Yellowstone Country Guardians Field Journal

Wrapping Up The YWLP and Special Thanks...

Representin' after our big service project, Pebble Creek CG, YNP.

It has been three days since the 2010 Youth Wilderness Leadership Program (YWLP) came to an emotional end and the flood of student and counselor testimonies in form of phone calls and emails has been overwhelming to say the least.  Though spent and exhausted after yet another hectic season of guiding, speaking and YCG programming, I am riding a high after what was another moving and powerful experience with a lively bunch of Yellowstone Country teenagers. 

What amazes me so much about the young people we have the privilege of working with is that they are not only profoundly impacted by programs such as this YWLP, but that they have the courage to express their gratitude in such thoughtful and moving ways.  I cannot read the influx of heartfelt testimonies we have recently received without tears filling my eyes as I am so inspired by these youngsters and have such incredibly high hopes for what they have to offer as guardians of Yellowstone Country. 

I hope everyone who has had the opportunity to peruse the pages of this Field Journal have enjoyed following the odyssey of these 17 spirited teenagers and mentors as it really was quite the journey.  Without being there in person to witness the magic and power that spills out of each participant during the testimony it would be hard to fully grasp the magnitude of the experience we all recently shared, but rest assured that lives were changed over the course of this program. 

I want to take this time to thank all of the student participants for once again joining us with an open heart and an open mind and for inspiring us to find new and bold ways to motivate young people to action. 

To our sponsors and donors, thank you for helping us to create such an impactful program for each participant and for making all of this important work possible:

Sponsors:

Park Country Community Foundation, Dome Mountain Ranch (JB and Lennae Klyap), Big Sky Youth Empowerment and Timber Trails.

Supporters and Volunteers:

The 2010 YWLP was a huge success largely because of the incredibly talented mentors/counselors we had on board this year and thus it is with lots of love, mad respect and deep gratitude that I thank Brad Bunkers (Livingston), Matt Larson (Missoula), Ashley Leach (Missoula) and Heather Laubach (Gardiner/Dillon) for giving so much of their valuable time and energy to this program and all of its participants. 

I also want to thank my beautiful wife Crystal Leach for her tireless efforts and unwavering support.  As all students will attest, your spaghetti was off the hook!  And to our most dedicated volunteer Randy “Doons” Ingersoll, for always being there, doing the small things and of course documenting each day’s events, you are priceless. 

I want to give a very special thanks to Travis Wyman and Kerry Gunther from the Bear Management Office with the NPS in Yellowstone National Park for helping us to create such a positive service learning project that each participant loved and surely won’t forget!  We all loved our time with Travis.

It was a pleasure for us all to listen to the great stories of wolf expert Rick McIntyre who graciously gave us a presentation in the Lamar Valley on wolf ecology and the history of Yellowstone’s wolf re-introduction, thank you Rick.  And a big with nothin’ but love shout-out to Ranger Keith Young for leading our students up the slopes of Bunsen Peak and for his highly motivational speech overlooking the expansive Swan Lake Flats, the students were very inspired by your words.   

I also want to give a big YCG shout-out to Ms. Jane Cholcher from Park High’s Project 71’ for all of your tremendous support and for galvanizing so many passionate Park High students to participate in our program.  And a special thanks to Julie Reinertson, Counselor at Gardiner High for her guidance and support. 

I would be remised if I did not say a very special thank you to Jim and Lennae Klyap of Dome Mountain Ranch for their hospitality and support of this program.  I would also like to thank YCG friends Nathan Varley and Linda Thurston of the Wildside for helping to make our wildlife watching experience so vivid.

I also have to give much love and mad respect to our friends at Big Sky Youth Empowerment for their incredibly generous support of our program through the use of their vehicles which allowed us to safely ride in style!

And finally, I want to thank all of our donors for their incredibly generous support and for helping to make these very impactful programs a reality for the deserving youth that they serve.  Your generosity and commitment to Yellowstone Country’s future is an inspiration to us all!

~Michael Leach, Director  

Keeping bears safe and healthy!

2010 YWLP Final Testimony

Tranquility of the Spirit

Riffles, seams, pools, runs

Beauty unforeseen in places near forgotten

Each trickle or smooth slipstream

Every lovely lapping bank untrodden

The scars are there, immovable stones

But part of the flow, all the same

Unfolding from the deepest crevasse

Hear the sound that has no name

It's the rush you cannot feel

But imbue within you anyway

Something swirls around that isn't there

It shames the night and takes the day

Majestic allure of water's flow

The truest way to live and win

It conquers hate and embodies love

Peace without is peace within.

This past weekend was something that I can assume that all those who attended needed greatly. Why would I say needed, you might ask. Well I know I can speak for everyone involved when I say that it is more than a blessing to be given a real break from schoolwork and the hectic life that goes along with it. When I say a real break, I hope that everyone will also agree that this was true for them as well. To many of us, that break was spending time hiking a towering mountain, vigorously discussing local political issues, waking up at five thirty in the morning to dig holes in the cold hard ground in the back-country, and then finishing it all out the final day with an interview assignment that has to be done.

