FAQ – guiding your transition from Hiring to Field

*If you’re looking for information about_____, begin by visiting this alphabetical frequently asked questions list here.

  • Co-Leader Details…
    • Yes, it’s ok to lead with a spouse
    • Yes, it’s okay to request a co-leader – we’ll just make certain to confirm your reasoning
  • Crew Leader Application questions…
    • Forgot your login/password? Just email leaders@thesca.org.
    • To access your online application, go to the SCA website www.thesca.org and login with your username and password.  If you forget your password, you can access it on the website.
    • Internship/Corps positions require a separate application.
  • Crew Leader Definitions
    • Commuting Crew Leader
      • hired to work specifically in one SCA region for 2-8 weeks with local youth, commuting to & from urban project site each day during summer.
    • National Crew Leader
      • hired to work anywhere in the country for 2-5 weeks with youth accepted nationwide; frontcountry or backcountry positions.
    • New Crew Leader
      • Crew Leader that is leading an SCA High School Crew for the first time.
    • Veteran Crew Leader
      • Crew Leader that has lead SCA High School Crew successfully in the past.
  • Crew Member/Student details…
    • Member placement is conducted from NH
    • Students can’t wait to hear from you, contact them asap!
    • Find your students via your online application- see the MAX help section (link).
  • New Crew Leader Info…
    • Welcome! Your hiring paperwork will come via an email from Annie Hayes.
    • Read the Crew Leader Handbook front to back & again
  • PAF? What’s a PAF?
    • Personnel Action Form- your ticket to get paid!
    • Will come via Annie Hayes with other hiring paperwork.
  • Post-Placement specifics…
    • Details will come from your Cohort Manager.  Cohort Managers are determined by the location of your (1st) crew. 
  • Pre-Placement specifics…
    • Sit tight Goldilocks, if we’ve hired you to work but you don’t know where you’re headed… have patience & rest assured we’re waiting on agencies & working to find you just the right fit.
    • You want to go West, eh? Placement input will be gathered but not always granted, please email your hiring manager.
  • Training logistics…
  • Travel logistics…
    • Carpool, take a bus, hitchhike – just be on time!
    • Check out the Travel link
  • Typical day on an SCA Crew….30-day crew!
    • 5 Days Prior to Crew Arrival: Crew Leaders arrive at site. Meet with Agency Coordinator in-person, actively participate in project details/development/preparation, organize budgets, and shop for food & supplies while continuing to communicate with your students/families & SCA Staff if necessary.
    • Day 1: Pick up students at airport/bus station, return to trailhead and/or basecamp. Call SCA to confirm program start.
    • Day 2: Set up basecamp; meet with Agency Coordinator; tool use and safety; familiarize students with safety protocols, community living/work conditions; head to work!
    • Days 3 – 25. Project work days with 3 rest days interspersed: Rest days are for rest and exploring regional interests; day hikes, environmental education opportunities, museums, ice cream treats, etc.
    • Last day work, Day 25-ish: Clean up project, take photos, break down basecamp, practice Leave No Trace, etc.
    • Crew Days 26-29: Recreation Trip. Throughout your crew (or sometimes prior to your students arrival) discuss options depending on what region provides. Hiking to alpine lakes, canoeing local waterways (if you have your canoe certification & SCA Staff is aware), or backpacking nearby mountains that you’ve been gazing at from afar are just a few examples.
    • Day 30: Drop off students at airport/bus station. Call SCA to confirm program end.
    • 2-3 Days Post Program: Meet with Agency Coordinator to discuss project, Complete Final Report and Budget, Clean and dry equipment.

*Still have questions – email your Cohort Manager or your Hiring Manager.  Happy Trails!

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