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 Karter Wight
Branch Tacoma
When did you first get involved with The Mountaineers? 2016
What youth programs do you participate in with The Mountaineers? Youth Clubs - Mountaineers Adventure Club
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
How did you first get involved with The Mountaineers?
My dad joined Tacoma Basic Climbing after we moved to Washington from northern Utah. Through Basic he heard of The Mountaineers Youth Programs and signed me up for Explorers, where I uncovered my passion for rock climbing and backpacking. The MAC program was a natural and much needed transition from there for me.
wHY DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN MOUNTAINEERS YOUTH PROGRAMS?
The community and the passion for outdoor activities in youth programming is incredible! It helps me gain knowledge and experiences that I will use forever and has helped me make friendships that will last a lifetime.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
When I turned 14 and joined MAC, the thought of climbing Mount Rainier was terrifying. It seemed impossible to me. Eight months later, I stepped onto the crater rim with what was an indescribable feeling of accomplishment. Our team worked diligently all year for that moment and the experience was worth the time and energy it took to get there a thousand times over.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE OUTDOOR ACTIVITY AND WHY?
I would have to say anything alpine! Rock scrambles, multi-pitches, glacier travel, skiing, ice climbing, you name it and it’s my favorite. It all feels so foreign and otherworldly while also reminding me how capable I am – I could never choose just one.
IF YOU COULD GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTED TO SPEND MORE TIME OUTSIDE, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?
Do it! The friendships and experiences you will gain are invaluable and cannot be found anywhere else. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming, but if you’re willing to roll with that and put in the effort, you will not regret what you get out of the experience.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED AT THE MOUNTAINEERS THAT YOU HAVE APPLIED TO OTHER PARTS OF YOUR LIFE?
Sometimes you need to take your time with things. If something feels stressful or hard, just take a second to breathe and look around. Beauty can be found anywhere and can give you the strength to carry on.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Gummy candy or chocolate bar? Sour gummy worms
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Never needing sleep
What’s your favorite close-to-home adventure? Mount Peak in Enumclaw
What’s your 11th Essential? My trusty TC Pros (climbing shoes)
