Pathways Newsletter

Coming to Montana to participate in MCC’s Leadership Development Program (LDP) during the peak of winter was no small task for some of us new leaders in the Northern Rockies region. Some of us got stuck in snow storms in Wyoming while driving here, while others coordinated flights and car rides to unfamiliar locations. The first month involved intensive training on MCC policy, Wilderness Advanced First Aid, and a whole toolbox of leadership skills to guide us through the difficult situations that could arise this season. Following the initial training, we split into three crews to train on projects in the field. Through these hitches, we discovered there is power in togetherness, magic in vulnerability, and strength in knowing our limits.

The first hitch gave us a taste of hard work. It involved making the Bad Medicine Campground near Troy, MT more accessible by updating fire rings and picnic tables. In this process, we shoveled and spread truckloads of gravel amongst the campsites. On top of this grueling work, there was the need for some difficult conversations about respecting MCC policy and each other. In the context of the 5 phases of team development (forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning) we were certainly storming! But these conversations allowed us to understand where people are coming from and how to handle each unique personality and situation. We came out of the hitch with brighter eyes now that we understood each other. We knew things would only get more difficult from there, but we understood that working together was the only way we could navigate what was to come.

The second hitch brought us back to the Flathead where we cleared a trail corridor along the north shore of Flathead Lake. Using chainsaws, we cleared a passage atop the dike so that future MCC crews could later establish a permanent trail. What stood out to us during this project was the relationship we developed with our project partner. This trail was one he and his son had been working on before his son suddenly passed away. We were more invested in our work because we knew that it was not only helping the land but also making our project partner’s dream of finishing the trail a reality. It was through his personal connection to the project that we learned that vulnerability has a very important place in our work as leaders. It can help motivate others by making them realize just how important our work can be to both people and the land.

Our third hitch was the longest of the three. It was nine days of working on a reroute of the Wallman trail in the Rattlesnake Recreational Area near Missoula. Together with three leader crews from the Western Wildlands region, we constructed 0.84 miles of new trail. For many of us, the work was some of the hardest we had ever encountered. It was difficult learning that true strength comes from knowing where your limits are and in turn taking time to rest. But we’re stronger for it, especially after eating so many delicious homemade black bean burgers!

As LDP wraps up and our members are about to begin their own adventure, our Northern Rockies crew leaders are now in possession of the physical and mental tools necessary to guide crews. We learned so much in such a short amount of time, but we thrived because we leaned on each other for support during both physically and mentally draining times. It’s safe to say that the friendships and co-leader relationships that have formed from these experiences will carry us through the coming season. Peak performing, here we come.