2022 Festival Recap - through the eyes of a participant
Steph Bonucci shares her experience at the 2022 MWCF
Wow – another super successful Montana Women’s Climbing Festival in the books! In late May, we gathered at Hellgate Canyon to celebrate climbing and feminine energy.
On Friday evening, the first day of the festival, I felt a buzzing mixture of excitement and nervousness. I sat on a picnic bench, watching folks roll into the campground. Some faces were familiar from last year, but I noted quite a few new ones too. We started to gather under the campground pavilion, taking in the beautiful valley that surrounded us. The festival was kicked-off with a welcome from the organizers, Anju Samuelson, Kristen Neithercut, Becky Switzer, and Karly Rager. Sara Freedwoman set the tone by introducing the importance of community and inclusivity. I could feel the electric energy moving through the group. We had done what is sometimes the hardest part – we showed up. That evening, I met people from across Montana and beyond. Mostly, I tried not to fan girl when I saw Nikki Smith arrive – she is so cool!
Photo (left) of Nikki Smith teaching at her Climbing Photography Clinic
I am not much of a morning person, so woke up slowly on Saturday and scanned the scene from the bed of my truck. Some gals were packing gear, getting ready to head to the crag, while others were participating in a yoga class, led by Dani Menter. The clinic groups had gathered at picnic benches and folks were introducing themselves. I smiled, then b-lined it for the free Wild Crumb pastries and Treeline coffee!
Photo (above) of 2023 MWCF participants getting moving with a morning yoga class, taught by Dani Menter
Once fully caffeinated, I joined in on a nutrition workshop facilitated by Dani. I did not realize the importance of protein in recovery and learned a ton of recipes and sending-fuel guidelines. What struck me the most was how unique everyone’s experience with food and performance was, and I understood listening to your body to be the most important part.
The weather forecast was brooding, and the organizers quickly jumped into logistical ninjas, making sure everyone got to experience the clinic/workshop/talk they were hoping to join. The Saturday clinics covered many topics, including: Redpointing Tactics and Climbing Movement (by Karly Rager), Climbing Photography (by Nikki Smith), and Fear of Falling (by Anju Samuelson). When everyone gathered once again under the pavilion to make dinner in the evening, the group was collectively chattier, with people sharing stories or takeaways from the day and getting to know one another. The pavilion turned into the social hub, but there was also space around the campground for solitude and reflection for those who needed to re-charge.
Photo (right) of Karly Rager teaching her Climbing Movement and Redpoint Tactics Clinic
That evening, Broad Beta hosted a storytelling night. I listened to the brave speakers and felt a full range of emotion. I laughed, cried, and everything in between, feeling empathetic to the experiences of my community. We capped off the evening with a raffle of SWAG bundles that were packed full of ropes, quickdraws, sleeping bags, backpacks, you name it! Let’s just say the prize to participant ratio was very high.
Festival participants enjoying the gear raffle
Sunday proved to be just as the forecast suggested – wet, wet, wet. What I thought was going to be a disappointing day of no climbing turned into my favorite day of the festival. Blair Anne Hensen facilitated a super engaging discussion on navigating emotions and relationships in the outdoors. I don’t know exactly how to describe it, but I was moved by this group talk. We discussed power dynamics within belaytionships, mental health, and self-doubt. When I heard thoughts from others, I could not believe how much they mirrored my own experiences. This collective sharing was transformative, and I can’t thank Blair enough. I was listening so attentively, when the conversation concluded, I realized I was gripping my coffee mug with frozen hands. I threw on the belay parka and my closest winter companion – puffy pants. With the hot tea and snacks provided, I was ready for the final talk by Emily Gross from Climbers for Bat Conservation. She reminded us of our furry-winged friends and the importance of the eco-systems where we climb.
Blair Anne Hensen, MS, LCPC, NCC, leading a workshop on Navigating Emotions in the Outdoors
Alas, I was ready to make the trek back to Bozeman and took a few laps around the campground to share contact information and make plans with new friends. Lindsey Fixmer taught a self-rescue clinic under the pavilion while we all helped clean up the campground. I knew I wanted to get more involved with the festival next year so I can share this feeling of belonging and community. As a self-proclaimed introvert, I left tank empty, but heart full. I hoped others came away from the experience feeling as fulfilled, and I cannot wait for next year’s festival!
MWCF 2022 Organizers from left to right: Becky Switzer, Anju Samuelson, Kristen Neithercut, and Karly Rager
Thank you to Steph for writing the 2022 recap and joining us as we organize and prepare for the 2023 Festival! Mark your calendars — it is happening on June 2-4, 2023!
