The Tahoe Rim Trail Association in partnership with Sierra Nevada Journeys will offer two 3-day Youth Backcountry Camps as a part of their 2008 summer trail and educational programs. The camps will be held from July 8-10 (girls age 13-15) and July 21-23 (boys and girls age 13-18). These camps will engage youth on trail operations and trail use.

Participants will get their hands dirty as they will engage in a trail building project, supervised by qualified and experienced Tahoe Rim Trail crew leaders. Through this project, participants will be able to identify and properly use tools, as well as take part in trail route scouting and flagging.

In addition to trail work, participants will be educated on the environment of Lake Tahoe and minimum impact recreation. Several topics to be incorporated into both camps are map and compass orienteering, Leave No Trace, wildlife identification, flora and fauna identification, and astronomy.

Each camp has the capacity for 15 students and will be fully supported by TRTA staff, SNJ staff, and crew leaders. The cost for the program is $50 (scholarships are available). Participants will be provided with all necessary camping gear for the program. All participants will need are hiking clothes and a passion for the outdoors.

For more information and to sign-up for this exciting new program in beautiful Lake Tahoe, contact Jill Falman at jillf@tahoerimtrail.org or call 775-298-0239. Information is also available at www.tahoerimtrail.org.

For more information about how to become a Tahoe Rim Trail member or volunteer, contact the Tahoe Rim Trail Association at info@tahoerimtrail.org or 775-298-0012, or visit the website at