Project Name: Kennally Creek – Youth
Dates: June 10 – June 12
ITA's Youth Trail Crew Program provides opportunities for youth ages 14-18 to learn about the outdoors while building and maintaining hiking trails in a safe, teamwork-oriented environment.
This three-day project is based out of Kennally Creek Campground, a peaceful car-camping site located along the creek in a mature forest. The trailhead begins directly from camp, allowing the crew to work straight from camp each day. Volunteers will work up the Needles Summit Trail as it climbs steadily toward a high ridge, passing White Rock and Stump Lake on the way to Needles Summit. While the first mile and a half of trail receives more regular maintenance, beyond the trail junction the crew can expect more engaging work, including crosscut sawing and brushing in less-maintained sections.
Throughout the project, participants will focus on trail maintenance tasks such as brushing, saw work, and improving trail tread. Crew members will also share responsibility for camp life, including setting up camp, maintaining clean and organized common areas, managing tools, and following Leave No Trace principles. Youth will build teamwork, communication, and leadership skills while practicing trail safety and learning what it takes to care for public lands.
ITA's youth projects are completely free for volunteers to join, and all food is provided. Gear can be borrowed from ITA if needed with advance notice, or youth may apply for scholarships to purchase gear they need through the Splattski Outdoor Access Fund.
Project information is subject to change. Crew leaders will communicate via email. Failure to respond to your crew leader may result in being dropped from the project. See ourFAQs, reach out to your crew leader, or contact ITA staff at trails@idahotrailsassociation.org if you have questions.
Trails: Needles Summit Trail #101
Itinerary: This is a three-day weekend project. Meet Friday afternoon to set up camp, review trail work basics, and go over safety expectations. Saturday will be a full day of trailwork. On Sunday, the crew will wrap up work in the morning, clean up camp, and head home.
Food Provided by ITA: Yes – Cook
Gear Packing List: Gear Checklist for Car Camping, Food Provided
Crew Leader: Tom Crawford and Brenda Magnuson
Estimated Drive Time from Closest Town: 1 hour from McCall
Trail Map: Click for trail map and elevation profile
Youth Trip Selection:
Youth trip sign-ups will be open until March 22nd. Although early sign-ups will be prioritized, ITA leadership and staff may adjust the final crews to maximize trip experience and provide opportunities for the greatest number of youth participants. To help facilitate trip assignments, please sign up for your preferred trip and include alternate trips you could participate in, should the preferred trip not be available. You will receive notification of trip assignment via email prior to March 31st.
Difficulty Rating:
Volunteer Spots: 12
