Ice Age Trail University Recap

Jason S. "Grizzly" - Contributing Writer

“Weather Or Not” became the class of 2011’s mantra, as Mother Nature dealt them some wet and sloppy wildcards this past weekend.

The class began Wednesday night with introductions of the 9 crew leaders in training, a training overview and some activities that included working as a team, and how to actively listen -or something like that, I wasn’t really paying attentionJ A few training manuals were handed out and gave the class some nice light reading material as the storm would send them seeking their shelters early.

Thursday the class was ready to go as the rain would arrive a few minutes before field time. It poured, yet they stood there attentively listening to Tim and Mike CUSS the tools. They discussed the proper ways to Carry Use Store and the overall Safety of each trail building tool. A classic Tim “walk and talk” followed where trail anatomy features were looked at and discussed in sections built last year. The class got to work as a team and help another crew move some huge boulders with the Feldman. No not bizzaro Kramer but a special tool that makes carrying boulders less burdensome. They did an awesome job rockin in the tread world. Classic 4 step was taught, demonstrated and practiced during the afternoon. After dinner, the class had safety and risk management training, where they learned some "don’t try this on the trail" techniques, as well as education and awareness of how to safely work with crews.

Friday brought more field training, a review of cussing the tools, basic trail construction - some good ol’ sweaty workin’ on rocks, stumps, roots and tread. The afternoon consisted of American Red Cross First Aid and CPR training certification. The class grew larger as 27 volunteers would be recertified in the refresher course.

Saturday’s trainings included FISTA chainsaw safety certification for some and the care and feeding of volunteer crews for others, and a birthday party for all. Thanks again everyone.

By Sunday, the class of crew leaders in training had gained crew leading knowledge, as well as a variety of technical trail building skills, First Aid/ CPR certification and chainsaw safety certification. The class practiced what they had learned by acting out leadership scenarios. They proved they were ready to get out there and use their leadership skills -WEATHER OR NOT!