Volunteer and Packer of the Year 2020!
Every season we have the pleasure of selecting a Volunteer and Packer of the Year. As most of you know, this season was a little different — we didn’t have quite as many volunteers or pack trips as we would have liked. But when we sat down to discuss, two names stood out for us. And there was one theme with both of them: Dedication. These two young ladies were dedicated to BMWF in more ways than one, and we are thrilled to recognize them this year!
First is our Volunteer of the Year, Faith Wells. Faith is a senior at Hellgate High School in Missoula. After participating on a partner trip last year, she signed up for Girls in The Bob this year and was a strong leader. She also planned out a trip for her High School Hiking Club, and although that project didn’t happen due to Covid-19, it was easy to see her drive, determination, and leadership. We asked Faith a few questions about her love of the outdoors and what draws her to volunteer.
1) When did your love of the outdoors begin?
Faith on the ridge just below Vinegar Mountain in the Great Bear Wilderness. Girls in The Bob 2020
As most native Montanans do, I grew up roaming frosted prairies in blaze orange parkas and getting carried up mountains in a baby backpack. I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors, but I don’t think I truly loved them until I understood the value of connections between people and the wilderness. In the summer of my sophomore year, I worked for the Youth in Restoration program from Missoula. For the first time, I experienced the joys of backbreaking trail work. I also watched my team of oddball and misfit teenagers all connect with the wild in their own unique ways. I saw the woods give us all that we needed, be it a sense of control or quiet and protective solace. In true Bob Marshall spirit, I began to love the outdoors when I became conscious of how valuable the distinct and individual relationships with wild places are.
2) How many BMWF trips have you been on?
Faith (in plaid) with her Girls in The Bob crew
I’ve been on two BMWF trips. My first volunteer trip was through my Youth in the Restoration job. It was also my first backpacking trip. That trip was full of all sorts of first-time backpacker mishaps. I carried two cans of bear spray and three hardback books. (I thought a true mountain man had to hike alongside Ivan Doig, Pete Fromm, and Jim Harrison.) Thankfully, between the excitement of restoring a turnpike and only having to hike two miles, I hardly noticed my lumpy and heavy bag. That trip kick-started both my love of backpacking and my REI membership.
My second trip with the BMWF was a year later, the July 2020 Girls in the Bob. Now a confident hiker, I embarked on my second multi-day backpacking trip with the mission of sharing my passion for the wilderness with my new friends and crewmates. I loved every bit of the trip, from trying to swim the chilly Middle Fork to looking down at our tents from the top of Vinegar Mountain. There’s something to be said about women getting empowered by the woods. I left Girls in the Bob feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to face this warped world head-on.
3) What is your favorite part of backcountry trail work?
Whether she’s working on the trails or not, Faith prefers to be in the outdoors.
It’s to be expected, but I’ve gotta say it’s the people. It’s hard to form a deeper personal bond than one formed while cross-cut sawing. On group backpacking trips, you get to watch people mature and grow, and that’s an invaluable experience. That being said, pancakes with syrup tastes nothing less than magical when you’re on day four of “super pasta”
Thanks Faith! We look forward to having you on many more BMWF trips for years to come!
Next up is our Packer of the Year, Elle Eberts. She is new to the world of packing, but she was so very helpful to us this summer, and was an easy choice when we began our discussion! Anytime we had a packer fall through (which believe it or not happened quite a bit in our short season), Elle was eager and willing to jump right in! She loves her critters, and she loves getting into the Wilderness to help out our crews. We’re lucky to have her, and we look forward to working with her more and more! We also asked Elle a few questions about what it’s been like to become a BMWF Packer.
1) What made you get into horse packing?
Elle on her riding horse June Bug, and her lead pack horse Sabyr. photo; Hope Carlin
I've always been obsessed with horses. I was coming off of a year of intense work on a big show jumping circuit and saw the Region 1 Packer's rig in Missoula at a gas station. Intrigued, I then attended a Voices of the Wilderness night in Smoke Elser's barn. Captivated by the stories of packing I started attending packing clinics put on by Backcountry Horsemen of Montana. My show horses loved the new gig and I was quickly addicted.
2) What has been your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge has been gaining confidence. I don't ever want to put my horses in a bad situation but at first there was just so much to learn and remember to keep them safe. Luckily I've made great friends, which was particularly helpful when it came to my second biggest challenge; lifting heavy loads. I couldn't have done the number of trips I did for the foundation without Deb and Greg Schatz who teamed up with me on multiple trips.
Elle in her happy place…out on the trail packing!
3) What’s your advice to other young gals and guys hoping to enter the world of packing?
Elle with her string from L to R; Quiver, Shirley, June Bug, and Sabyr
Learn as much as you can by reading, attending clinics, and talking to other packers, but ultimately just get out there. It doesn't matter if you only have one or two horses, the best thing about packing is that there is no right or wrong way to pack as long as all involved are safe and comfortable. There are many clinics (and even a kids camp!) through Backcountry Horsemen of Montana and there are also many people willing to be kind and considerate mentors if you start to look. To the young gals in particular; you are strong enough, you won't see as many lady packers at first but they are there, and they rule. Reach out if you need help, but most of all don't let anyone insinuate you can't get the job done. Being a packer is liberating in many ways. You've got this!
Thank you again Elle! We’re so fortunate to have you, and we look forward to lots more miles on the trail with you and your critters!