The Mountaineers
Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members. For our member profile this week we talked to...
Name Adeline Okada
Branch Seattle
When did you first get involved with The Mountaineers? 2021
What youth programs do you participate in with The Mountaineers? Youth Clubs - Explorers
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
Why do you participate in Mountaineers Youth Programs?
I participate in The Mountaineers Youth Programs because they are a great way to experience the outdoors in different ways than I might otherwise. I also get to make new friends and challenge myself to get better at rock climbing, hiking, and many other outdoor activities.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
My favorite Mountaineers memory is from the summer club's trip to Squamish, BC in 2023. I had so many fun and fond memories during the week and a half I was there with my family. The four of us were there for both the Pathfinders/Nomads trip and the Explorers/Junior MAC trip because my sister was in Pathfinders and I was in Explorers. We went to the Rec Center every day, made up our own routes at Sugarloaf, and I climbed my first 5.11 while we were there. It was amazing.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE outdoor activity and why?
My favorite outdoor activity is exploring! I love to explore because:
- I can’t choose just one activity and this is my way of saying that I like all of them.
- Joy comes from discovering something new in the outdoors and I think that is really special.
- You can explore by yourself or with lots of friends.
- Exploring can mean being outside or it can mean finding something tasty, like ice cream or Boba tea, while in town.
- There is always so much to explore, you will never run out of places!
If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wanted to spend more time outside, what would you say?
Have fun with the people around you, and don’t forget to engage with the activity you’re doing. Remember, you can have playdates anytime, but it’s not as likely that your parents will drive you hours to do something if you don’t seem interested in trying. Another piece of advice is to bring gloves on trips, even when you don’t think you need to!
LIGHTNING ROUND
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset
Favorite season? Fall
Gummy candy or chocolate bar? Gummy candy
What’s your favorite close-to-home adventure? Exploring King Fisher Natural Area
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?Surviving without sleep, food, or water
Favorite post-activity meal? Boba tea
NOMINATE YOURSELF FOR MOUNTAINEER OF THE WEEK
Mountaineers 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 membership, and we hope these weekly features highlight who we are and why our community plays an important part in feeling belonging in the outdoors. 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!
Want to nominate a friend? Email Bayley Stejer to make a recommendation.
