The Mountaineers
Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members. For our member profile this week we talked to...
Name: Stella Palaveeva
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Member Since: February 2015
Occupation: I'm a sophomore at Lakeside School!
Favorite Activities: Climbing, Kayaking, Backpacking, Skiing
10 ESSENTIALS QUESTIONS
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I got involved with The Mountaineers almost 10 years ago, as a camper for the Seattle Day Camp! I spent at least one week there every summer from the time I was 6 until I was 12. Last summer, I applied to be a CIT for The Mountaineers, and spent 5 weeks as a Junior Counselor!
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GET OUTSIDE WITH US?
Since I work with kids at The Mountaineers, the main thing that motivates me to volunteer/spend time outside is seeing the joy on kids’ faces when they try something new and discover that they love it! Being able to be a part of kid's discovering the outdoors is a really special experience to me, and it's something that brings me so much happiness. We're super lucky to live in a region that gives us so much access to different outdoor activities, and I want to help others discover that!
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
My favorite Mountaineers memory is probably during the summer, during one of the summer camp weeks that involved kayaking. It was the last time we were going to use the kayaks, so me, my two friends, and one of our supervisors stayed behind to put away all of the boats. It was super hot outside, and it was heavy lifting to put all of them away. After we had finished up, we had a bit of time before we had to go to the program center, so my two friends and I raced over to the nearby dock and jumped into the lake!
WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
People being brave enough to try scary things!
AS A DONOR AND VOLUNTEER-SUPPORTED ORGANIZATION, THE MOUNTAINEERS IS BASED ON COMMUNITY SUPPORT. HOW HAVE YOU PAID IT FORWARD, OR HOW HAVE YOU BENEFITED FROM SOMEONE ELSE PAYING IT FORWARD?
A way that I've benefitted from The Mountaineers community is knowing that whenever I am there, I am with people that I can rely on to be there for me if I need it. The Mountaineers fosters such a welcoming and comfortable community that I am so happy to be a part of, and I hope that others feel the same.
WHAT DOES ADVENTURE MEAN TO YOU?
To me, adventure means trying something scary and giving it my best shot! Knowing that I gave something my best shot, even if I didn't accomplish whatever it was, is the most adventurous thing I can think of.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
Smile or game face? Smile
What's your 11th Essential? Friendship bracelet string!
What’s your happy place? Orcas Island, WA
Post-adventure meal of choice? Red Mill Burgers! Always!
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Probably ice climbing, I'm super jealous of everyone who is crazy good at it!
Have you had a memorable experience with The Mountaineers you'd like to share, or know someone who should share their story? Submit your info for a chance to be featured!
