The Appalachian Trail Conservancy needs volunteers to help maintain the Appalachian Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this summer.
2015 S.W.E.A.T. Crew calendar
Session 1: June 8-13 Session 2: June 18-23 Session 3: June 28-July 3 Session 4: July 8-13 Session 5: July 18-23 Session 6: July 28-Aug. 2 Session 7: Aug. 7-12 Session 8: Aug. 18 -22 For more information or to volunteer, visit www.appalachiantrail.org/crews
People 18 and older are encouraged to apply for a spot on the Smokies Wilderness Elite Appalachian Trail (S.W.E.A.T.) Crew, a mobile group that maintains trails over six-day sessions in the heart of the Smokies on remote sections that are often miles from the nearest road, according to a news release from the organization. The group’s trail specialist, Chris Binder, said summer crews are critical to maintaining the 2,185-mile trail that stretches from Maine to Georgia.
“The Appalachian Trail Conservancy encourages all hikers and Appalachian Trail supporters to get involved with a trail crew,” Binder said. “These all-volunteer crews are instrumental in completing large-scale projects along the trail.”
According to the release and the ATC’s website, the S.W.E.A.T. Crew is the most physically demanding of its six summer crew locations, and designed for experienced backpackers.
“After a challenging hike in, often up to 10 miles long while carrying a 50- to 60-pound backpack, the crew establishes the campsite they will work out of for the next five days,” the release said. “The crew repairs, reconstructs and maintains some of the most isolated and stunning sections of the AT, often working at elevations of more than 6,000 feet for the entire week.”
Despite the physical demands, the release also said that work on the S.W.E.A.T. crew provides the opportunity to “create lasting friendships.”