Seattle Youth Programs
Looking for fun ways for youth to get involved with Mountaineers Programming in Seattle? From camps, to clubs, to afterschool, and outreach programs, we have lots of fun ways for kids to get outside and experience all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer!
NEW IN 2024!
The Seattle Mountaineers are running a satellite program on on the East Side this summer. Day camp is based out of Renton for campers ages 6–10 and runs from 9 am to 4 pm each day. Each week consists of outdoor skills, swimming, games, crafts, and camp songs. Additionally, every week includes a field trip to locations along the I-90 corridor.
After-school
After-School Programs offer youth an opportunity to get together, in-person, with other youth once a week to socialize and learn outdoor skills.
Camps
Mountaineers Break Camps | Ages 6–12
When school is out, join The Mountaineers for a week of adventure! We offer programming during Mid-Winter Break and Spring Break.
Mountaineers Summer Camps | Ages 6–17
Youth are invited to spend their summer with The Mountaineers! Day camps are for youth ages 6–12 and overnight adventure camps are for ages 10–17. These experience-based camps offer youth a chance to learn a variety of outdoor skills and spend time outside with new friends.
Mountaineers Counselor in Training Program | Ages 13–17
Join us in Seattle for a summer of camp magic, adventure, and fun! We’re excited to offer Counselor In Training (CIT) opportunities to teens and camp grads aged 13–17. Join day camp as a volunteer this summer to learn the ins and outs of being a camp counselor and hone your leadership and camp skills.
Partner Programs
The Mountaineers partners with Seattle-area youth serving organizations to deliver single or multi-day experiences called Mountain Workshops. These programs are designed in collaboration with partner organizations to meet the educational goals of their group. Curriculum is designed to expose youth to transferable outdoor skills and impart a desire to explore and conserve the outdoors. Activities include rock climbing, hiking, navigation, first aid, outdoor cooking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more!
YEAR ROUND
Mountaineers Adventure Club (MAC) | Ages 14–18
In MAC, the youth members plan all of their outings, with guidance from adult advisers. From single-day outings to week-long camping trips, activities include rock climbing, backpacking, hiking, car and snow-cave camping, cross-country and back-country skiing, and mountaineering. While attendance at everything isn't required, the more meetings and outings you attend the more rewarding the program!
Explorers & Junior MAC | Ages 10–13
Explorers is a year-round outdoor adventure program for youth ages 10–13 and their parents/guardians who want to learn new outdoor skills and make lasting friendships. These programs are designed for parents and children who are looking for a community of like-minded families, and to prepare youth with the skills to be successful in our teen program, Mountaineers Adventure Club (MAC). Families are offered the opportunity to participate in an educational meeting and at least one outdoor trip per month, with activities like hiking, rock climbing, backpacking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, camping, kayaking, and more.
Pathfinders & Nomads | Ages 6–9
Our Pathfinders program provides youth ages 6–9 and their parents/guardians with the opportunity to get outside at least once a month. Pathfinders is designed to expose youth to a variety of outdoor activities and have fun! Participants will have the chance to climb, hike, paddle, explore, and learn how to be safe outdoors. The group will be supported by Mountaineers staff, but parents will be expected to play an active role in planning and even leading some trips. Families are offered the opportunity to participate in an educational meeting and at least one outdoor trip per month.
Mini Mountaineers | Ages 2–5
Created for ages 2–5, Mini Mountaineers is designed to get our youngest Mountaineers and an accompanying adult interacting with nature, fostering a love for the outdoors in the next generation. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, babysitters, friends... let us do the planning to get you and your little one outside with other outdoorsy families!
Family Programs
Whether you're already an adventure enthusiast wanting to engage the rest of your family outside, or you are completely new to the outdoors in the Pacific Northwest, The Mountaineers can help you enjoy our natural world with your kids in a safe and fun environment. Learn more about our Family Programs.
GEAR LIBRARY
Borrow gear to make your outdoor exploration dreams a reality! The Gear Library is a community resource to make both Mountaineers courses and personal adventure more sustainable and accessible for all outdoor enthusiasts. Individuals, families, non-profits, schools, and organized groups can borrow gear for the following activities: Hiking, Car Camping, Backpacking, Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships are available for youth, family, and partner programs. We recommend applying for a scholarship at least two weeks before you plan on enrolling in a program.