Mckenzie Campbell Davies
I recently finished my first course with The Mountaineers, Wilderness Navigation, and one moment in particular stood out to me. It wasn’t the required reading or the curious exercise of drawing on maps. It definitely wasn’t the 5AM carpool meetup. And it wasn’t even clamoring through blowdowns with a compass in my hand - though that was certainly fun and memorable.
My favorite moment was when I showed up to my first in-person workshop at The Mountaineers Seattle Program Center. I had left a quiet building earlier in the afternoon, but when I returned that evening, the place had been fully transformed.
My navigation course was just one of the groups using the space, which was practically vibrating with eagerness, curiosity, and camaraderie. People of all ages were connecting with each other over past trips, future ambitions, and favorite pubs. Every room was occupied by people gearing up, chatting, teaching, learning, and laughing. Even the fake blood staining the sidewalk from a recent Wilderness First Aid course was a funny reminder of the vast community of people brought together by shared passion.
This is the community I had heard so much about. Here were the volunteers - so many volunteers! - who were excited to share their time and experience with others. These were my fellow Mountaineers, committed to pursuing their adventures safely and responsibly. I was stoked.
I am so grateful that The Mountaineers exists for people like me, and for anyone who wants to explore and enjoy our natural world. Part of our vision is to make the outdoor world more inclusive - to generously share the skills and resources that make our adventures accessible and sustainable.
As summer quickly approaches, we are hoping to raise $40,000 for community-based, volunteer-led adventure. Donations from Mountaineers like you provide need-based scholarships for courses and activities. They sustain a gear library to equip families and groups with technical and seasonal gear. They subsidize Mountain Workshops, which create outdoor activities for youth who may not be able to access adventure programming otherwise. Your donations invest in our volunteers through leadership development opportunities. They support conservation and advocacy work, educating and empowering our membership to help protect public lands for generations to come.
Will you join me in making a gift this month in honor of your favorite Mountaineers moments? Your donation today will create many more moments like the one I shared above as people connect with each other over fun, adventure, and a deep devotion to the places we love most.
I’m so grateful that you and I are part of this special community.
As a 501(c)3 organization, gifts made to The Mountaineers are 100% tax-deductible. The Mountaineers, Tax ID 27-3009280, is located at 7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115.
