Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Youth Camp remains invaluable

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Aug. 17, 2000 | 8:56 a.m.

Ruthe Deskin is assistant to the publisher. Her column appears Thursdays. Reach her at deskin@lasvegassun.com.

One of the disadvantages of getting older, and the aches that go with the process, is the inability to take part in activities that once were a walk in the park.

Not that this octogenarian would ever complain about longevity. Each new day is a blessing.

However, adjustments must be made in one's lifestyle and those long hours of "shopping 'til you drop" must be left to the younger set.

For many years I attended an event at Mount Charleston -- Lee Canyon campground to be exact. It was the annual Spring Mountain Youth Camp Forestry Barbecue.

When the invitation came for this year's affair I recalled the many times in the past when politicians, lawmakers, youth counselors and citizens involved in the welfare of youth mingled with kids who were incarcerated at Spring Mountain Youth Camp for a variety of offenses.

The youths were polite hosts to those who came to help them celebrate an afternoon awards ceremony in recognition of their achievements on "the hill."

These kids work with U.S. Forest Service Rangers and staff to build and maintain hiking trails throughout the Mt. Charleston and Red Rock areas. They are divided into crews and the rivalry is intense. The Forest Service crew leaders are inspirational role models.

The Clark County Department of Family and Youth Services and the U.S. Forest Service are justifiably proud of the achievements made through the program, which is helping to rehabilitate young boys and to teach them how to become constructive citizens.

Does the program work?

Several years back, I sat at a lunch table with five boys from the ages of 11-15. They were very outspoken about the crimes that caused them to become residents of Spring Mountain Youth Camp.

Months later, I was busy registering high school students at the annual Sun Youth Forum. A neat, well-dressed student approached me and asked, "Mrs. Deskin, do you remember me?"

I had to admit I didn't and he reminded me that he was one of my lunch companions at the Spring Mountain barbecue. He had served his time and was back in high school. Later in the day, he was chosen as the student representative from his discussion group.

For me, that was proof that most kids who go astray can be salvaged with programs like the very successful collaboration between the U.S. Forest Service and Family and Youth Services.

Helping troubled youth put the past behind them and face a productive future takes dedication and compassion -- and special people like the Forest Service Rangers and the staff of Spring Mountain Youth Camp.

We owe them a debt of gratitude.

After the devastating gasoline truck accident recently, many wondered what it would be like if a truck carrying hazardous waste were to be involved in a similar situation.

To get an idea of life after a nuclear accident, read "The Sky Unwashed" by Irene Zabytko. Inspired by true events surrounding the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, it is a riveting tale of life after contamination.