2025 Leadership Summit Wrap Up

We think it’s safe to say that the 2025 Leadership Summit was a SUCCESS!! 

The day kicked off with a small group charging up South Table Mountain. Led by Wayne Howell, trip leader and history buff, and Sara Schuller, Youth Programs Coordinator and geology buff, they offered a wealth of knowledge to pair with the natural beauty of the Saturday morning hike. 

Participants arrived to tables full of goodies—thank you to our sponsor, Pact Outdoors. Many were excited to reconnect with fellow trip leaders and instructors, while others found new friends to welcome them at their tables. 

Our first keynote speaker, Paul Dryer, got everyone up and moving with an icebreaker. He then walked participants through his extensive experience guiding in the outdoors and shared his three keys to effective leadership: Start with Connection, Balance Humility and Confidence, and Find Joy. 

Participants then headed into their breakout sessions: 

• Wayne Howell and Keith Steinbaugh held a popular session on Risk Management and Backcountry Incident Management. 

• Paul Dryer led a group discussion around stress management and five principles that prevent injuries. 

• Brian Bergler hosted a session on growing conservation efforts on the Front Range. 

• Ashley Kramer and Kelsie Turner guided a conversation around membership survey feedback and ways CMC can improve the volunteer experience.

After lunch, we returned for a full-group session with Aleya Littleton, counselor and professor of Wilderness Psychology First Aid. She explored how stress impacts our ability to respond and lead, the effects it can have on a group, and the aftermath of a stressful situation. She reminded us of the importance of human relationships and self-care when managing groups and potential emergencies on the trail. Find out more about the Stress Continuum tool to make informed decisions and manage risk. 

We made sure to finish on a fun, light-hearted note with a competitive outdoor-themed relay race. Participants formed teams of 4–5 and raced to name the 14ers, guess the “outdoorsy action” in charades, navigate to three different waypoints in the field, climb to the top of the climbing wall, and tie four different knots blindfolded! The top three teams received prizes from our amazingly generous sponsors, Mountain Smith and Pact Outdoors. 

We appreciate all of the positive feedback we received about the event: 

“The speakers were engaging, the venue was roomy, the audio and video worked well — the SWAG was worthwhile and everyone liked the pins designating our roles — instructor/leader — the activity scenarios were fun and educational — the food was the best of any daytime events in recent years — ample parking — ample bathrooms — an excited staff (and probably a very tired staff) — representation from the CMC Board (Peter & Robby) — the BIM cards presentation very worthwhile (thanks, Wayne & Keith) — the pre-event trips led by Wayne and a bike leader who put in extra effort — the whole shebang much appreciated!” 

“I wanted to let you all know how much I enjoyed the Summit today. I thought it was well planned out and it was great to see the new basecamp. You’ve really done a lot to put the CMC personality on the building. I really enjoyed talking with old colleagues and meeting new folks, and thanks to all of you for a great day.” 

We’re already looking forward to making next year’s event even better. If you have any feedback you’d like to share for next year’s summit, please provide it here: 2025 Leadership Summit Feedback