The Mountaineers
What benefits do you experience from outdoor recreation? When you find joy outside, does that trickle into your relationships? Your family? Your role in our greater community? Everyone has something to gain from spending time outdoors. The benefits of pursuing individual goals, connecting with others, giving back through leadership, and paying forward as advocates go beyond our personal health and joy.
Will you make a donation today so that someone else can access activities, learn skills, and find belonging in the outdoor community through the Mountaineers Access Program?
Your donation today will be doubled! A number of Mountaineers have pooled donations to create a matching challenge of $10K. Your gift today will have twice the impact as we seek to raise $30K for scholarships, Youth Partner Programs, and other initiatives made possible through the Mountaineers Access Program.
In honor of this global day of giving back, here are three stories of people impacted last year by the generosity of donors.
Jessica found confidence and community
Jessica is new to the Seattle area and participating in the Conditioning Hiking Series course allowed her to reach new heights and confidence. “Economic insecurity or financial barriers are not always immediately apparent,” she shared. “Recreation can be expensive, from gear to permits to having comfortable clothing. Having a scholarship relieves some of that stress.”
“I've gained confidence to be outside longer and am so much stronger both physically and mentally. I've made some great friends and gone places I've never imagined.”
Carol wants to give back
Carol enjoys the outdoors for many relatable reasons. “Being outdoors is so spiritual!” she says. “Beauty, nature, wildlife, fauna, geography! Oh, and fresh air, exercise!”
Carol wanted to contribute more to the activities she joined and led, and wanted her family not to worry about her being on the trail alone. She was able to take a Wilderness First Aid course through a donor-funded scholarship. “The skills and techniques I learned make me a stronger contributor to our organization. Safety first, planning, being prepared and confidence… I am forever grateful for the help.”
The Hansen Family* grows together
The Hansen family enrolled both of their kids in year-round youth programs thanks to a scholarship. “Our kids now love climbing and camping, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, know all about microtrash and Leave No Trace. They even got to spend time at Meany Lodge and enjoy both volunteering there in the fall and playing in the snow there in the winter. These are lifetime memories, and we are so grateful.”
The program has been especially helpful for their eldest, who suffers from extreme clinical anxiety. “He couldn't get ten feet off the ground when he was on his first rock climb with The Mountaineers,” his mom explained, “and now he LOVES rock climbing and regularly scales to the top of the rock. We have even used rock climbing metaphors in some of his therapy sessions in terms of calculated risk, trust, what's in and what's not in our control.”
The Hansen family believes that the outdoors is a richer experience for us all when everyone can feel belonging. “Everyone deserves to enjoy the splendor of our 'backyard playground,' and if we can provide tools and welcoming opportunities to learn different outdoor activities, then this ‘playground’ will truly be enjoyed by all.”
Your Giving Tuesday donation will help ensure that everyone who comes to The Mountaineers for outdoor education and connection will be able to plug in, regardless of ability to pay.
*Some names have been changed for privacy.
The Mountaineers® is a 501(c)(3) organization supported through earned revenue and elevated through charitable contributions. Our staff work to support our seven branches (Bellingham, Everett, Foothills, Kitsap, Olympia, Seattle, and Tacoma), three lodges (Baker, Meany, and Stevens), and our Kitsap Forest Theater. Tax ID: 27-3009280. 7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115.
