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: Peter Clitherow
Branch: Seattle
How long have you been volunteering with The Mountaineers? 30 years
What activities do you participate in with The Mountaineers? Climbing, scrambling, MAC, skiing, snowshoeing, navigation
VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP QUESTIONS
WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?
My wife and I moved here in 1992, and joined The Mountaineers to take the climbing class.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED AS A VOLUNTEER?
I first joined the Climbing Committee in 1993 after graduating Basic Alpine Climbing and it sort of snowballed from there.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
The Dads-Daughters family weekends at Meany Lodge we did all through elementary school.
WHAT IS ONE SURPRISING THING YOU'VE LEARNED THROUGH VOLUNTEERING WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
You don't have to have tons of experience to get started as a volunteer. I'd never taken the scrambling class, but as a climber, they paired me up with an experienced scramble instructor, and put me to work.
What is one thing you do as a leader to make your participants feel welcome?
I explain how I was a student in their place at one time, and that everyone's ideas are welcome.
LIGHTNING ROUND
What's your favorite close-to-home adventure? Trail running Tiger Mountain - endless different loops possible!
What 11th Essential do you bring on most trips? Dark Chocolate
Post-trip meal or go-to place of choice? One of the Mexican places in Burlington
What's next on your bucket list? Borah Peak (Idaho) hopefully this summer
If you could be adept at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Backcountry skiing - looks so graceful!
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.
