BOOTCrew

Get waaaayyy out there this summer with a SAWS Backcountry Overnight Operations Team (BOOT Crew) working on rugged wilderness trails. Our crews experience stunning sunrises, back-breaking work, huge laughs and memories that you will carry for the rest of your life. Intrigued? Read on……

The BOOT Crew program lasts eight weeks and begins on June 3rd. You can join us for a week, a weekend or you can stay all summer. We have projects of varying lengths in different wilderness areas; something sure to fit your schedule!

As a volunteer on a BOOT Crew, we will keep you fed, provide all the training and tools you’ll need, hook you up with some awesome crew leaders and we'll work you like crazy! We like to work hard so that others can experience the subtle and not-so-subtle beauty of the Southern Appalachians. We work in designated Wilderness Areas (off the beaten path), so no power
tools. For our BOOT Crew, its manpower and traditional tools getting it done.

Sign up now and you will spend some time in a special places like the Hawksbill in the Linville Gorge Wilderness, or maybe you’ll help restore a part a part of the historic Appalachian Trail as it traces its way through the sublime spaces of the South. Experience the power of afternoon thunderstorm or the haunting call of a whippoorwill while stretched out in your tent.

Make new friends and challenge yourself this summer on a SAWS BOOT Crew by clicking on one or more of the crew weeks (or weekends) below and registering with your information.

SAWS BOOT Crew participants spend their week (or weekend) in designated Wilderness Areas of the National Forests of the Southern Appalachians. The views are great, but the amenities…meh....not so much, if you consider "amenities" to be hot showers and feather beds. However, if you're one of those who is happiest when experiencing nature first hand and thinks that sleeping in a tent is really cool...well...you're in the right place. BOOT Crews will hike in to the Wilderness, establish camp for the week and will work and live in the outdoors for five days (two days for weekend crews). While we do not require prior backpacking experience, it is highly recommended.

This is a true backcountry experience. It will rain. It will be hot (if it’s not cold). You will see and experience wildlife, stunning scenery and some pretty motley crew mates. You will not forget the experience! What’s the gift at the end of your labors; knowing that you helped care for YOUR public lands.

Your highly trained Crew Leader will keep you safe, and keep you on task. He or she will not ask of you anything that they are not already giving of themselves. You will learn to safely use tools like the Pulaski, the Grub Hoe and elbow grease. You will receive the thanks of a passing hiker, and maybe be treated to a hug.

The work is physical, but the rewards are mystical.

The crew will have a SAWS Camp Life Coordinator. This is not the camp masseuse, but this person will be your friend. The CLC will cook your meals, and keep camp running smoothly. *Both your Crew Leader and Camp Life Coordinator will be trained in Wilderness First Aid.

Is serving on a SAWS BOOT Crew right for you? For that answer, you may need to consider some hard questions like; am I physically ready for this opportunity? Or deep questions like; am I ready for a life changing experience?

Or...Maybe you just want to find some odd-ball new friend?

Sign up below to become a part of the SAWS BOOT Crew 2012! Or, if we have thoroughly confused you….fire away with the questions – billhodge@trailcrews.org

Whether you join us for a week-long project or a just for a weekend, you're certain to have a great experience in the Wilderness!

BOot Crew - 2012!