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: Dixie Havlak (she/her)
Branch: Olympia
How long have you been volunteering with The Mountaineers? Since 2003
What activities do you volunteer with at The Mountaineers? I coordinate Youth and Family Programs for the Olympia Branch. This includes leading family hikes, training new family hike leaders, supporting Mountain Workshops and other Youth Programs, and planning social events to create a community. I hope to expand our youth winter sports and backpacking programs this year.
I have also helped in many adult programs, teaching topics within wilderness skills and backpacking. I am currently becoming more engaged in the Naturalist Committee, which I love.
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I joined The Mountaineers when my budding family and I moved back to the Pacific Northwest. Raised in the PNW, I was so excited to move back here from flat, hot Texas, and joined immediately. At the time, I had a new baby - the first of three - so I really couldn't engage with The Mountaineers until we joined as a family 18 years later.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED AS A VOLUNTEER?
My family and I participated in alpine scrambling which provided a great background for healthy activities for my teenagers, motivating me to start family programming in 2014. As a dietitian, I recognized that teaching in my area of expertise was a service I'd enjoy providing, and I ended up teaching many other topics over the year.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
When our whole family sunbathed at the summit of Mt. Adams. I think that moment answered our 14-year-old daughter's question while trudging up the scree fields, "tell me again why we are doing this?"
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU DO AS A LEADER TO MAKE YOUR PARTICIPANTS FEEL WELCOME?
I try to chat with each participant and challenge them to find something to be excited about... from a crazy spider to a big maple leaf to a spouting clam.
What advice do you have for aspiring volunteers?
There are a lot of articles, speeches, and movies about dramatic and outstanding outdoors people, but to be a leader you don't need to be a star. Having basic competencies and being willing to share them is enough to help others get outside.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset
What's your favorite close-to-home adventure? McLane Nature Trail
What's you 11th Essential? Female urinal
Post-trip meal or go-to place of choice? Hoodsport ice cream shop
What's next on your bucket list? Alaska and Wind River, Wyoming
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.
