Project Name: Split Creek – Youth
Dates: July 16 – July 19
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 four-day youth trail project will be based out of Ponderosa Campground at the Split Creek Trailhead, a comfortable car-camping site outside of McCall, tucked among tall pines and clear mountain creeks. From camp, the crew will work directly from the trailhead, heading north along the Loon Creek/Loon Lake Trail to improve tread and clear corridor for hikers and stock users as the trail winds through forested valleys and past sweeping granite slabs that showcase Idaho's famous batholith. As work and time allow, the crew may also venture up Lick Creek to take on additional trail maintenance, offering the chance to work in multiple scenic drainages shaped by water, stone, and time.
Throughout the project, participants will focus on hands-on trail maintenance tasks such as brushing, saw work, and tread improvement, while also sharing responsibility for camp life. Youth will help with setting up and breaking down camp, caring for tools, maintaining clean and organized common areas, and practicing Leave No Trace principles. Along the way, crew members will build teamwork, communication, and leadership skills while learning trail safety and what it takes to steward Idaho's 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: Loon Creek Trail #081
Itinerary: This is a four-day project. Meet Thursday afternoon at Ponderosa Campground to set up camp, review trail work basics, and go over safety expectations. Friday andSaturday will be a full day of trail work. On Sunday, the crew will wrap up work in the morning, clean up camp, and wait for pickup at the campground.
Food Provided by ITA: Yes – Cook
Gear Packing List: Gear Checklist for Car Camping, Food Provided
Crew Leader: Tom Crawford and Ian Mancini
Estimated Drive Time from Closest Town: 1.5 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
