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: Logan DeGrand
Branch: Seattle
How long have you been volunteering with The Mountaineers? Three years
What activities do you participate in with The Mountaineers? Canyoning and packrafting
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED AS A VOLUNTEER?
I taught canyoneering courses during summers in Washington from 2017 to 2020 for a private guide company. We shared the same "classroom" sites that The Mountaineers used for their canyoning course and had to coordinate dates and times so there would not be any conflicts. When I decided to make the move to Seattle, I quit my guiding career and instead volunteered to help with The Mountaineers canyoning program.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
For me, it's that magical moment when someone does something new in the outdoors that you can tell is a pivotal moment in their life, one that they will cherish and remember for the rest of their life. It's that gleam in their eye from the jubilation and sense of accomplishment and gratitude that you were the one to enable them to do that small feat. It was when a recently graduated, new canyoning student took their first jump off a ledge into a pool in a canyon - after much hesitation and hemming and hawing. Someone's first jump, letting go of the irrational fear, trusting, even though it's as small as five or six feet, is my favorite moment. To be able to bring someone to those special places, with safety covered, and be the facilitator for someone.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU DO AS A LEADER TO MAKE YOUR PARTICIPANTS FEEL WELCOME?
On every trip, find a time to pull each participant aside, or join them on a one-to-one basis, and ask how they are doing. Give them a private sounding board for whatever may be of concern to them.
What is one surprising thing you've learned through volunteering with The Mountaineers?
People ask, why volunteer with The Mountaineers? A common answer is, "for the intrinsic reward" of giving back. I thought that was a pat and shallow response at first. It took me a while to understand what that means. The intrinsic reward for volunteering is hard to put into words. It's the gratitude that so many of the participants express, that no amount of recognition or monetary reward could compare to.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ASPIRING VOLUNTEERS?
Do it. Selfish time, with your own private circle of friends, is necessary to accomplish your lofty objectives. But, as you grow older, you will find the trips where you sacrificed your precious days off for the sake of others' enjoyment on beginner terrain will enable you to sleep the best at night.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
Smile or game face? Smile
What's your favorite close-to-home adventure? Middle Fork Snoqualmie River
What 11th Essential do you bring on most trips? Legos Giant Toy Storage Matt for changing outdoors and stuffing the wet clothing
What's next on your bucket list? Mato Grosso
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.
