== This event is open to all Scout-level units ==

Join us for the annual Walamootkin Forest Service Work Party Weekend! We have again coordinated with the Forest Service to offer a group service camp trip in the fall. We will be working in the Blue Mountains this year on trails and campgrounds in the Tucannon area. Time to open up some trails with a lot of Scoutpower!

Scouts will be formed into crews based on experience and endurance. Order of the Arrow members and other experienced Scouts will lead crews to complete tasks. We will also have a big multi-unit campfire and campfire program, and (of course) STREET TACOS!!  Check with your unit and sign up for what should be a great fall weekend of service, fellowship, and fun!

When: October 3-5, 2025 (Main work party begins at 8:30am on Oct 4th. Other times that weekend can be arranged. Camping is available both Friday and Saturday nights.)

Where: Tucannon Campground (car accessible; toilet facilities; no running water)

What: De-brushing and trail clearing operations along several trails in the Tucannon River Valley

Cost: $5 to OA to cover street taco costs (units will sort out other food and transport costs on their own)

Coordinator: Joe Ryan, 814-404-8506, joe.ryan@pnnl.gov

Work Details: De-brushing and trail clearing operations along many trails, bridge repair, and campground cleanup (for younger scouts).

Tools: Loppers, brush whips, and small hand saws will be best for the work we’re doing.  Please bring those from home if you have them.  Put your name on your tools (duct tape works great)!

Make sure you wear hiking boots, bring work gloves, dress in layers, and bring some sunscreen!

Food: Saturday dinner will be steak or chicken street tacos!  Aside from that, your unit is responsible for all meals, especially including trail lunches.  We are having a potluck dessert Saturday, so win your unit bragging rights by having the best sweet treats!

Other: We will be taking a group photo as we finish Saturday’s brush work.  Please at least stay for that if you can!

FAQ for trip:

1. Do volunteers go there by troop, or meet somewhere and go up together?

>> Travel will be organized by unit.  Some local transportation (1-3 miles) is required to get crews to their location or trailhead in the morning.

2. What work is expected?  Will my 11 years old new scouts able to handle it?  Or should I focus on 1st class and high (possible OA candidates)

>> We will have service opportunities for all ages.  Older scouts will work in areas that require significant hikes and heavier clearing activities.  Younger scouts will be assigned closer to the trailhead.  Very young scouts can focus on cleaning and prepping the campgrounds along the valley.

3. Do scouts need to camp? Where and when will we be camping?

>> Scouts don’t need to camp, but we would like people to be available at 8:30am on Saturday to join the main work crew. If a crew has special timing needs, that can easily be accommodated.  There will be a large multi-unit dinner and campfire program on Saturday night!

4. What are the plans for meals?

>>  Dinner (street tacos!) will be provided Saturday night and we will have a dessert (dutch oven?) potluck.  All other meals (especially trail lunch) are the responsibility of each unit.

5. Are there water sources at camp and at work site?

>> Each unit should plan on bringing enough water for use.

6. Bathroom? Shower at camp?

>> Pit latrines are available at both camps, but none have showers.

7.  Do you need adult volunteers at work site?  Campsite?

>> Yes.  It would be best if each crew had at least two adults, although that may not be necessary for all and perhaps there will be two “crews” managed by a set of adult volunteers.  A couple of adults willing to hold down the fort at camp might be nice!

8. What kind of transportation (truck, van, car) do you need for transferring scouts and trail trash ?

>> Some trucks might be handy, but certainly not a huge number.  A couple of vans might be very nice to transport crews to trail positions.