Rocky Mountain Youth Corps’ Trail Crew 6 is deep in the backcountry of the White River National Forest, completing a wide variety of trail maintenance projects thanks to a grant from the National Forest Foundation’s Ski Conservation Fund. They are building water diversion structures as well as new trail tread. The youth corps crew is also logging out miles of wilderness trail with crosscut saws and clearing corridor for recreationalists in Summit County, Colorado.

Recently, the crew was asked to reflect on their impressions of the season thus far, and here are a few responses!

“The most challenging thing about work is hiking….but it’s beautiful to see the world when I get on top of a mountain, and this is a great experience for me! I define my Trail #6 crew as an awesome little community – there’s always help, and something cool to learn every day. This is also a safe community – the crew is open and respectful. I like my leaders, they are funny at times and know the balance of respect. Lastly, we look out for each other. We’re an awesome crew.” -Robert Humig, Crew Member

“The funniest thing that happened on crew occurred today! We used wheelbarrows and log tongs to move heavy timber. When Rob and I were taking two pieces of lumber in a wheelbarrow we tipped them directly into the stream – I laughed until I could no longer breathe!” - Kira Thomas, Crew Member

“I have found myself occupying roles that I didn’t expect within the crew. Despite my propensity towards solitude and introspection I quickly began to socialize with my peers. I have, essentially, found myself a leader. Not in the sense that Ben and Kelly are leaders, but more as someone who acts as a peer leader. I have become a beacon of positive energy, a diplomat between the few conflicts, a middle-man between my peers and crew leaders, and an initiator during all aspects of the RMYC experience, at least when I feel it is within my ability to do so. How have I changed? I’ve become a leader.” -Alex Choy, Crew Member