Outreach Volunteer Roles

Outreach + Education Volunteer Roles

PATC volunteers provide exceptional outreach experiences for the public, including group hikes, community events, educational workshops, training opportunities, and more. Our outreach program represents the club to the public.


Other Volunteer Opportunities


Trail Patrol


PATC uses volunteers to patrol all the trail systems maintained by PATC.  The Trail Patrol volunteer’s primary mission is to provide outreach to hikers and backpackers, including safety, map reading, leave no trace, and explaining the role PATC has in maintaining the trail system.  Trail patrol also monitors the trails for damage and issues. 


Most of the trail patrol time is focused on meeting and communicating with the hiker community.  Trail patrol also partners with trail maintainers for trail issues and the Ridge Runners.  Ridge Runners are paid positions with similar roles to the Trail Patrol but focused specific trial systems. 


During the busy hiking season, Trail Patrol volunteers should be actively patrolling trails every 2-3 weeks, covering as many different trails as possible.  Trail Patrol volunteers need to report their activity regularly to the Trail Patrol Chair.   Trail Patrol volunteers should also report any issues to the trail maintainers or the land managers. 


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Events and Education


Event and education volunteers staff information booths at community events providing a source of information about PATC’s mission, history and services.  These volunteers also provide education or coordinate education on PATC services and functions, including Leave No Trace, Hiking, Backpacking and Maintenance Skills. 


Event and education volunteer prepare outreach material and plan for community events.   These volunteers also represent PATC at community events and teach at educational events.  If you enjoy working with the public and teaching about PATC, this is a opportunity for you. 


Volunteers should be comfortable with public speaking and able to communicate with a broad and diverse audience.  Volunteers should also be comfortable working by themselves or with a team.  Expect at least one event per month and reporting on each event regarding turnout and impact. 


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Become a Hike Leader: We are always looking for more people to become Certified Hike Leaders who are interested in leading hikes in the Mid-Atlantic region. Learn more here.


Volunteer at PATC events: Interested in helping us at our next event? Help us engage with the community by volunteering. Whether you'd like to help with planning, set-up, fundraising efforts, or tabling, we have a spot for you. Visit our Events page to stay updated on upcoming events.




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