Thank you to youth volunteers

To the editor:

A big thank you goes out to the Mat-Su Valley Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints 2014 Youth Conference attendees who did a series of service learning projects at the Government Peak Recreation Area on July 25. The 240 students and their adult mentors brushed hiking trails, emplaced two small footbridges and placed a picnic table high on Government Peak at a scenic overlook. They did several projects on the ski trails: smoothed out the approaches to several bridges, installed a 30-foot culvert, and improved another muddy area by placing logs across the area. They also constructed timber steps down to the stadium area and brushed and raked out the area where a future amphitheater will be built.

The entire group had a great attitude despite the mud and rainy weather and displayed great initiative, teamwork and tenacity in accomplishing these tasks that will be enjoyed by people recreating in the area.

The Mat-Su Valley is blessed to have these future leaders among us. This youth program contributes significantly to citizenship development and they perform a valuable service to the community.

Ed Strabel

President, Mat-Su Ski Club