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: Beth Owen
Branch: Seattle
How long have you been volunteering with The Mountaineers? Since 2008
What activities do you volunteer with at The Mountaineers? Sea kayak paddles, clinics, and courses
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?
In 2007, I visited a kayak festival and met someone who told me about The Mountaineers. I was very interested in learning how to kayak safely in our very cold water, as well as about predicting tides and currents.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED AS A VOLUNTEER?
The year after I graduated from the Basic Sea Kayak course, I volunteered to assist the course and joined the Sea Kayak Committee.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
I have many, many happy Mountaineers memories so it's hard to pick - but my favorite memories are of kayak camping trips up in the San Juans and off Vancouver Island with paddlers who became my friends through The Mountaineers.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU DO AS A LEADER TO MAKE YOUR PARTICIPANTS FEEL WELCOME?
I try to greet each participant personally and find time to talk with them; a simple acknowledgement that I know and appreciate they are on my paddle!
What is one surprising thing you've learned through volunteering with The Mountaineers?
I was surprised (and continue to be surprised and impressed) by the willingness of our volunteers. They often start out without knowledge about kayaking, but are willing to keep plugging away at it until they develop the skills needed to volunteer.
What advice do you have for aspiring volunteers?
I think that aspiring volunteers are often nervous about committing to volunteering because they think they don't know enough to teach, or that they will be responsible for too much and don't have the time. What actually happens when they volunteer is they improve their own skills by teaching it to others, and they are never left alone to teach. They can commit to as much or as little time as they want, and they are surrounded by supportive, experienced volunteers who teach them the ropes.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
Smile or Game Face? Smile
What's your favorite close-to-home adventure? Paddling around the southern end of Puget Sound
What's your 11th essential? Since I'm being asked this during the winter, I'll say it's my battery-heated socks that I wear under my dry suit :)
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.
