Future Crew Leaders Receive Hands-On Training

Crew Leader Training brings volunteers—who have previously demonstrated leadership skills—together to learn, work, and connect.

Demonstrating their deepening commitment to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, 16 volunteers (plus 3 guests) collectively donated 529 hours to attend Crew Leader Skills Training from June 20-22, 2024 in Cross Plains, Wis. Their admittance into this three-day program underscored their prior enthusiasm for and participation in chapter-led or Ice Age Trail Crew events. The training supported their desire and ability to lead volunteer crews.

“We’re always happy to train volunteers from the bigger chapters like Dane and Waukesha/Milwaukee,” said Dave Caliebe, Trail Program Manager. “Their ability to get so much done on behalf of the Trail stems from a corps of well-trained volunteers able to lead local trailbuilding and maintenance events.”

“What set this year’s class apart was the number of attendees from across the state’s northern tier,” said Caliebe. “Now, smaller chapters are better equipped to maintain and improve Trail in their region.”

The sessions were a blend of classroom-style learning and hands-on fieldwork, although the stormy weather tipped the balance toward indoor instruction. Training centered on welcoming new volunteers, proper tool usage, crew member safety, and awareness/tips for creating a positive experience for fellow crew members. Free-flowing conversations developed as participants discussed potential situations and gained insight and feedback.

Attendee, Teresa Aspeslet underscored the benefits of the training, “The content was very well-rounded. Thank you for including leadership challenges like gender bias and for hosting discussions about human behaviors! I found it valuable to participate in round table discussions where we could all share our perspectives and experiences.”

Crew Leader Training brings volunteers—who have previously demonstrated leadership skills—together to learn, work, and connect. This cohort group will work in tandem at future Ice Age Trail Crew (and local chapter-led) events, assuming Crew Leader and Assistant Crew Leader roles.