Michelle Song
Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members and volunteers. For our volunteer profile this week we talked to...
Name: Jeni Brink
Branch: Seattle
How long have you been volunteering with The Mountaineers? 15 years
What activities do you participate in with The Mountaineers? Hiking (CHS), backpacking, backpacking with families
VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP QUESTIONS
WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?
Post-college, I moved back into the Seattle area and was looking for a dependable group to explore the outdoors with. 20+ years later, I'm still a huge advocate for The Mountaineers.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
Seeing my sister, a non-hiker, reach Sahale High Camp with resilience and a lot of encouragement. Witnessing others experience the freedom of the mountains feeds my soul.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU DO AS A LEADER TO MAKE YOUR PARTICIPANTS FEEL WELCOME?
Know and USE everyone's name on the trip. Being seen by the use of your chosen name is powerful.
What is one surprising thing you've learned through volunteering with The Mountaineers?
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ASPIRING VOLUNTEERS?
LIGHTNING ROUND
What's your favorite close-to-home adventure? Lord Hill with my dog and kids
What 11th Essential do you bring on most trips? Book/Kindle
Post-trip meal or go-to place of choice? 59er Diner or Zeke's Drive In
What's next on your bucket list? Patagonia
If you could be adept at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Belaying
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.
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This can help build connections among members who might not otherwise interact and can also serve as a platform for learning from each other's journeys in the world of outdoor activities and mountaineering.
