TSI Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about our hands-on Trail Skills Institute courses.
Do the courses have to be taken in a specific order?
Do I need to complete the Trail Skills Institute to volunteer or be a Trail Steward?
What is the typical schedule for training days?
Are camping and meals provided?
There is a special price for “Steward”. Is that related to ATA membership?
Can members of my group or organization enroll?
Are there scholarships available?
What courses are required to earn a Certificate of Completion from the Trail Skills Institute?
Where do we meet and what do I need to bring?
Do the courses have to be taken in a specific order?
No. Each Trail Skills Institute course is stand-alone and can be taken in any order, based on your interests and availability. Taken together, the courses provide a complete toolkit for trail stewards. Participants who complete the full series earn a Certificate of Completion, recognizing their mastery of the core principles of sustainable trail work.
Do I need to complete the Trail Skills Institute to volunteer or be a Trail Steward?
No. You do not need to complete Trail Skills Institute courses to join ATA volunteer events. However, the courses are strongly encouraged for Trail Stewards and are a valuable resource for volunteers who want to build skills and confidence. Some events—especially those involving technical skills like trail structures or rock work—may give preference to participants with relevant training, and this will always be noted on the event page.
What is the typical schedule for training days?
Trail Skills Institute courses run from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Optional group camping is available the evening before the course begins (Friday).
Are camping and meals provided?
Yes. Primitive group camping is available on Friday and Saturday nights. Registration also includes four meals: lunch and dinner on Saturday, plus breakfast and lunch on Sunday.
There is a special price for “Steward”. Is that related to ATA membership?
Trail Stewards are the dedicated volunteers who adopt segments of the Arizona Trail to help maintain its entire length. The Trail Skills Institute was created, in part, to equip these volunteers with the skills and confidence to work independently. Trail Stewards receive a discounted rate for TSI courses as a thank-you for their commitment.
Can members of my group or organization enroll?
Absolutely! We encourage members of land management agencies, clubs, and community groups to participate in Trail Skills Institute courses. Registration is first-come, first-served, with a maximum of 12 participants per course.
If your group would like a custom training session exclusively for your members (minimum of 12 participants), please contact us at volunteer@aztrail.org.
Registration is fully refundable up to two weeks before the course start date. Cancellations after that time are non-refundable, but you may be able to transfer your registration to a future course.
If you need to cancel, please notify us as soon as possible, as our classes are limited in size and often fill quickly. Early notice helps us move students off the waitlist. To cancel or transfer your registration, email volunteer@aztrail.org.
Are there scholarships available?
Scholarships and discounted rates may be available to volunteers for whom the cost of registration is a barrier to participation. For more information, email us at volunteer@aztrail.org.
What courses are required to earn a Certificate of Completion from the Trail Skills Institute?
To earn a Certificate of Completion, participants must complete all core Trail Skills Institute courses except the Sawyer Certification course. This includes:
- Trail Assessment & Maintenance
- Trail Design & Layout
- Trail Construction
- Trail Obliteration & Restoration
- Trail Structures & Rock Work
Completion of these courses demonstrates mastery of the core principles of sustainable trail work.
Where do we meet and what do I need to bring?
Courses take place at locations along the Arizona Trail across the state. We’ll share the general region in advance to help with planning, and provide specific meet-up and camping locations about a week before the course, along with a detailed logistics sheet. Participants should bring their own camping gear, boots, long pants, and long sleeves. All tools and safety equipment (PPE) are provided.
For any questions not answered here, please email us at volunteer@aztrail.org.
