Volunteer with Youth Programs

Thinking about getting involved in Youth Programs? Fantastic! The Mountaineers run a variety of programs designed to foster a love of the outdoors. We are always looking for volunteers who are excited about sharing their skills and being mentors. Find out about types of programs, volunteer requirements, and current opportunities!

 

Programs where we need your help

Partner Programs 

The Mountaineers offers a variety of custom partner programs, called Mountain Workshops, for  youth serving organizations. Mountain Workshops are single or multi-day experiences designed in collaboration with partner organizations to meet the educational goals of their group. Programs happen mid-week, on weekends, and in the evenings, and need volunteers to help belay, teach basic first aid, navigation, outdoor cooking, and much more. It's easy, fun, low-commitment, and very rewarding. 

 Summer Camp

Mountaineers summer campers ages 6–12 spend their days climbing, swimming, learning outdoor curriculum, completing stewardship projects, and exploring the great PNW. Volunteers are invited to belay campers every Friday morning from 9:30am–12:00pm. It's a fun, easy way to connect with campers and give back to The Mountaineers community.

  year-round Youth Clubs

Join youth ages 6–13 outside all year long in the full array of outdoor activities offered by The Mountaineers. Get involved by helping belay at a skills workshop, or teach backpacking basics, navigation, or how to cook a favorite camping meal at a monthly meeting for our families.   

Hoping to help out with our Teen Club? Head on over to the Seattle Mountaineers Adventure Club (MAC) page to learn more. 

Ready to jump in? Click on an activity, choose register an instructor on the right side, and sign up for the activity. If you have any questions contact the event lead listed.

 

Upcoming Activities:

Seattle MAC Backpacking Trip

Seattle MAC Backpacking Trip - Ozette Triangle

Youth Youth activity: Mountaineers Adventure Club
MAC members go on a multiday backpack trip somewhere in Washington. We will be aiming
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Sat, Dec 21, 2024 - Mon, Dec 23, 2024
No Prerequisites
1 participant 0 instructors 2 chaperones
Registration closed Dec 19
Seattle Branch
Hank Stein
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Explorers Snowshoe

Seattle Explorers Snowshoe - Artist Point

Youth Youth activity: Explorers
Join us for a day of snowshoeing!
Difficulty: Moderate, M1 Intremediate Ski
Sun, Dec 22, 2024
Prerequisites
0 participants
Seattle Branch
Monica Hansen
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Junior MAC Snowshoe - Franklin Falls

Seattle Junior MAC Snowshoe - Franklin Falls

Family & Youth Youth activity: Junior MAC
Join us for a sunset snowshoe trip!
Difficulty: Easy
Sun, Dec 22, 2024
Prerequisites
2 participants 3 chaperones
Registration closed Dec 16
Seattle Branch
Monica Hansen
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Pathfinders Snowshoeing

Seattle Pathfinders Snowshoeing - Skyline Lake & Ridge

Youth Youth activity: Pathfinders
Join us for a day of snowshoeing!
Difficulty: Moderate, M1 Intremediate Ski, Winter Scramble
Sun, Dec 29, 2024
Prerequisites
5 participants on waitlist 2 chaperones on waitlist
Registration closes Dec 27
Seattle Branch
Dragana Lassiter
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle MAC Backcountry Ski Trip

Seattle MAC Backcountry Ski Trip - Paradise

Youth Youth activity: Mountaineers Adventure Club
Advanced backcountry skiing and splitboarding in the wilderness that involves using climbing skins to go
Difficulty: Easy, Easy/Moderate
Sun, Dec 29, 2024
Prerequisites, Leader's Permission Required
0 participants 1 instructor on waitlist 0 chaperones
Registration closes Dec 28
Seattle Branch
Richard Lambe
Qualified Youth Leader
TAC MAC Alpine Climb - Lane Peak: Zipper & Lovers Lane

TAC MAC Alpine Climb - Lane Peak: Zipper & Lovers Lane

Youth Field trip: Mountaineers Adventure Club - Tacoma
Alpine climb for Tacoma MAC
Difficulty: Intermediate Mountaineering Climb
Fri, Jan 3, 2025
No Prerequisites
2 participants 1 instructor
Registration closes Jan 1
Tacoma Branch
Sarah Holt
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Pathfinders Climb Night

