A young girl with curly hair writing on a poster with a black marker. The poster contains a motivational quote about connection and conversation written in different colors. The girl is wearing a light gray hoodie and a black vest, and is focused on

A man giving a presentation in a classroom, with a whiteboard and colorful posters behind him and a blue water bottle on a desk in the foreground.

People listening to a man speaking inside a warehouse or manufacturing facility with shelves and boxes in the background.

Three women walk and talk along a paved path near a lake, with picnic tables, grass, and trees in the background.

A group of women sitting around a table in a classroom or workshop setting, with motivational posters on the wall behind them. One woman is speaking to another, and there are water bottles and papers on the table.

A young man with glasses and a beard, wearing a maroon polo shirt with a name tag that says Joshua Behnke, stands outdoors with arms crossed, smiling, in front of green plants and trees.

Group of people holding hands in a team-building activity outdoors in a park on a sunny day.

A group of people standing outdoors in a semi-circle around a man in military uniform.

Four people wearing safety glasses are standing and talking in a warehouse, with shelves and workers in the background.

SCIL Curriculum

The SCIL curriculum covers wide-ranging topics that focus on leadership and community development. Each day has its own leadership topic, with smaller community topics and themes sprinkled throughout the sessions. Topics include authentic leadership, diversity, emotional intelligence, economic development, local government, and much more.

First Step on the Journey: SCIL Overnight Retreat at Durward’s Glen
Leading between the Lines
Contrast Makes the Picture Better: Seeing Diversity in Different Light
Made from Scratch: Real Leadership is Home-Cooked
Another Side of the Story: Featuring Segments on Addiction, Incarceration and Self-Evaluation
The Shadow Side of Leadership: Conflict
Economy and Destination as Attractor Factors to Sauk County
Legacy of Leadership
Celebrating Success

Follow along with the 2024-2025 cohort

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Follow along with the 2024-2025 cohort 〰️

Group of people standing outdoors on grass, holding a sign that reads 'SCL South County Innovation & Leadership', with trees in the background.

September

The 2024 Sauk County Institute of Leadership (SCIL) officially launched on September 12-13 with a retreat at the Durward’s Glen Retreat Center. This program is dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders within our community. This opening event marked the beginning of a nine-month journey for this year’s participants, setting the stage for a program designed to cultivate leadership skills and foster community connections. Read more.

A woman and a man are having a serious conversation in a bright room with large windows showing greenery outside. The woman is wearing a colorful hoodie, and the man is wearing a blue Under Armour shirt with a name tag that says Ben Marsden.

October

“Growth through the gift of others” is how retired Sauk Prairie School District Administrator Cliff Thompson sums up the importance of connection and openness to others’ ideas in leadership. This theme was recurring throughout the October session of Sauk County Institute of Leadership. Read more.

Group of people standing in a circle holding strings that connect with each other, participating in a team-building activity in a room with green walls and tables.

November

What do we mean when we discuss diversity, and how does a greater understanding of the diversity within our local community help us to grow as leaders? These were some of the questions that this year’s Sauk County Institute of Leadership (SCIL) cohort met to discuss on November 14th at the Frank Fischer Senior Center in Wisconsin Dells. Read more.

A diverse group of people attending a meeting or workshop in a conference room, seated around rectangular tables, with two presenters standing at the front near a whiteboard and computer.

December

Our journey began with a visit to Culver’s Headquarters, where we had the opportunity to meet Craig Culver, whose family opened the first Culver's restaurant in Sauk City, Wisconsin, in 1984. Craig was joined by Rich Modjeski, Vice President of Culver's Franchising System. While Culver's is best known for its iconic ButterBurgers and rich, creamy frozen custard, the company’s true foundation lies in its unwavering commitment to people—both customers and employees alike. Read more.

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair wearing a red jacket and jeans is giving a presentation in a classroom or workshop setting. She appears to be speaking with a slightly distressed or emotional expression. Seated nearby is a woman with blonde hair wearing a black sweater and olive-green pants, listening attentively. On the wall behind them is a poster about trauma, with the words 'TRAUMA is not what happens to you, trauma is what happens inside you.'

January

The Sauk County Institute of Leadership (SCIL) Class of 2024/2025 spent the day in Reedsburg, WI. The first stop was Seats, Inc., where they learned about the locally owned and managed company. Ryan Roers, CPA, Nordic Group Chief FInancial Officer and SCIL graduate opened the session. He shared the company philosophy of “We before Me”, the company culture that values experience over degrees, and an appreciation for loyalty and promotion from within. SCILsters toured the plant and learned about the redesign that has given the plant a more efficient work flow. Read more.

Group of people in a workshop or factory setting, with shelves of hats and costume accessories on the wall above them.

February

On February 13th, the Sauk County Institute of Leadership (SCIL) gathered in Spring Green to explore creativity, emotional intelligence, and leadership. SCIL is a nine-month program dedicated to cultivating dynamic leadership skills that enhance county work, business growth, and community development. Read more.

A man with glasses and a beard, wearing a dark cap, blue jacket, jeans, and sneakers, sitting on an orange chair, gesturing with his right hand, with a large white notepad on a stand behind him and a poster with writing on the wall

March

The March session of the 2025 Sauk County Institute of Leadership (SCIL) was spent in Baraboo, WI. The day began with Sheriff Chip Meister welcoming us to the Sauk County Law Enforcement Center. The Sheriff praised his colleagues and described how they function as a team to achieve their goal to enforce the law with integrity, fairness and respect. Read more.

A man giving a presentation to a group of people seated at round tables in a conference room. The man is pointing at a large screen displaying data or statistics.

April

On Thursday, April 10th, the Sauk County Institute of Leadership participants visited White Mound County Park for their eighth session to explore “Leadership in Nature, or Natural Leadership”. The objective of the day was to create an immersive, outdoor-based leadership session designed to cultivate strong, authentic leaders through connection with the natural environment. Read more.

Group of people standing on stage in a theater, after a performance or event, with a decorative banner overhead that reads 'Serenade au Petit Trianon'.

May

The Sauk County Institute of Leadership (SCIL) concluded its 9-month program on May 8. This session celebrated the successes of the SCIL Class of 2025 with a day of education, inspiration, and connection. Held at the Al. Ringling Theatre and Baraboo City Hall, the event brought together local leaders, nonprofit professionals, and community advocates to reflect on their journeys and recommit to making a difference in Sauk County. Read more.