The Ice Age Trail Alliance repeats the mantra “Trailbuilding is People Building” from the top of kames to the bottom of kettles. The acts of creating, supporting and protecting a 1000 mile footpath tracing glacial formations come in many forms and all lead back to this familiar phrase. Perhaps the best example of Trailbuilding is People Building is found in the cultivation and creation of the next generation of crew leaders. 
It is no small feat to positively and safely guide fellow volunteers on and off-trail to create a world class hiking experience. Yet, since 2002, Ice Age Trail Alliance volunteers have been doing just that. Through rigorous training, high expectations, collaboration and a heavy dose of flat out fun, crew leaders are the front-line of the Trail. This is not done through smoke and mirrors but through the Alliance’s semiannual Crew Leadership and Skills Training.
April 27 through May 1, a new class of crew leader trainees will begin to hone their “Trailbuilding is People Building” skills. We welcome these hearty volunteers and thank each of them for joining the adventure.