We know the Appalachian Mountain Club, one of the country’s original conservation groups, changes lives. It happened to me, just days after an email landed in my inbox like a Siren calling Odysseus.
“Escape the city and rejuvenate your mind and body!” it sang. “Join AMC for a 3-day, 2-night adventure filled with Chinese yoga, hiking, swimming, paddling, and nature… the perfect balance of activity and downtime.”
Here are 10 more reasons to love the outdoors programming run by AMC.
1. It’s Nature & Community Served on a Silver Platter
Three weeks later, we’re sleeping in Beaver Brook Shelter #5, Corman AMC Harriman Outdoors Center, NY. AMC volunteers from the NY/NJ chapter built these lean-tos on wooden decks to protect us from the elements. They’re cozy retreats for two tents side by side.
Happy Hour begins soon after check-in. It’s our chance to connect with fellow Chinese Yoga fans. Some hug, having met on previous themed weekends. Our leader Trish gives a quick tent inspection, with raccoon-proofing tips. This isn’t just a getaway—it’s community in nature.
2. AMC Makes the Outdoors Active or Chill, Your Choice
Tai Chi Easy Lee’s ‘Chinese Yoga’ class blends Tai Chi and Qi Gong. It’s 7:00 am and our arms mimic the waves on Breakneck Lake. Afterward, a hearty breakfast—cereal, bagels, smoked salmon, omelets, or vegan tofu scrambler — is served.
Trish then leads a 2-mile hike around Breakneck Lake’s rocky, wooded path. We pass remote tent sites and imagine cooking over a fire.
Later, we’re paddling in canoes and kayaks tended by sleepy summer staffers; swimming, sunbathing, and playing. Camping is just that simple and fun.
3. Find Your Place In a Diverse & Inclusive Community
The Appalachian Mountain Club has 12 chapters in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and D.C. Boston alone boasts 20,000+ members.
Our yoga weekend ran alongside “Learn to Backpack” and young adult groups. The busy AMC Harriman is especially inclusive — just an hour from NYC by car or easy train ride.
The sold-out crowd was diverse and multi-lingual. We met wedding guests, young families, grandparents, frat guys with beer, and a Brooklyn youth group with water guns. We are united in gratitude that AMC preserved this special outdoors place for us — and the next generation.
4. It’s Easy to Start an AMC Outdoors Adventure
AMC outdoors programs vary by season and location, and are always affordable. Anyone can join — no experience necessary! Tips to begin:
- Visit the AMC website. You can filter events by age, your interest, and region.
- Plan early to book peak weekends, but don’t skip quieter seasons. Each season has its own charms, weekend workshops led by volunteers, and special events.
- Stay within your budget: Our Chinese Yoga Weekend cost $190 for AMC members, $230 for non-members. Rates covered two nights’ shelter, meals, two yoga classes, a hike, gear use, and Trish’s expert guidance.
5. No Gear? No Problem. You Don’t Need to Own Any Equipment!
The friendly AMC Registration team has you covered, whether you need a spike or boot laces or the whole kit. They lent us a tent, sleeping bags, and extra sleeping pads (thank you for the tip, Trish!) Borrow kids’ backpacks for young hikers. Get boots, outerwear, and walking sticks. Smiling and well-trained staff are always there to help launch canoes or start fires.
The AMC library of books and maps at the camp was perfect for planning, no purchase needed.
6. Use Family Time to Kickstart a Lifelong Love of the Outdoors
Start them young! You’re never too little to love an AMC outdoors program. Harriman’s four- and six-bed cabins welcome families. The kids’ pool and lakefront beach are perfect for non-swimmers. Parents love the lifeguards and kid-sized PFDs.
The AMC Mohican Outdoor Center (NJ), for example, is known for pancakes and a game room. AMC Cardigan Lodge (NH) has free kids programming every July weekend, plus a game room and library. In New Hampshire’s White Mountains, the AMC Highland Center has an Adventure Playground. Nearby, the Joe Dodge Lodge has a children’s reading room and a Mac ‘n’ Cheese stash in the dining room. The staff aim to please all ages.
7. No Boredom on AMC Teen Outdoors Adventures
Got teens who’ve outgrown family trips or scouting? AMC’s teen trips teach kayaking, backpacking, teamwork, and conservation. These six-day AMC summer teen adventures are led by AMC guides.
Independent teens can enjoy AMC’s Fire Island Cabin off New York’s Long Island from May through October, and perfect their paddleboarding.
8. Grow Your Wilderness Smarts with Essential Backcountry Skills
Free lodge programming on summer weekends and school breaks includes wildlife talks, stargazing, Plant ID tips, and Leave No Trace lessons. All ages and all abilities are welcome to join most programs. Those that require a certain fitness level or experience are clearly marked on the AMC website.
9. Enjoy AMC Outdoors Programs in the Winter
AMC chapters also shine in snow season. Most overnight facilities are open year-round—though some have seasonal service limits.
Great Glen Trails Outdoors Center is a budget-friendly base for skiers, with rentals, groomed trails, and lessons available from nearby Joe Dodge Lodge. AMC Medawisla Lodge & Cabins in Maine is for rugged families exploring the 100 Mile Wilderness. The AMC team provides food, stoves, bunks, and local insight for unforgettable cross-country ski trips.
10. Don’t Stop at Camping — Go International with AMC Adventure Travel
AMC volunteers also guide outdoors adventures and cultural trips through the Pyrenees, Yellowstone, Kilimanjaro, Cinque Terre, Greece, Costa Rica and more.
We eagerly study their listings. One Lake Como trek we see is rated Vigorous, with daily 8-mile hikes gaining 2,000 feet. An 8-day Iceland trip in September is rated Easy, however, with 3–5 mile hikes. Bargain fees typically include meals, lodging, local transport, and two AMC leaders to guide and assist. Explore the AMC Adventure Travel page to learn more.
We became AMC members as soon as we returned home. Ready to sign up?
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