Hostelling International
American Youth Hostels

Mark Twain once said that "travel is fatal to prejudice" and in the American hostelling movement is found the concerted effort to bring those words to life. It is, however, not enough to "see the world" -- interaction with diverse cultures and peoples is an integral part of this plan.  

The development of hostels throughout the United States has proven to be a difficult challenge in some parts of this vast country.  

Founded early during the development of the movement, the Gateway Council's long history reveals much about this struggle and the application of this idea in a free American society.  

The carefully worded mission statement seeks to encompass all of the subtleties of the concept orginated by Richard Schirrmann in Germany in 1912.  

The National Council's struggle to find its own identity was codified in the Strategic Vision which was formally adopted during the National Council Meeting held in Miami in 1994. In 1995, the plan to implement that vision was adopted (NCM-Buffalo) and the organization has been working to put that plan into place.  

Just as the Gateway Arch, a familiar symbol worldwide, beckons travelers to experience the unique hospitality of the "heart of America" so the Gateway Council beckons seekers from near and far to experience a journey of discovery that, as often as not, leads the traveler inward along new avenues of self-revelation.  

Across the top of this opening page you'll find the keys to the major divisions of the Gateway Council. Each becomes an invitation to discover more about yourself as you learn more about the area of the world we call home.  

Along the left hand side of this page are doorways to more specific programs and activities. Check out the many opportunities listed here and come along with us as we seek "to help all people, especially the young, to gain a greater understanding of the world and its people, through hostelling."