There were other, more relaxing things than what I have just mentioned as well such as the long soak in the boiling river, the chill time in the lodge and finally, my favorite part, the ten minute meditations out in the open near beautiful running water. You may think whatever you want to about all these activities, but I believe personally, each and every one was tenfold more enjoyable and less stressful than the life that students like myself are subject to every day we walk our school's halls.

So yes, I do believe that we enjoyed a wonderful break to the fullest extent. It is with unbounded gratitude that I thank all the students who came, the sponsors of the program, the mentors, rangers, wonderful cooks and doers of everything (Crystal and Randy) and finally and most specially my Coach, Michael Leach, for making this past weekend into the wonderful experience that it was. I know the rest of the students share this gratitude as well. Love you Coach.

-Eddie (3000) 17, Gardiner

 

Day Three YWLP: Mentor Testimony

Winter is coming to Yellowstone country.  The air beneath the mounting clouds is cold and we greet the morning in our hats, gloves, wool shirts, and long underwear.  When the sun rises we see the dead and dying grasses, the bursts of golden leaves from cottonwood and quaking aspen, and a dusting of snow high on the rocky peaks.  This is the season cessation.  The bears search to add fat to their winter coats.  The trees gather the life from their leaves and yield growth to the coming season of ice and snow.  But the young men and women here in Yellowstone country are not casting off their leaves.  They are not preparing for dormancy.  They are sitting by creeks, pouring sweat into postholes, throwing laughter to the jagged mountaintops above them, and they are sending green shoots into a world they’ve only begun to explore.  They are growing.  In a season marked by death, we build foundations of community, we add friends and rich experience to our memories, and we send roots down into a place we all love and respect. And we grow. 

Matt Larson 28 (Mentor), Missoula

Fading light at the Mammoth Hot Springs, YNP. 

Day Three: Student Testimony

Walk the walk down a beautiful road remember the things you chose. Cherish those who lift you up, return the gift, ignorance is not bliss but a shiny possession, the root of your loved ones depression. This is a confession and an acknowledgement of time, the love in my heart or the answers it provides are not double sided or twisted in a rhyme. It’s a crime not to shine when their minds are uniquely mine the lines undefined written sideways on a diamond, let me know when you find them. We will all start at a different point, with a different view. If we don’t shine then who? When its dark you can’t see the points reflecting like a precious jewel. People are like diamonds we reflect our light through; we mind them and know in our hearts each word is true. When we look into our diamonds we all say, “I found them… it’s you”.

Matthew Fowlie 18, Livingston

Matt on the summit of Bunsen Peak, YNP. 

Day Two YWLP: Get Involved and Make a Difference...

Day two of the YWLP began bright and early as the alarm clocks began ringing throughout the house at 5:30 am.  After a dark drive from our home-base at the Dome Mountain Ranch to Tower Roosevelt the morning light began to bathe Yellowstone's northern range.  Students gasped in awe as we entered the Lamar Valley and we quickly set up on a hill overlooking the valley floor in hopes of seeing wolves. 

Though beautiful October weather greeted us throughout day one and two of the program, the early morning hours were cold and chilled many to the bones.  But regardless of how cold each student was, when world renowned wolf expert and member of the Yellowstone National Park wolf study team Rick McIntyre treated us with a presentation, all else was forgotten. 

Though we didn't see wolves on this day, Rick's presentation on the history of wolf reintroduction in Yellowstone National Park enlightened students and deepened their knowledge and understanding of one of the most successful and controversial reintroductions of any species in recent history.

After exploring the Lamar Valley and discussing the ecology of the Northern Range, we met up with Bear Management Specialist and friend of YCG Travis Wyman for a lively presentation on the importance of properly storing our food in bear country.  We followed up Travis' presentation with our five hour service learning project, giving back to Yellowstone and the bears that so authentically represent its wildness. 

The students all worked so hard, digging post holes, stirring and pouring concrete while precisely measuring each hole and piece of PVC piping, giving back and making a difference for future Yellowstone campers and bears.

Even though we were all tired after getting up early and working hard all afternoon, the energy of each student and counselor remained high and we culminated our time in Yellowstone National Park with a geologic presentation at the Mammoth Hot Springs.

We returned to the ranch with aromatic garlic bread and spaghetti filling the air and after a spirited dinner the students wore their emotions on their sleeves and bravely shared how much today's experience meant to each of them.  We have shared two amazing days and now its time to get rested up for the final day of our 2010 YWLP.   

~Michael Leach, Director

Students begin their Phd (Post Hole Digging) journey...

Brittany is jacked about getting the measurement and depth just right!

YCG Director Michael Leach works with two YWLP students to get the proper concrete texture.

Representin' YCG and gettin' it done...

Girl POWER!

Cameshia and Sarah REPRESENTING!

