Local youth develop life skills while working in Idaho’s national forests

By Stephanie Stano, Northwest Youth Corps
Wild Idaho News
May 8, 2006

At a recent meeting of the North Central Idaho Resource Advisory Committees (RAG), members awarded a second year of funding to the Idaho Conservation corps program operated by Northwest Youth Corps.

This funding allows Northwest Youth Corps crews to carry out projects in Idaho’s Payette National Forest, Nez Perce National Forest, Idaho Panhandle National Forest, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, and Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area.

Just like the 140 Idaho youth that previously participated in Northwest Youth Corps, crew members travel through scenic areas to complete high priority conservation projects.

All skill levels are challenged during the five or six weeks spent performing trail construction, working with fire crews to clear hazardous forest fuels, and enhancing game habitat by restoring wildlife areas. The diversity of each project is reflected in the land that surrounds them. From water sheds to rocky trails, project areas bring challenges and opportunities to develop wilderness skills. For five days a week crews exercise their muscles and minds side-by-side lifting rocks, clearing paths, and tackling camp life.

Crew members use the natural surroundings to learn about navigation, meteorology ecosystems, and backcountry camping. As each person utilizes their new skills they contribute positively to the overall success of the crew.

“I learned that self discipline is a very good quality to have. Also, trails are more than just a trail but are walkways to a whole new, amazing, and beautiful natural world,” said Kyle, an Idaho 2005, Northwest Youth Corps participant.

As the crew’s skills develop, it becomes increasingly responsible for camp chores. Team members take turns cooking breakfast and dinner over a campfire or camp stove. Tents and sleeping bags are packed and repacked with efficiency as crew members skillfully take down and set up camp. “Conveniently, every one now knows what needs to be done and we snap into action like a well-oiled machine” said Elaine, also an Idaho 2005, Northwest Youth Corps participant.

These conservation projects have united them, but it is the duties of camp life and living in the wilderness that forms their lasting friendships. After the duties of the day are complete it is time for the crew to sit back, relax, and share some stories from home. The diversity that may have initially separated them melts away as they come to realize they have more in common then priviously thought.

“I will always be more respectable of the outdoors and people’s differences, and be more appreciative of all of the things I have at home.” — Damian, another Northwest Youth Corps participant, Idaho 2005.

Challenged by the trials of the week, crew members are rewarded with weekend adventures. Some weekend adventures include trips to the nearest town where they visit museums, historic sites, or national monuments. Other weekends are spent splashing about in a swimming hole, hiking a new trail, or contemplating the wonders of a great view. Whichever adventure is chosen, crews relish the time spent away from camp.

Before they know it, their Northwest Youth Corps experience winds to an end. Participants are encouraged to reflect upon their accomplishments and how this adventure in the outdoors has changed them.

“This week, the last of August, has been our last together and it has not failed to solidify itself into our collective memories. We are a small crew, but we have completed the work that was left for us with pride. Our bridges and trails will stand the test of time with only our energy and careful work to back them up. As a crew we have pulled together and become a unit,” testified Aleksey, Northwest Youth Corps participant, Idaho 2005.

As reward for their participation, Northwest Youth Corps’ Idaho Conservation Corps crew members receive a monetary stipend. For most it is their first summer paycheck, for others time spent in the wilderness with outdoor professionals has opened their minds to new career opportunities. Regardless of what brought them to the program, the outcome is always a greater understanding of their own skills and abilities.

“I wanted to quit at some point. I decided not to and I am better for giving myself the opportunity to accomplish something” remembers Margaret, Northwest Youth Corps crew member, Idaho 2005.

Program Information
More than 140 Idaho youth have experienced Northwest Youth Corps for themselves. For more information about participating in one of our summer programs, please call (541) 349-5058. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.

Northwest Youth Corps programs operate in partnership with project sponsors including United States Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Northwest Youth Corps programs are made possible with generous Title II and Ill funding from the Secure Rural Schools Act of 2000, the Recreation Trails Program (RTP), Idaho Resource Advisory Committees (RAC), and the Off Road Motor Vehicle Program (ORMV). Further funding is given in partnership with Northwest Service Academy/Palouse Clearwater Environmental Institute (Moscow, Idaho).

Northwest Youth Corps is a non-profit conservation organization modeled after the historic Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930’s. Programs challenge youth and develop leaders through teamwork, education, and outdoor experiences. Established in 1984, Northwest Youth Corps offers youth an education-based, work experience regardless of race, gender, or socio-economic background. Northwest Youth Corps has served more than 10,000 developing leaders throughout the Pacific Northwest. Please contact Northwest Youth Corps at 2621 August Street, Eugene, OR 97403, phone (541) 349-5058, or visit www.northwestyouthcorps.org.

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