Hike around the Mount Hood this summer and you will likely catch one of the many Northwest Youth Corps crews working in the area. The first of the 16-19 year old Northwest Youth Corps crews started to ascend Mt. Hood on June 14, 2010. Thirty youth will set the bar high as they are tasked to help open up areas of Mt. Hood for the thousands of summer visitors.

Modeled after the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930’s, the Northwest Youth Corps crews started their five week long work experiences by not only performing physical work, but also help continue a legacy that was started by Franklin D Roosevelt. Echoing economically challenged times as the 1930’s and the creation of the CCC, the Northwest Youth Corps crewmembers jumped at the opportunity to not only get paid, but also make a difference in the environment.

Now distinguished by their blue work shirts, varied colored hard hats, and blue jeans, the Northwest Youth Corps crews will complete over 40 weeks of work in the Mt. Hood area this year. During the week starting June 15, 2010, the three 10-person crews will have carried out projects that include restoring trails near Knebal Springs and helping to open up trails for hikers along Herman Creek Trail.

The crewmembers involved in this project will have the opportunity to earn a non-taxable educational stipend of $1,225 for 5 weeks of work, plus the chance to live in some of the beautiful parts of the Pacific Northwest, travel, make new friends, get into shape, and earn high school credit.