer
• Leave No Trace
• Sustainable trail design
• Hand & power tool safety / use
• Bridge building
• Rough carpentry
• Leadership skills

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Ability to work in a small, cohesive team.
• Overnight camping experience helpful but not required. 
• Ability to work independently and in a small cohesive team. Demonstrated ability to work with people of diverse race, age, gender, ability, and economic background. 
• Appreciation for the natural world, conservation and outdoor recreation. 
• Ability to hike up to five miles daily and perform work in sometimes steep and uneven terrain while carrying heavy tools and / or personal gear. 
• Willing to work outside in hot or cold weather, while being exposed to sun, rain, insects, etc. 
• Familiarity and/or desire to learn how to operate hand and power tools. 
• Dependable transportation to and from CFPA headquarters.
• A strong commitment to CFPA’s mission. 

AmeriCorps Required Qualifications

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien.
• At least 17 years of age (Please see CFPA/CWCC age requirements).
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award.
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.