Gift of Interpretive Training for VMF Volunteer Ambassadors
In preparation for the opening of the new Backcountry Visitors Center at the historic Santa Ysabel General Store, the Volcan Mountain Foundation’s Education-Outreach program, received a wonderful day-long training program led by longtime VMF friend, Mary Aldern held on Saturday, September 8th at the Pinto Ranch Retreat Center in San Felipe.
Many of you may know Mary and her husband, Jared, from their years and involvement here in the backcountry. Mary is now the Director of Camps, Curriculum and Instruction with the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust and has completed extensive training for interpretation, and was kind enough to pass that knowledge along to our group.
Starting with ‘getting to know your audience’, Mary led the group through fun exercises such as partner sketches, which created an opportunity for participants to understand ways to get to know themselves and others. The training helps to give VMF’s volunteer interpretive ambassadors a framework for interacting with visiting public to tell them all about Volcan Mountain, and how they can respectfully explore its wonders. The same information will help strengthen docent-led hikes, and other outreach presentations.
VMF Education Coordinator, Kathleen Beck, helped to coordinate and participated in this valuable training with Mary, which also included our hosts Michael & Meili Pinto, and volunteer participants, Mark Barrett, Sheana Fry, Ron & Laurel Granquist, Jeff Holt, Jim Lydick, Connie Newgard, and John Raifsnider. We are so appreciative to Mary for giving of her time and expertise, and to Michael and Meili for the use of their beautiful retreat center.
If you’re interested in becoming a Volcan Volunteer (in any capacity), please contact Kathleen (VMFEducation@VolcanMt.org; Office: 760-765-2300; Home: 760-765-2548).
Notes and Photo Credits: Jeff Holt
