Caitlin O'Brien
About Bailey Gatzert Elementary School
Bailey Gatzert Elementary School is located in the International District. It is extremely diverse communities of students with over 50% of the youth receive free or reduced lunch.
Throughout the school year we meet with 40 3rd-5th graders to teach them how to rock climb, kayak, first aid, Leave No Trace, 10 essentials, and snowshoeing. As a volunteer you get the opportunity to build relationships with these youth, teach them how to enjoy the outdoors, and help provide access to the outdoors to a community that historically has not had access to the outdoors.
Activities and Responsibilities
We are looking for volunteers who can commit to coming to all of the Bailey Gatzert programs throughout the year. You would have the opportunity to build relationships with the Bailey Gatzert community, spread the joy of spending time outside, and help youth learn how to recreate safely and responsibly in the outdoors.
- Teach youth safe and responsible outdoor practice
- Communicate with group leader, chaperones, and Mountaineers employees if any behavior issues arise
- Take care of program supplies while you are in program
Support and Resources
Each Bailey Gatzert program is run and facilitated by a Mountaineers Staff. For each program, we provide you with tools and gear you need to teach youth the skill of day, and allow you to choose what activity you would like to help with!
Length of Service/Position
We ask that volunteers give a 1 year commitment to the students from Bailey Gatzert. This involves 5 Saturdays starting in October spaced throughout the year, and 1 afternoon in September for training. The Saturday programs are generally help at The Mountaineers from 8:30-12, unless we go on a hike or snowshoe. These programs might last from 8-2pm, depending on the location. We set the calendar in August, and alert you to any changes in the schedule several months in advance.
Qualifications Sought
We are looking for adults who can commit 5 Saturdays (and one weekday afternoon) throughout the year to work with the youth from Bailey Gatzert. You do not need to have any prior youth experience, and outdoors experience. We will teach you any of the skills that you need to know to be successful.
We are looking for adults who are caring, open minded, inclusive, and excited about expanding the outdoors community! The goal of this program is to expose more youth to the outdoors, and include a community of people who might not have the opportunity to get outside otherwise.
How to apply
Please contact Emily Carrauz at emilyc@mountaineers.org for more information or if you are interested in volunteer with Bailey Gatzert! All members are encouraged to apply!
