I am currently a month into my second SCA crew working on the Florida Trail. We are beginning work on an 80ft bridge next week. I have been extremely busy these last few months and haven't had time to post much and do not expect it to change in the next few months.

I have accepted a position with SCA for the summer at SCA's new Idaho Americorps Training Center on the Salmon-Challis National Forest. It's a much larger program than I have done before and will last 6 months, have 3 SCA staff, and have many more SCA members. I am excited about new program opportunities and the chance to see some of my work from last year!

It can be one of the best jobs I could ever dream of, but at times it can be the most stressful, challenging, and lonely work. All it takes is a change in a couple variables; a crew member with bad judgment, a project that doesn't want to be completed, or a few bugs that are not visible to the naked eye.

My position, SCA project leader, involves leading 5 adults that have decided to volunteer and dedicate three months of their life to conserving public lands through trail work, important work that otherwise would not get done. I make sure the crew gets enough to eat, completes projects safely, is taught about the environment and conservation, and sleeps warm in a tent at night. It is a rare day that I am free from responsibility.

At the same time, my work takes me to some of the most beautiful places in this country. Some days I get paid to go hiking up a mountain trail or camp in the most pristine wilderness area. I wake up to mountains and impressive vistas. I go to sleep watching more stars in one night sky than some have seen in a lifetime. I see the growth in crew members as they experience this for themselves.

Most recently, my job has taken me to the swamps of Florida and work on the Florida National Scenic Trail. It is a tremendous change from the dry, open mountains of Idaho, the place of my last crew. I am still adjusting to the loss of the 'big sky' country, but the most difficult aspect for me has been leading a crew in a more urban setting, never more than a few minutes from a gas station or a half mile from a road. Such a situation brings added challenges that otherwise would not exist in a more remote setting.

These extra challenges and a few different variables can quickly change my job into a tiresome and lonely position. It has brought me into situations I have never dealt with and made me recommit to making the experience with my next crew more positive for both myself and my future members.

I have spent much of this week in Boise, ID for the Student Conservation Association's project leader training. We have been covering topics ranging from conflict resolution to defensive driving and the 26 project leaders have had the opportunity to share experiences, challenges, and concerns about the upcoming season. I am always amazed by the growth and leadership that can be fostered in the SCA experience.

I am one of the trail project leaders(trail crews rock), but there are many other crews working in the SCA Native Plant Corps, Wildland Fire Corps and Desert Restoration Corps. Next Tuesday I will be heading off to the Salmon - Challis National Forest to meet with the forest staff and plan for the summer. Hopefully I will have the crew hired by May and ready to begin crew member training in June at Mt. Rainier. I'm excited!

I have also been given some cool toys to play with. Who would have guessed a trail crew leader would be getting a Blackberry with an unlimited data plan and a laptop? It makes sense though since internet access will be difficult at times and it does not make sense to drive somewhere to get internet access.

Anyway, this must be one of the best jobs working outdoors. The pay is great, the people are great, and the experience cannot be beat.