Simon did the Northwest Youth Corps "Teens-n-Trails" program this summer. Four weeks of busting butt building trail. Clearing scotch broom. Clearing poison-oak-infested blackberries. Getting up at 4:00 a.m. and working by moonlight, through sunrise, on into the heat of the day.

Mom and dad are pretty happy folks. Simon is pumped up. Ready to sign on again next Summer!

They let us grownups visit them half way through the program. Off in the coast range about 15 miles NE of Florence. Here's a few shots (click for large versions of the photo - opens a new browser window).

Arrival
Back in the woods. Far back in the coast range from Florence. All 40 kids from the 4 crews gather together every weekend. This time they told the parents where they were ... and we descended on the site.

With Mom and Big Bro
Tara and Damian got there a few minutes before Danita and I showed up. Simon was harassing Damian about being "that bum with a beard". Damian was harassing Simon about being "that guy who looks sorta like Simon".
Just Like His Room At Home
Six boys shared this field tent. The kids set up their own tents. Boys tent, girls tent. The two crew bosses had their own (I wonder why?).
With Dad and Big Bro
Frightening how we all grin like lunatics.
On KP Duty
The tents behind are the girls tents - just like the boys. The guy on the right is one of the crew bosses.
Circling Up
An inspirational moment with the "woods boss" before the evening's entertainment.

The MC
Mike Gainor - the "woods boss" - all dressed up as "old man Gainor". They had all the kids make up talent show skits which they presented for the benefit(?) of the parents. You can't say enough about the crew bosses. You can't say enough about Gainor. The crew bosses are outstanding folks. Kind, firm, dedicated to the kids, enthusiastic. They get these 14 and 15 year olds up at 4:00 a.m. and out grubbing rock by moonlight. They help get them through hiking into back country when the kids are at their limit. And the kids love them.

And Gainor. Holy moly! The kids are in awe. The crew bosses love him. Caring, hard working and full of vigor and enthusiasm just don't come close to describing this guy. A real gem.