Tacoma Youth Programs
Mini Mountaineers (2-5)
Mini Mountaineers is a community of parents and tots/pre-schoolers who love to get outdoors! We aim to offer a range of activities to match the energy levels of young children while keeping parents interested as well. Trips consist of monthly local nature walks, nature lessons and activities, as well as bigger trips like camping, backpacking, hiking, or rock climbing.
Pathfinders (6-10)
Pathfinders is our year-round program for kids age 6-10. Our goals are to build wilderness skills, develop an appreciation for the outdoors, and have fun! Activities include hiking, climbing, backpacking, snowshoeing, xc skiing, camping, and more.
Pathfinders members generally are offered two weekend outings per month. One of the trips will be for Pathfinders families only, while the other trip will be a joint trip for both Pathfinders and Explorers members.
Parents who have children in the 9-10 age range may choose which program better suits their child's needs. Pathfinders-only trips will be shorter, easier, and less technical, while Explorers-only trips may be longer, more strenuous, and place more emphasis on developing technical skills.
Explorers (9-13)
Explorers is a year-round outdoor program aimed at pre-teen youth and their families. The group typically will be offered 2 outings per month and activities include rock climbing, hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snow camping, intro to mountaineering skills, and camping. Regular participants in Explorers will be well-prepared to participate in MAC (Mountaineers Adventure Club) when they move on to high school.
Explorers members generally are offered two weekend outings per month. One of the trips will be for Explorers families only, while the other trip will be a joint trip for both Pathfinders and Explorers members.
Parents who have children in the 9-10 age range may choose which program better suits their child's needs. Pathfinders-only trips will be shorter, easier, and less technical, while Explorers-only trips may be longer, more strenuous, and place more emphasis on developing technical skills.
Mountaineers Adventure Club (14-18)
Mountaineers Adventure Club (MAC) is our year-round program for adventurous teens, age 14-18. MAC students choose their own goals and trips, and work toward them all year long. Skills learned may include: rock climbing, glacier climbing & mountaineering, skiing & snowboarding, hiking/backpacking, snow camping, and more. MAC outings and practice sessions typically occur on Wednesday evenings and weekends. During summer time, we may have several weekday outings as well.
New and prospective members are encouraged to sign up for our Kick-Off Meeting on Sep 13 to learn more about the program, as well as our Kick-Off Trip on Sep 30-Oct 1.
Summer Camp
In summer of 2025, we plan to offer 8 weeks of day camp, as well as teen adventure overnights, and our Rainier Week overnights. Check back in January 2025 for more info!
Partner PRograms
The Mountaineers is proud to partner with other youth-serving organizations to provide outdoor experiences. We have worked with groups such as Boy and Girl Scouts, YMCA, school classes and school outdoor clubs, and more. Programs may include rock climbing, belaying, wilderness first aid training, navigation training, hikes or snowshoe outings, and more. Programs can be tailored to the group, and financial assistance is available.
Learn more here or email ryannp@mountaineers.org to start planning your workshop today!
Volunteer with Youth
We are always looking for volunteers, especially belayers! Want to volunteer with our youth programs? Become a Qualified Youth Leader Here.
Have questions? Email Sarah Holt at sarahh@mountaineers.org, or call 253-566-6965.