Love being outside? Interested in helping lead 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, $310/week additional benefit, Total: $710/Week
Age Requirement: 18-25+ years old (Preferably be 21+ as of start date, Must be 21+ by August)
Terms of Service: Summer - Fall: Mid May 2026 - Late October 2026 (~24 weeks total)
(900hr 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

• Assist the Crew Leader with team building, crew coordination and project logistics.
• Spearhead meal planning / meal preparations / food inventory/ camp chore chart.
• Contribute to a safe, fun, and inclusive atmosphere at the servesite and at camp.
• Camp overnight with the crew and encourage and support members.
• Capture and upload digital photos of project progress, camp life and volunteer engagement.
• Positively represent CFPA in all interactions.
• Be able to take on the responsibilities of the Trail Crew Leader for the 2026 Fall Season.
•  This will be accompanied with a promotion and pay increase.
• This promotion will be at the discretion of CWCC/ CFPA staff.
• Perform additional duties as needed.
• Follow all CDC and State-mandated guidelines and protocols.

Benefits

• AmeriCorps Living Allowance: $400 paid biweekly.
• Additional benefit: $310 paid biweekly.
• Food: $10 per day per person while serving (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).
• Summer & Fall: 900 hours ($3,679.50 ED Award)

What CWCC Can Offer You

• Strong experience for a career in outdoor recreation, conservation, or land management.
• Assistance with independent study or internship credit possible.
• Educational workshops in land conservation and environmental education.
• Uniform shirts, helmet, work gloves, eye protection, and other necessary safety equipment is provided.
• Tents and group camping equipment provided.
• Workers compensation (if injured during serve hours).
• Transportation from CFPA Headquarters service sites.
• Trainings / skills you may receive:
  ○ Wilderness First Aid
  ○ 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

• Experience serving in an outdoor setting and camping experience.
• Ability to maintain productivity independently and in a small cohesive team.
• Demonstrated leadership ability with people of diverse race, age, gender, ability, and economic background.
• Strong interpersonal skills to ensure a fun, safe and quality crew experience.
• Demonstrated skills in trail maintenance and construction.
• Ability to remain calm and manage emergency situations.
• 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.
• Valid driver’s license and 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.