It's the largest service project for the Boy Scouts since World War Two. Nearly 800 scouts from all 50 states are repairing miles of trails in the Washington and Jefferson National Forests. They say this hard work is well worth it.

For many teenage boys, this isn't the most glamorous way to spend a week of their summer vacation. But these Boy Scouts are part of the Order of the Arrow honor society. And they're enjoying having sore muscles.

Chris Rafferty, Boy Scout from Orlando, FL - "Just to know that people will be using this trail that we've never met and never will meet. We probably won't even have the opportunity to hike this trail, but still... it's pretty cool."

The boys are repairing miles of trails in the Alleghany Highlands. The U.S. Forest Service says they are very grateful for the help because it would've taken them years to do what the boys are doing in just one week.

Terry Slater, U.S. Forest Service - "They're doing a good job and we're just happy to have them. They all seem like good kids and we're just grateful for the help."

But the experience teaches the boys more than just the value of hard work.

Gil Rogers, Project Supervisor - "Anybody can participate in a conservation project with a local community organization. Come out and help build trails, cut down trees, do erosion control, but it's really the opportunity for our scouts to really get advanced leadership skills they can take back to their home councils."

The scouts started working on Sunday. They'll wrap things up Friday.