WTA Trains New Crew Leaders

You know that trails just don't build themselves, and you imagine that quality volunteer experiences don't just happen either. Concocting that perfect elixir that makes for a quality volunteer experience is always WTA's end goal and we work hard to make sure we get it just right.

This month, WTA hosted one skill-building event and co-hosted another, both of which reinforced WTA’s mantra of safety, fun and work. At WTA’s Crew Leader College, held April 9-10 in North Bend, ninety volunteers took classes that give them the skills needed to lead WTA work parties throughout the year.

WTA also participates in Trail Skills College, a multi-organization event held at Cascade Locks on the Columbia River, occurred on April 15-17. Over 170 volunteers signed up for courses hosted by WTA, PCTA, Trail Keepers of Oregon, Northwest Trails Association and other partners, while the Backcountry Horsemen put on a barbecue to support everyone’s efforts.

So what does the course load look like a trail-building college? WTA offered courses in trail analysis, new trail construction, switchbacks and climbing turns and various trail structures. Volunteers eager to find and fix the consequences of winter storms enjoyed the cross-cut saw certification.

As important as these trail techniques are, they're not the only subjects we cover. At Crew Leader College, our twenty newly minted assistant crew leaders (ACLs) also attended classes in leadership and emergency response, while our returning ACLs took the refresher versions. And since all volunteer leaders are required to maintain certifications in First Aid and CPR, we offered certification courses for those, as well.

By setting aside time in April for training, we ensure that all of our volunteers, from our first-time green hats to our most seasoned crew leaders, will enjoy quality experiences on trail.