Miriam Rumohr

I worked two summers at Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp. I worked as a backpacking guide and would usually take groups of up to ten people into the Sierra Nevadas for three days, or two nights. I was trained to cook with my Food Handlers certificate, lead a group with my experience of the area from backpacking recreationally, and take care of the group medically with my Wilderness First Responder certificate. We would take a group of girls out first and then immediately following we would take a group of boys out. So every two weeks I would lead up to two trips. I grew up backpacking so many of the skills required I had already mastered. I was in charge of preparing for the trip, managing the trip, and cleaning up afterward as well. I would keep morale high on the difficult parts of the hike with conversation and work hard to keep the participant's minds off the challenge that they were facing. When we arrived at the campsite usually after a 5-7 mile hike, I would set up camp which entailed a taught line and tarp for cover from weather, bear hang rope ready on a specifically selected tree with a branch that would withstand the weight of our food, and get water from the lake to start filtering. Proceeding this I would prepare and cook dinner for the group. The next day I would take the group on a day trip up to the nearest peak. The last day consisted of packing up camp and hiking back to the trailhead. Once we arrived at camp I would clean and take care of the gear we had used to ensure that it was well taken care of and any broken or damaged gear was fixed or replaced. In both my summers I learned how to lead a group of people confidently and make decisions quickly. I have become more familiar with the mountains I grew up in and learned more about how to safely hike in this area.

During this job, I was on a team with seven others who spent roughly four months clearing land my employer owned. I learned and mastered skills such as using a chainsaw, chipper, sawmill, and Kubota tractor. I also grew in experience with how to work efficiently with a team to clear the land as effectively as possible. We were expected to care for and maintain the gear/ equipment we used daily. I also learned skills such as different cuts you can make with a chainsaw, how to deal with a fallen tree that has been suspended in the surrounding trees, or using physics to help fell a large tree in the direction you need it to go. I developed an even greater love for the forest and enjoyed making sure it was healthy and well taken care of.

In my time working as a barista, I learned important skills such as how to work closely with the others on my team, how to deal kindly with customers, and how to work well under the pressure of frequent rushes we would experience. I encountered many different kinds of people in this job and learned how to communicate whether they spoke my language or not. I enjoyed my time as a barista for the constant flow of people and the experience with service I gained.