Camp Riverbend Youth Transitional Facility near La Grande has a long-time training program to help youth in OYA custody become certified wildland firefighters.
The youth started getting ready for the latest fire season this week by training on a controlled burn for learning purposes (check out the photos below).
They also had a number of youth taking the pack test this week, which involves traveling three miles on foot, with a 45-pound weight vest, and finishing in 45 minutes or less. The pack test is a requirement for certification.
Photos by Ben Heckman, Riverbend assistant camp director