Steph Keimig was nominated as Volunteer of the Month for BOTH December 2023 and January 2024
At the December 9 Explore Your Inner Winter Hiker Gear Shakedown at Wachusett, Steph worked with the group for 3 hours inside the Visitors Center to review their gear, not just run through the gear checklist. She advised each person on changes to consider and encouraged them to send links to gear after the workshop so she could take a look and provide feedback. Many of the participants took advantage of this offer after the workshop. Steph even went out with one participant later in December at Wachusett so the participant could test out an upgraded puffy jacket. We did get out and hike after the gear shakedown portion of this event. Again, Steph provided guidance on proper hiking technique, delayering as participants got visibly hot, and layering up at the summit as we took the opportunity to discuss other things related to winter hiking so the participants could test out their summit layers. On December 31, Steph led an advanced winter hike on Mt. Isolation. Given the unseasonably warm weather during the month of December, Steph suggested an alternate route from the traditional winter route for Isolation. This route worked out very well, Even this group of experienced upcountry winter hikers learned more about winter hiking techniques and gear improvements. All of us on the trip successfully summited Isolation. On the hike out, we had a significant river crossing. Steph and the group worked together to identify the “least worst” rock hops across. We all successfully crossed with no one falling into the water. Steph always puts safety front of mind and provides for great experiences for those involved with the trips she leads.
Thank you for all that you do for the Worcester Chapter, Steph!