Big smiles all around after a hard day of work and giving back.

Day Two: YWLP Student Testimony

Day Two: "Giving Back" included a five hour service learning project where students learned about the importance of food storage in bear country and then got to work building bear boxes.

~Today we woke up at about 5:40 am. It actually wasn’t that bad. So these people that we are with, they are like my family.  I love my family in all but dang they are never this fun. There is always laughing and fun all the time. But in school most of us never talk, but here it is a completely different story as everyone gets along.  This Coach/Mike, which there is no words to describe him. He is one of the most lovely coolest people you will ever meet. Thanks to him and everyone else, I have had one of the most awesome weekends I will never forget. I could never thank them enough.

So the second day we saw some buffalo and one looked like it was going to eat us, haha, but they were beautiful animals along with everything else in the park. I have a new appreciation for the park. I have lived here all 17yrs. of my life and have been to the park many times, but have never experienced it like I did this weekend. What I think helps with the way you experience things is the people that you surround yourself with. And of course White Lighting. White lighting was the awesome Suburban that I and seven others were in. This week has been awesome just too bad we have to leave tomorrow. But I will take a lot away from this. 

Sarah 17, Livingston

Day Two: YWLP Student Testimony

I have lived here all my life, but never noticed what I have learned these last two days. Here is what I have learned here: 

Everywhere you turn it’s like a ray of vast green oceans. It holds the harmonic symphonies of Wolves, Coyotes, and the miraculous Elk. It holds the majestic Grizzly and the brave Big Horn Sheep. Here among the vast oceans of green is a world controlled by the animals alone. The bears rule and the others follow. But what of us? We are the ones who look and should learn of the world created there. We try and understand, but can never seem to hold it in our grasps. What is this untouched world? This place of its own? It is the true west, it is Yellowstone!

Kaitlyn 17, Livingston

 

Today I awoke to a great feeling.  I knew that today would be just fun.  This morning was very fast it could have been much slower time wise I just didn’t want to stop working.  We woke up and ate, and went on my best adventure ever.  The drive was the funniest part of the day.  A beast of a buffalo growled at us for driving close to him.  I personally think it was our car “white lightning”.  Then for “Giving Back” to what we get every day from the forest, we built bear boxes.  It changed me because I never have fun working, but I had more fun than I ever have in a long time.  Then Matt had us sit for 10 minutes in silence.  That made me realize what I have for friends and family I have adopted many new members to my family.  The drive back home showed me and others in white lightning my leadership skills when me and Bubba changed a tire that decided to leave the herd.  I have realized a lot in these two days with these amazing people.  “Today is the day to reconnect to nature.” A quote by Coach

Rick 17, Livingston

Students scan for wolves and bears during the crepuscular hours of the early morning in the Lamar Valley, YNP.

YCG Director Michael Leach discusses ecology in the Lamar Valley, North America's little Serengeti. 

Day One: YWLP Mentor Testimony

The three-day YWLP got off to a great start today. Driving to Dome Mountain Ranch this morning we were greeted by blazing fall foliage as the rising sun guided us towards Yellowstone. After a quick orientation at the ranch we headed out for a hike up Bunsen Peak. The hike was amazing and we were rewarded at the summit with an inspiring talk by ranger Keith Young. We ended our epic day with a soothing soak in the Boiling River. As we sat in the Gardiner River I reflected on our first day and thought to myself how fortunate I was to be part of YCG’s YWLP and to be in the company of such amazing young adults.

Brad Bunkers (Mentor), Livingston

(Left to right) Ranger Keith Young, and mentors Brad Bunkers, Ashley Leach and Matt Larson.

Students listen to presentation from Ranger Keith Young after a BIG climb to the summit of Bunsen Peak in Yellowstone National Park. 

Students all jacked up after climbing Bunsen Peak knowing that a swim at the Boiling River soon awaits...

Day One: YWLP Testimony

Today (day one) was the most inspiring day in my 17 years.  Sitting on top of Bunsen peak looking at the sea of green and trees was just the best thing.  Sitting with friends and someone very special made it even better.  Just sitting, watching the wind blow the trees or the river move.  This trip has me set.  Then at the boiling river everyone was having happy conversations, what was once a couple social groups became a family it seems.  Everyone seemed very calm and relaxed.  The level of respect was just amazing, and today was the best was to start a weekend.

Rick 17, Livingston

Day One: YWLP Student Testimony

Yellowstone is all that left of the wild west.  It is the only untouched sence of what it was like before white man. but what is it to us now? A theme park with animals?

No, I'll tell you what it is, it is a sanctuary of vibrant life to look upon.  A place to realize what life really is. It shows a world that is untouched by a contractor or real estate.  It is a place to find your inner life and inner true being.

It is also a place to share a life with someone who knows no wrong.  To show a different outlook to the world around them. 

It is a world that we only try and understand.  But to be honest, it is something that we will never fully and truly know no matter how much we try...

Kaitlyn 17, Livingston