We like to put different VOC volunteer leaders in the spotlight in order to recognize the inspiring work they do to care for Colorado's outdoors. Here, get to know our featured volunteer leader, Barb Molitor!

Barb has a fun, yet essential role on the VOC Project Team -- keeping hundreds of hardworking volunteers happy and well-fed! As a volunteer Crew Chef, Barb plans meals and menus, prepares food, and manages outdoor cooking areas. 

Barb hails from Aurora, Illinois, and now resides in Aurora, Colorado. She comes from a long line of good cooks, and inherited her love for the outdoors and cooking from her family.

"I was always taught to be a good steward of the land we occupy," Barb said. "Fast forward a 'few' years and here I am in Colorado doing all the outdoor activities I love!"

Barb first began volunteering and cooking outside with the Colorado Mountain Club (CMC). A friend who she knew through CMC also happened to be involved with VOC, and one time Barb joined that friend on a VOC project -- and knew immediately she wanted to be a part of the VOC team. A few years later, Barb received a call from VOC to become a Lead Crew Chef, and it took her 'less than a second' to accept the offer and begin her training.

Eighteen years later, Barb is still joyfully cooking for VOC volunteers! She often enjoys creating new recipes -- like her watermelon gazpacho and concoction of warm Feta, lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh thyme -- and testing them on friends before she rolls them out on projects. Additionally, Barb has learned to adjust her recipes to accommodate volunteers with allergies or dietary restrictions.

"Occasionally, there are 'MacGyver moments', when a piece of equipment or food item missed the truck or there's a stove that doesn't light," said Barb."But, I have the best tool team in the world to fix things or help in the kitchen!" She also noted that the mix of great volunteers, project partners, and staff she gets to meet and work with time and time again makes those chaotic moments all worth it.

"I am so blessed to spend quality time in the outdoors putting smiles on peoples' faces. 

Nobody has a view from their kitchen window that can compete with mine. I'm looking forward to many more years with VOC," said Barb.

Someday soon, you can read about Barb's adventures on the trail in her book that she is currently writing!