Workshops, Friday, April 25
5:45 - 7:00 p.m.

Smokejumping: What We Do, and How To Become One (or, "The Eradication of Bizarre Myths")
This presentation is for those who are simply curious about the smokejumper program, as well as for those who think they might be interested in leaping into the sky themselves some day.

We will open with a new and comprehensive video about smokejumper rookie training. The panelists will then explain more about what the job entails, tell some good (and pertinent) stories, and answer questions. We will discuss the choices you can make as a wildland firefighter in order to create a strong resume for smokejumping. We will bring our jump gear and parachutes with us for "show and tell," and at the end, will show a video we created for the recent event, "20 Years of Women in Smokejumping." Attendees will leave with a load of practical information, and even more inspiration.

Faculty: Margarita Phillips has been a smokejumper for 15 years, and is currently the Missoula Smokejumper Outreach Coordinator and trains smokejumping recruits. Lori Messenger has been a Missoula smokejumper for three years. Jumpers from other bases (TBA) will add their perspectives.