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: Cheri Solien (she/her)
Branch: Tacoma
How long have you been volunteering with The Mountaineers? Since 2018
What activities do you volunteer with at The Mountaineers? Cross-country skiing courses, cross-country ski hot-waxing clinics, and I've co-led Global Adventures to Yellowstone, Sun Valley, and Norway.
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I moved back to Washington after a 33-year absence and wanted to learn more about areas to cross-country ski and hike. I discovered The Mountaineers website through a Google search and had a hunch it would be the right outdoor organization for me.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED AS A VOLUNTEER?
In the first few years after I joined The Mountaineers, I skied and hiked quite a bit with Foothills leader Chris Ensor. Chris encouraged me to get more involved.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
Oh! There are many but most have to do with skiing on beautiful, snowy cross-country ski trails with the companionship of fellow Mountaineer skiers.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU DO AS A LEADER TO MAKE YOUR PARTICIPANTS FEEL WELCOME?
I make sure to connect with each participant and make them feel welcome. We all come from different places and I accept people for who and where they are.
What advice do you have for aspiring volunteers?
Sign up for Mountaineers courses in your interest areas, so you can study Mountaineers topics more in depth.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
Smile or Game Face? Smile
What's you 11th Essential? Whistle
Post-trip go-to place of choice? Olympus Women's Spa
What's next on your bucket list? Hiking the Camino Trail in Spain
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.
