“I truly can’t imagine this youth season without James. It takes a steady, adaptable, and genuinely caring person to keep teenagers safe, engaged, and excited in the backcountry, and James stepped up for three very different projects this season: from remote fly-ins, to a last-minute backpacking trip, to a car-camping project where the trail specifications completely changed on us. Through it all, he brought patience, humor, and a willingness to take on whatever the season asked of him.
The youth program is incredibly lucky to have James, and we’re excited to see how he continues to be part of it in the years ahead. We also want to wish him good luck as he starts graduate school at the University of Idaho – McCall Outdoor Science School! As an alum, I love seeing our crew leaders pursue their passions professionally, and I can’t think of a better pairing for the year ahead. We’re lucky to have James, and the University of Idaho is lucky to have him, too.”- Taylor Mailly, Youth Program Coordinator
What is your background in? What are some of the things you enjoy doing for fun?
My background is all over the place, but I am currently studying environmental education. For fun, I enjoy going on hikes and seeing new places, eating exotic foods, really just experiencing new things in general.
How and why did you first get involved with ITA?
I first got involved in ITA because my dad was involved for several years and kept bugging me about it. From the beginning, I really enjoyed getting to know the other people in the group and working together to make the trails more accessible for everyone. Plus, Alex was the leader of the first trip I went on and she brought cookies, which I incorrectly believed would be a regular thing.
Most memorable backcountry or ITA experience?
My most memorable experience was going on the immersion trip in 2025. Although the entire experience was memorable, the most memorable part was getting a watermelon on our resupply. Glenn Florence cut it up for us using a Katana (which was clean enough) and we sat around eating watermelon in one of the most remote parts of the Frank Church Wilderness.
Why are trails worth protecting?
Trails are worth protecting because when people have access to these areas, they are more likely to experience a personal connection with the area. This leads most to want to help protect and preserve the areas for future generations. Without trails, some people will find less appropriate ways of going into the backcountry, which causes more spread-out degradation and problems. Providing easy and appropriate access keeps erosion and human-caused environmental degradation to a minimum by keeping it in a defined area.
James (green hard hat) on the 2026 Slate Lake- Youth Project
