The Mountaineers
Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members. For our member profile this week we talked to three retiring members of the Olympia Branch Stewardship and Conservation Advisory Team (SCAT). These dedicated individuals have been instrumental in guiding The Mountaineers stewardship efforts over the past 25 years. As they step into retirement, we recognize their remarkable contributions to conservation and stewardship.
Names: Jennifer Fortin (she/her), John Sisco (he/him), and Kathy Fox (she/her)
Branch: Olympia
How long have you been volunteering with The Mountaineers? Since 2015, 2022, and 2012 respectively
What activities do you volunteer with at The Mountaineers? Stewardship
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?
Jennifer: A friend suggested that the organization might be a great fit for me.
John: I was interested in climbing or scrambling.
Kathy: In retirement, I relocated to Washington from Pennsylvania and was looking for an outdoor community.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED AS A VOLUNTEER?
Jennifer: I took lots of courses in those early years and wanted to share my passions with new students.
John: I worked on a trail maintenance party with Jim French.
Kathy: My volunteering happened organically. Wilderness Skills was the first course I took, and once I was trained with the skills, it felt natural to give back and share my knowledge with others.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
Jennifer: A kids camp in Olympia. There was a moment we divided the kids into two groups, which were originally "the boys against the girls." One of the kiddos spoke up and said she wasn't comfortable with that division, and the plan was immediately changed. I admired her so much for speaking up at her young age for what she believed in. I have shared this story with so many and also discussed with her how proud I was of her for speaking up.
John: My favorite memory is coordinating/co-leading a very complex log out on the Church Creek trail.
Kathy: I drove a refrigerated truck with five goats from the Hamma Hamma staging area to the Alpental ski area parking lot. We developed some sort of relationship with the goats in a short time, as we stopped every hour to open the refrigerated container they were being transported in for 15 minutes. We camped in the Alpental parking lot overnight. At day break the following morning, numerous agencies arrived, including a helicopter, and we helped prepare the goats for their air transport into the North Cascades. It was an emotional experience of the best kind.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU DO AS A LEADER TO MAKE YOUR PARTICIPANTS FEEL WELCOME?
Jennifer: I always seek out members of my hiking team or stewardship team, addressing them by name and welcoming them to the event. I want each person to feel special and seen in the group. Being a new participant is always a bit scary.
John: I let them saw logs.
Kathy: I greet them, smile, welcome them, thank them, encourage them, and get to know each of them.
WHAT IS ONE SURPRISING THING YOU’VE LEARNED THROUGH VOLUNTEER WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
Jennifer: We are all learning together with each event. Sharing at the end of a hike or event is a great way to understand other people's experience - what went well and what could be improved upon.
John: We all need input from volunteers without experience. Sometimes, they see things we may miss.
Kathy: I've learned more about who I am and what I'm capable of. Volunteering makes me feel part of something big, wonderful, and powerful. I now know that being outdoors is where I thrive.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ASPIRING VOLUNTEERS?
Jennifer: Always teach for activities you love and want to share with others. A volunteer's enthusiasm is very contagious!
John: Be sure to scout your projects before posting them, then try to recruit others with extensive experience.
Kathy: Lean in, find what you're passionate about, always keep learning, and share it with others.
LIGHTNING ROUND
What's your favorite close-to-home adventure?
Jennifer: Local park stewardship activities
John: Church Creek Trail
Kathy: I enjoy and frequently walk through Trillium Park on my way to Watershed Park right from home
What's your 11th Essential?
Jennifer: Work gloves and a trash bag
John: Moleskin
Kathy: My presence
Post-trip meal or go-to place of choice?
Jennifer: Nothing in particular
John: Hoodsport restaurant
Kathy: Vic's vegan pizza
What's next on your bucket list?
Jennifer: Hiking in New Zealand
John: Going downhill
Kathy: Another multi-month drive across the continent
NOMINATE YOURSELF FOR MOUNTAINEER OF THE WEEK
Mountaineers volunteers come in all shapes and sizes, varying widely in age, outdoor experience, and length of time involved in The Mountaineers. Part of what makes our community so unique is the broad diversity of our leadership, and we hope these weekly features highlight how our trip leaders, course instructors, and committee and branch officers support our community. We are always seeking self-nominations for our Mountaineer of the Week, and we invite you to share your story. Trust us, we want to hear from you!
If you’re a leader (or want to nominate a leader to spotlight), send an email to Michelle Song to make a recommendation.
