Seven years ago, our ridge runners on New Jersey section of the Appalachian Trail began to file alarming numbers of reports that groups of people unfamiliar with appropriate wilderness behavior were unthinkingly doing damage to trails and woods. In response. the Trail Conference developed the Approach It Right (AIR) program aimed at teaching group leaders how to enjoy nature while having the least possible impact on it.
This year, our annual AIR Workshop is scheduled for Saturday. June 19 from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. at the YMCA Camp Ralph S. Mason in Hardwick, New Jersey. The workshop teaches volunteer group leaders how they can help large groups (more than 10 people) leave no trace in the wilderness. Leaders will tackle such issues as how to master the challenge of camping with more than eight people, and how to convince people that showing respect for nature is both worthwhile and fun.
The AIR program operates under auspices of the Trail Conferences New Jersey Appalachian Trail Management Committee. When the issue of problematic large groups first came to light, St. Benedict's Preparatory School, a Trail Conference organizational member, expressed a keen interest in helping find a solution. The school, which is located in Newark, New Jersey, sponsors a backpacking trip every year for its graduating freshmen. In preparation for their outing freshmen practice careful woods skills. Father Mark Payne, the schools Backpacking Project director, encouraged freshman as well as upperclassmen student advisors to develop the AIR curriculum and present the training, which they do to this day.