Satisfaction ends with tangible results
…but it starts with RFOV’s talented Crew Leaders! They help educate new volunteers on tool use and trail etiquette, supervise project days, and contribute to a fun, safe, and rewarding experience for all.
Crew Leaders learn the ins-and-outs of stewardship trough RFOV’s commitment to continual skill development and leadership training. You don’t need to be an expert to become a crew leader – RFOV provides all the support and training you’ll need!
Crew Leader Training
RFOV's Crew Leader Training is offered twice annually and is led by RFOV staff and experienced Crew Leaders who have each led projects with RFOV and worked with a variety of land management partners. We are eager to engage with your abilities by teaching a variety of trail-building and restoration techniques.
Two Saturday/Sunday session are planned before the summer project season. In these two-day programs, you’ll learn how to:
Build and maintain trails across different terrains.
Implement a variety of restoration techniques
Safely and effectively use a variety of hand tools.
Assess and manage risk in an outdoor volunteer environment.
Successfully lead a crew of five to eight volunteers.
Support other volunteers to ensure they have a rewarding experience.
The training includes a brief introduction to RFOV's mission, goals and Crew Leader program; the season's projects; projects mechanics; leadership basics; and a technical preview.
Throughout both days, RFOV will also provide trainees instruction on risk management, communication, feedback and conflict resolution with volunteers, creating an inclusive environment on volunteer projects, learning styles and adult teaching tips, and managing group dynamics.
The remaining time is spent in the field where you’ll practice your newly acquired skills and gain invaluable first-hand experience.
Graduating to Crew Leader
Our Crew Leaders are extremely important to RFOV.
As RFOV’s primary representative to project day volunteers, Crew Leaders are positive, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. Your involvement and contribution to our mission of stewardship for our public lands is vital to our success!
To graduate to Crew Leader, all trainees should demonstrate good skills and knowledge in these areas:
Leadership, team-building, and communication
Risk management
RFOV organization and mission
Technical stewardship and outdoor skills.
We encourage all Crew Leaders in training to reach Crew Leader status early in the project season. However, many Crew Leader trainees choose to build upon the skills gained during this training by shadowing RFOV staff or other Crew Leaders on projects throughout the season. We prioritize your comfort in the role, and will work with you until you gain the confidence needed to lead a volunteer crew.
Our instructors will provide ongoing feedback after any training event you attend and will then work with you until you graduate to Crew Leader.
Crew Leader Training Dates
RFOV will host two Crew Leader Training sessions in 2023. Dates are currently TBD. Check back for updates.
