The First Step on the Journey: The Sauk County Institute of Leadership Welcomes the Class of 2026 at Durward’s Glen Retreat

The Sauk County Institute of Leadership (SCIL) Class of 2026 kicked off their program with a two-day retreat at Durward’s Glen Retreat and Conference Center. The retreat, which took place on September 11 and 12, combined a variety of team building activities and guest speakers to explore qualities of leadership and help foster connections between participants. The program’s 20 participants, called “SCILsters”, come from across Sauk County, and bring together a variety of backgrounds. Throughout the nine-month program these SCILsters will visit Sauk County businesses and learn first hand from community leaders.

Despite starting the retreat as strangers, the SCIL participants shared stories of leaders in their lives, creating a base layer of trust and community amongst the group. Sergeant Rocco Sylvester, of the Wisconsin National Guard, then took the training to the next level, grouping participants together as teams to overcome both physical and mental obstacles. The participants then explored their “true colors” through a personality test that highlighted everyone's similarities and strengths. The day closed with the highlight of many: laughter and camaraderie around a campfire, complete with s’mores, and, despite limited reception, the occasional update from the Packer game (we won!). 

After the events of Day 1, the SCIL participants already felt the bonds growing stronger and community growing within the cohort. With camaraderie now firmly in place, the day was filled with powerful presentations from passionate speakers who shared their stories of leadership, growth, and reflection. Past SCILsters shared their program experiences and impressed upon the new class that leadership is what you make it and everyone can be a leader. 

As the SCIL participants departed Durward’s Glen one by one, they left not as 20 strangers, but as a unified cohort embarking on their ongoing leadership journey. Reflecting on the retreat SCILster Sarah Garcia noted, “I am so excited about the unknown and unexpected of this program because I know it is going to be great”.

Written by Brad Keenan and Sara Oostdik