Mary cooking in the backcountry
Mary Milodragovich
Mary Milodragovich was born and raised in Montana. She graduated from Colgate University in Political Science and Africana Studies in 2008.
For the last four years, she has been instructing canoe, sea kayak, backpack, dogsled/skiing, and at-risk youth courses for Outward Bound.
What is your favorite chow circle quote?
“There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.” – Nelson Mandela
What is your favorite feeling from course?
In the summer of 2011, I instructed a 50 day at-risk young adult course. We sea kayaked in Canada for the first half and then canoed in the Boundary Waters for the second half. As a final test of skills and strength the students finished on the Grand Portage, an 8 1/2 mile portage linking the waterways of Northern Minnesota to Lake Superior.
The day we started The Grand, we stopped at the base of Partridge Falls, a 70 foot waterfall on the Pigeon River. It was one student’s 21st birthday and another turned 20 the following day. After 44 days of paddling, bugs, struggles, and adventure, they were in awe of the power of the waterfall and themselves for reaching such a pivotal point. I’ll never forget that image of their success
What do you do when you’re not instructing?
I generally go home to visit Montana and family or seek personal adventures. In April I traveled with 8 other VOBS winter staff members to Churchill, Manitoba and spent 17 days dog sledding on Hudson Bay. I spent June sea kayaking the southern coast of Newfoundland with Colgate students.
Why did you become an Outward Bound instructor?
My first exposure to VOBS was as a student on a dogsledding course in college. I came back here to work because I was drawn to the mission and the kind of people it attracts. It’s the hardest job I can imagine and simultaneously the most rewarding. I get to work with the most dedicated, passionate, and experienced outdoor educators in some of the most beautiful places on the continent.
Interested in joining a staff that makes a difference? For information on working for Voyageur Outward Bound School visit our jobs page.
About the Author
Richard Stuart is a leader-facilitator who experientially shares his wisdom, knowledge, and vision in selfless, creative, and subtle ways. Sharing his love of the out-of-doors while empowering people of all ages and all walks of life to unplug, engage, and experience the simple pleasures the world of nature affords has ignited his passion that shines brightly each and everyday.
