Ed Lucas
As a climb and course leader, one experience etched in my memory is working with students who are learning to rappel for the first time.
We start with the technical aspects: fitting the harness, practicing knots, walking through steps. But when it comes time to lean back into the void, most people experience a mix of excitement and terror. They test the rope (and their courage!), back up over a ledge, slowly inch down, and by the time their feet touch solid ground, their self-confidence soars. Climbing isn’t just about conquering heights; it can be about finding your footing when life feels unstable.
I am honored to support people in moments like these.
When I first joined The Mountaineers, I was welcomed by a few extremely dedicated volunteers. I had been looking merely to expand my pool of climbing partners. However, I found myself so inspired by the volunteers who helped me succeed – who were always present to help climbers achieve their goals – that I felt a responsibility to give back as a volunteer, myself.
My role now is as much about teaching technical skills as it is about coaching people through a sometimes-emotional personal achievement. Volunteer-led outdoor education pushes people into discomfort, fosters personal growth, and creates space to build authentic relationships within a community. Learning and adventuring together strips away distractions and demands presence. That is what makes The Mountaineers special.
And that is why I also choose to give back as a donor. Everyone should be able to find confidence and belonging outdoors through our courses and activities. And when people want to experience transformative moments from the other side – as instructors and leaders – I want them to find that at The Mountaineers, too.
Will you support this work with a year-end donation?
Philanthropy supports the future of outdoor education through:
- Leadership development training that equips experienced leaders and inspires new volunteers with tools that make us better leaders in outdoor recreation and elsewhere
- A leadership development fund to provide valuable cross-training opportunities
- Tools, outdoor centers, and technology that make our courses and activities possible and support pathways to leadership
- Nonprofit publishing that helps outdoor enthusiasts everywhere explore safely and confidently with books and maps
A Mountaineer rappels during a course activity. Photo courtesy of Ed Lucas.
I support The Mountaineers financially because I believe in the power of this community to make a difference. In business, we develop leaders to improve profitability. But in community-oriented spaces like The Mountaineers, we develop leaders to improve organizational engagement, instruction, inclusion, safety, and emotional intelligence. The focus is on people.
Would you join me in making a gift to support our volunteer-led community?
As John F. Kennedy once said, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” Mountaineers leaders are successful because they are constantly learning. And our learners are successful because of well-supported leaders. Through continuous learning and innovation, we continue to make the outdoors more accessible and inclusive.
Thank you for your dedication to The Mountaineers and for being a part of this incredible journey. Here’s to another year of adventure, growth, and leadership!
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.
