With a friend, Brian, we enjoyed the beauty of the mountains. The lake was calm as glass and the reflection outstanding. We hiked about 3 hours that day. 
On our way down the mountain, some horses and mules passed us on the trail. The mules were hauling food and supplies up the trail (see photo).
When we reached the lake, we noticed a group of campers enjoying the meadow. We met Louis, the leader of the group. They were juvenile offenders (teenagers) who were serving their time in the wilderness for 90 days, clearing trails, learning about relationships, and learning how to survive in the mountains. Working hard and getting along with each othe earns them points which give them rewards. Rewards can earn them cover while they sleep instead of sleeping out in the open. 
What a great program.... much better than jail time. They bond and form a special family as they are rehabilitated. Many don't want to go back to their homes and parents when they realize they can have a better life.
What a great program.... much better than jail time. They bond and form a special family as they are rehabilitated. Many don't want to go back to their homes and parents when they realize they can have a better life.Look carefully at the photo and you can see the kids having a friendly game of frizbee and their yellow tents and backpacks. The horses and mules were bringing the supplies up the mountain for this group of kids.
