Leader Launch Day
Details
Interested in becoming an AMC outdoor leader, or looking to sharpen your leadership skills? Join us for the Leaders Launch Day, a day of connection, learning, and hands-on practice in the field.
Whether you're exploring leadership for the first time, working through the Leader-in-Training process, or are already an active leader looking for a refresher, you'll spend the day learning alongside fellow AMC leaders in a supportive environment.
We'll start with coffee and conversation before heading out on the trail for a field-based leadership practicum featuring realistic scenarios, group discussion, mentoring, and skill-building. We'll wrap up the day with trip planning support to help future leaders take the next step toward posting and leading an activity.
Take Outdoor Leader Fundamentals, then join the this Future Leaders Hike. By the end of the day, you'll have hands-on leadership experience and clear next steps toward leading your first AMC trip.
NY-NoJ Chapter Leaders-in-Training: Participation in this event counts as two co-leads toward your leadership requirements. Please bring any materials needed to document your participation and leadership sign-offs.
Route Description
We'll meet at The Bonnefont. From there, we'll explore the paths of Fort Tryon Park during an extended field session focused on outdoor leadership practice. Along the way, participants will rotate through practicing leadership roles and work through realistic outdoor leadership scenarios. The route provides a welcoming environment for new leaders while offering meaningful opportunities for experienced leaders to refine their skills through mentoring, discussion, and hands-on practice.
What to Pack
Please bring what you need to be comfortable outdoors for the day. We'll move at a training pace (approximately 1.5 mph) with frequent stops for discussion, scenarios, and skills practice.
- Comfortable walking or hiking footwear
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- A warm layer for longer training stops
- Rain layer
- Water (at least 1-2 liters)
- Lunch and trail snacks
- Small daypack
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Personal medications
- Notebook and pen (optional)
- Trekking poles (optional)
Schedule
9:00–10:00 AM | Coffee & Connections
Meet fellow participants, local leaders, and chapter volunteers while learning more about leadership opportunities at AMC.
10:00 AM–3:00 PM | Leadership Scenarios on Trail
A facilitated field experience featuring realistic leadership scenarios, group discussion, mentoring, and practical problem-solving in an outdoor setting.
Topics may include:
- Trip talks and activity introductions
- Leader and sweep role rotations
- Group management scenarios
- Navigation and decision making
- Inclusion and participant care
- Risk awareness and judgment in the field
3:00-5:00 PM | Trip Planning
Explore activity ideas, get help with trip planning and posting, connect with mentors, and leave with clear next steps toward leading your own AMC activity
Join us for the full day or the portions most relevant to your leadership journey. Whether you're preparing to post your first activity or looking to refresh your skills, you'll leave with new connections, practical experience, and clear next steps.
Please Register HERE if you plan to attend. Your registration helps us plan mentoring support, materials, and group size for the day!
Leader: Amaya Michael