Michelle Song
After an exciting seven months, The Mountaineers wrapped up our fourth year of our Leadership Development Series this May. It was another year of high-quality, continuing education opportunities for our volunteer leaders. Thank you to all participants and presenters that joined us this past season! We are already excited for the next season of Leadership Development Series starting in October 2023.
OVERVIEW BY NUMBERS
This year's Leadership Development Series continued to grow. Throughout the day, we saw:
- 295 Total Attendees
- 35 Sessions, Facilitated by 15 Presenters
- 6 New Presenters from Washington and Beyond
- 9 Returning Presenters
Highlights & FEEDBACK
Most presentations were offered remotely, while our final session, E.P.I.C. Adventures with Kids, was our first in-person leadership development program since March 2020 and our very first program catered towards volunteers working with youth.
The sessions were well-received by volunteers. Participants have shared their appreciation of the excellent learning environment that was fostered in each session
- "Katy and Kelly are a wonderfully enthusiastic and inspiring team. This session was exactly as billed, namely a opportunity to learn different games and activities appropriate to different ages and stages. It gave me confidence and practical skills." - For E.P.I.C Adventures with Kids by Katy Snyder and Kelly Hampton
- "This presentation was not what I expected. It was actually much better than I was thinking it would be and much more relevant to what we all do as mountaineers." - For Behavioral Health During Covid-19 by Dr. Kira Mauseth
- "Brian did a great job of presenting legal information in an entertaining manner. He provided real life cases to bring home some points that will benefit volunteer leaders." - For The Assumption of Risk Defense in Real Life by Brian Augenthaler
- "The training provided by Steve was comprehensive, and very-well structured. He also exemplified emotional safety considerations throughout his presentation." - For These Are Not “Soft Skills”! Facilitating Emotional Safety: A Foundational Risk Management Skill by Steve Smith
- "Steven provided some valuable details to initiate networking. His presentation was thought-provoking and made me come up with ways to further network with other Mountaineers. He was encouraging and helpful." - For Your Network is Your Net Worth by Steven Reinhold
- "Katja Hurt has all the qualities of a first-rate presenter: thorough knowledge of the subject matter, organized presentation, articulate speaker. She also brings a compelling personal experience to her presentation." - For Breaking the Halo: Empowering Students in Outdoor Education by Katja Hurt
- "Bam shared from the heart, accepted feedback, modeled language sensitivity in an authentic way and encouraged difficult conversations. Illuminating!" - For Inclusive Language in the Outdoors by Bam Mendiola
- "It provided me a reminder to reflect on how I facilitate discussions, lead hikes, and work with others using a servant-leadership style." - For It's not about you, it's about them: Leadership in guiding, education, and life by Liz Riggs Meder
If you have any questions, comments, or additional feedback, please contact Michelle Song.
PRESENTATION topics & Recordings
The Leadership Development Series presentations were organized into five categories:
- Equity, & Inclusion
- Education & Instruction
- Group Facilitation & Mentorship
- Risk Management
- Continuing Education
Many of our presenters have agreed to have their presentations recorded. You can find all available recordings and list of all past presentations at our Mountaineers Leadership Development page.
What is the Leadership Development Series?
This Leadership Development Series are standalone seminars, as well as short series of seminars, offered free to all Mountaineers members to cover a wide variety of leadership topics. Current and aspiring volunteer leaders and instructors are encouraged to attend and expand their outdoor leadership skillset.
The Leadership Development Series seminars are planned between October - April (sometimes going into May) of each year. They are primarily held online but also held throughout the geographic locations of our branches. The next season of Leadership Development Series will begin in October 2023.
Looking AHEAD
Do you have an idea for a presentation topic or know a possible presenter for the 2022-2023 Leadership Development Series - we want to hear from you! Please submit your proposal or presenter nominations using this form or contact Michelle Song.
POWERED BY PHILANTHROPY
Our Leadership Development Series is only made possible through the generous support of our organization’s charitable donors. If you’re inspired to support our programming and wish to contribute, please consider making a donation to The Mountaineers.
