Part of the YLC Crew gearing up for their first big zip-line. Gallatin River, Montana.
After months of planning and weeks of recruiting, day one of the 2011 Yellowstone Leadership Challenge started with a bang. The first hours of every YCG program are critical to the success of the entire endeavor, so when the morning session at the Shane Center in Livingston, Montana, on a sunny October 21st, went off with great energy and excitement, we, the mentors and staff breathed a big sigh of relief.
When bringing together a diverse collection of 20 local teens—some of whom had participated in past YCG programs understanding our culture and flow, while others were audaciously taking a leap of faith for the first time—the opening session must be engaging, edgy, inspiring and motivating. The response from both students and mentors during our “Setting the Tone” session where we discuss expectations, introduce our core values, and listen to a high energy “locker room talk” from Coach Leach, was off the charts. It was clear from the time we left Livingston that we had assembled a powerful crew for this year’s Yellowstone Leadership Challenge and an eventful three days awaited.
Our first big outing of this year’s program was a zip-line course run by YCG supporters Montana Whitewater north of Big Sky, Montana. The weather held out and while overcast, the temperatures remained comfortable as students pushed their comfort zone to the limits. Many of the students who arrived to the shores of the Gallatin River and the Montana Whitewater zipline course shy and a bit uncomfortable emerged as adrenaline riddled adventurers ready to take on the world.
After an afternoon of high reward adventure, we journeyed back to Livingston and down the Paradise Valley en route to our home-base at Dome Mountain Ranch. The drive through the Paradise was enigmatic, splendid and a bit magical. While driving 70 mph up river, the snow-capped mountains dominated the horizon, while the brilliantly golden leaves of the cottonwoods lit up the valley floor. As if all ominous clouds hovering over the snow-capped peaks and vibrant colors weren’t enough, we also encountered dozens of migrating sandhill cranes along the way.
Hungry and ready to eat, we were all treated to a feast of Town Café pizzas which included their legendary Hamburger Pizza and were delivered by owners Wade and Paula Labauch. To add to the deliciousness of the pizzas, Wade (a YCG friend and supporter) donated all of the food and drinks that he delivered, making an already special night all the better.
Wrapping up day one, we all ventured downstairs and students got comfortable as YCG founder and director Michael Leach shared his Yellowstone presentation focusing on the wildness and spirit of Yellowstone Country with an emphasis on Yellowstone’s grizzlies while introducing students to local issues such as bison, grizzly, wolf and elk management.
While many students shared they could hardly sleep the night before out of anticipation for the festivities of day one of the YLC, a restless excitement permeated the lodge as 29 tired YCGers prepared for bed and our 6 am wildlife watching wake up call and a jam-packed day two…
Setting the tone at the Shane Center in Livingston, Montana.
Bubba back for his third Yellowstone Leadership Challenge.
Gus sharing his story.
Gus, Taylor and Olivia leading the way across the Gallatin River en-route to the zip-line.
Simply too good of a smile not to post. Mizz T taking the plunge with a smile.
Miranda overcoming her fears.
YCG mentor and master volunteer Heather Laubach throwing a Mo Betta Mahalo from the zip.
A jacked up crew after being pushed mentally, physically and emotionally. Leaders in the works!
YCG Rockstar Cameesh and new YCGer Ivy bringing the good mojo all weekend long.
