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: Nathan Foster
Branch: Seattle
How long have you been volunteering with The Mountaineers? 5 years (I was more or less born into the club. My grandparents, as well as both of my parents were involved with the Club. My original "member since" date was before I was born since I was originally associated with the family membership.)
What activities do you participate in with The Mountaineers? All things climbing!
VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP QUESTIONS
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO VOLUNTEER WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
When I was a student of the Intensive Basic Climbing Course, I couldn't help but notice a lot of the leaders had these really cool jackets with The Mountaineers logo embroidered on the sleeve. For me, it stood out as this visual representation that these instructors were a part of something—a community of rad people keen on getting outside and stoked on helping others get there too. I knew instantly that I wanted to be a part of this community as well. I went all in and have not regretted a single minute of it. Now, when I see my own Mountaineers logo jacket hanging in the closet, I can't help but smile at all the great memories I have made along the way.
WHAT IS THE BEST, FAVORITE, OR MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE YOU'VE HAD WITH THE CLUB?
Gosh, there are so many to pick from! I've gotten so many amazing stories from The Mountaineers community and the friends I've made along the way that I really don't know if I can say that any particular one takes the cake.
A highlighted one would be from the first year I led the Intensive Basic course. The full 9 back-to-back days of the course and everything leading up to it took a lot out of me, and left me wondering if it was all worth it. A month or two later, I was taking some of my students on their first glacier climb. On the summit, one of the now graduated students turned to me and said, "Nathan, thanks for making my year." Okay, yeah, that was 110% worth it!
HOW HAS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE EVOLVED AS YOU'VE GAINED EXPERIENCE?
When I was a newer leader, I struggled with confidence. It was not that I doubted my knowledge of the skills, or my ability to deliver them effectively. As a leader younger in age than most, I often wondered if my voice was worth contributing, or if students would think less of what I had to say as a result.
As I have grown as a leader, and admittedly gotten a bit older, I've realized I couldn't have been more wrong. The folks signing up to get outside with the club, whether it be on trips or in courses, are just as stoked on this stuff as I am. We are all there for the same reasons. This has allowed me to be a lot more comfortable and confident, and actually let me lean into being a younger leader.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU DO ON TRIPS TO CREATE AN INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE FOR PEOPLE OF ALL SKILLS AND BACKGROUNDS?
When I lead trips, I never take the "lead." I like to let others set the pace and make routefinding decisions as much as possible. I make nudges where needed, but I really like folks to feel like a member of the team, rather than just a participant.
It's often said: "Good judgment comes from experience; experience comes from bad judgment." Can you describe a learning experience, such as a take-away from a close call or a near miss, to help our community build their good judgment?
In the same way most car accidents occur within 5 miles of home, I would wager that most mistakes in the wilderness occur within an hour of the trailhead. I sprained my ankle within 15 minutes of the car after a successful summit of Sahale, because in my mind the trip was already over and I didn't watch my feet as well as I should have. A trip is never really over until you are out of your boots and into your preferred comfy car shoe of choice.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ASPIRING LEADERS IN THE MOUNTAINEERS COMMUNITY?
Just show up and keep showing up! The opportunities to learn do not disappear when you go from being a student to a leader. Quite the opposite, actually. I've grown so much as a climber, teacher, and person by just showing up and getting involved.
WHAT DO YOU WISH OTHER MEMBERS KNEW ABOUT VOLUNTEERING WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
Volunteering with The Mountaineers is super rewarding, really approachable, and honestly just a ton of fun! Your fellow instructors care about developing you as a leader just as much as they are there for the students.
WHAT IS ONE SURPRISING THING YOU'VE LEARNED OR GAINED THROUGH VOLUNTEERING WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
Volunteering with The Mountaineers has honestly made Seattle go from feeling like a big and overwhelming city, to a place much smaller. I bump into fellow Mountaineers all over the place these days, and I wouldn't change a thing about that. I came looking for community, and I got a lot more than I was expecting!
LIGHTNING ROUND
What's your go-to place for a post-trip meal? Mazama Store, no question about it. Gotta get a salted baguette before they sell out!
How about your best trail snack? Summit gummies are a must
What's your favorite close-to-home adventure? After work touring laps at Snoqualmie with good friends
Who is your Mountaineers hero? My Grandpa, as I probably wouldn't have known about the club without him.
What 11th Essential do you bring on most trips? Trekking poles!
What's next on your bucket list? Training for Mount Si by doing some laps on Mount Rainier!
IS THERE A VOLUNTEER LEADER THAT YOU'D LIKE TO SEE AS MOUNTAINEER OF THE WEEK?
Send an email to Michelle Song to make a recommendation.
