Siskiyou Mountain Club is hiring interns to work June 23 - August 30, 2017. Interns work on trails disappearing from the region's federal wilderness areas on four work hitches lasting 10 days each.

Interns also participate in an academic program with daily reading and writing assignments. They will take a seven day break from work in July to draft essays, participate in writing workshops, go backpacking without tools, and meet with hiring managers in agencies and industry.

Interns work toward for a $1,600 stipend paid out in installments and are eligible for $2,000 in tuition reimbursement. Get details and apply at siskiyoumountainclub.org/trailcrew/

In 2017, previous interns are joining the crew with hourly positions that pay up to $15 per hour. Some interns may have the opportunity to work into similar staff positions.

2016 intern Valentin Chavez says he learned the most from other crew maters. "We brought our different experiences together to get work done," he mentions. Chavez, a first generation American, also says "it increased my work ethic. The work is hard. The weather is harsh. The challenges are everywhere."

2016 intern Eliasa Collins agrees her work ethic hardened. "I took a crosscut saw and cut through the laziness that was distracting me from accomplishing things." Collins worked into an hourly position in that lasted through fall 2016.

2015-2016 intern Mikaela Lea got led into more service. Now she's working for Americorps. "It was the hardest experience of my life," she says. "Challenges everyday."

Sam Hay-Roe, another 2016 intern has some advice for 2017 interns. "Push yourself. You can work harder than you realize," he says. "Stretch and drink lots of water.

"We're doing something that is timeless," Collins adds. "I hope to be back."

If you would like Siskiyou Mountain Club to provide brief presentation on internship, email info@siskiyoumountainclub.org or call 541-708-2056. Applicants should go to siskiyoumountainclub.org/trailcrew/ for details and application.