Seattle Pathfinders Climb Night - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Pathfinders
Youth Programs open the climbing wall to students and families.
Tue, Jan 7, 2025
Prerequisites
9 participants 6 chaperones
Registration closes Jan 5
Seattle Branch
Trenton Bick
Qualified Youth Leader
TAC MAC Skills Night

TAC MAC Skills Night - Mountaineers Tacoma Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Mountaineers Adventure Club - Tacoma
MAC Meeting and Skills Practice
Wed, Jan 8, 2025
No Prerequisites
15 participants 2 instructors
Registration closes Jan 7
Tacoma Branch
Sarah Holt
Qualified Youth Leader

Seattle MAC- General Meeting

The MAC cohort meets on the first Wednesday of the month. We'll learn new skills, discuss upcoming trips, and plan activities

Jan 08, 2025
07:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Seattle Program Center
7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

Goodman A, Goodman B, Goodman C, Goodman C: Ice Walls, Goodman C: Rock Walls
Parent Trip Leadership Series #2 | Building the Calendar

Parent Trip Leadership Series #2 | Building the Calendar - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Youth Clubs Parent Skills Series
Part 2 of 2. This a two-part leadership series teaching about trip leadership and planning
Thu, Jan 9, 2025
Prerequisites
0 participants
Seattle Branch
Alvaro Juarez
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Explorers | Lead Climbing Skills Workshop

Seattle Explorers | Lead Climbing Skills Workshop - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Avalanche Safety Lecture: Explorers
This is a skills workshop for Explorers interested in learning to lead climb and belay.
Thu, Jan 9, 2025
Prerequisites
1 participant on waitlist 5 chaperones
Registration closes Jan 7
Seattle Branch
Trenton Bick
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Jr. MAC | Lead Climbing Skills Workshop

Seattle Jr. MAC | Lead Climbing Skills Workshop - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Junior MAC
This is a skills workshop for Jr. MACers interested in learning to lead climb and
Thu, Jan 9, 2025
Prerequisites
2 participants on waitlist 2 chaperones
Registration closes Jan 7
Seattle Branch
Trenton Bick
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle MAC Winter Scramble

Seattle MAC Winter Scramble - Mildred Point

Youth Youth activity: Mountaineers Adventure Club
Join MAC for a scramble of a peak or summit in the Cascades which includes
Difficulty: Moderate, Winter Scramble
Sat, Jan 11, 2025
No Prerequisites
1 participant 1 instructor 1 chaperone
Registration closes Jan 9
Seattle Branch
Andy Cahn
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Explorers & Jr. MAC XC Skiing

Seattle Explorers & Jr. MAC XC Skiing - Lake Easton

Youth Youth activity
Difficulty: G-XC 1 Beginner Groomed
Sun, Jan 12, 2025
Prerequisites
1 participant
Registration closes Jan 3
Seattle Branch
Trenton Bick
Qualified Youth Leader
After-School Program Day - Pathfinders

After-School Program Day - Pathfinders - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: After-School - Pathfinders - Winter
A typical day of after-school programming for Pathfinders!
Tue, Jan 14, 2025
No Prerequisites
7 participants
Registration closes Jan 12
Seattle Branch
Christine Kler
Qualified Youth Leader
Interagency High School - Climbing

Interagency High School - Climbing - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Mountain Workshop - Interagency High School
Come belay and support youth from Interagency High School during this six part challenge series!
Tue, Jan 14, 2025
No Prerequisites
0 participants 9 instructors
Registration closes Jan 12
Seattle Branch
Christine Kler
Qualified Youth Leader
After-School Program Day - Explorers

After-School Program Day - Explorers - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: After School - Explorers - Winter
A typical day of after-school programming for Explorers!
Thu, Jan 16, 2025
No Prerequisites
9 participants 4 instructors
Registration closes Jan 12
Seattle Branch
Christine Kler
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle MAC Navigation Workshop

Seattle MAC Navigation Workshop - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Mountaineers Adventure Club
Evening navigation workshop at The Mountaineers. Students must have completed the online course pre-work in
Thu, Jan 16, 2025
Prerequisites
9 participants 0 instructors 2 chaperones
Registration closes Jan 14
Seattle Branch
Hank Stein
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle MAC Cross-Country Ski Day Trip

Seattle MAC Cross-Country Ski Day Trip - Methow Valley Winter Trails

Youth Youth activity: Mountaineers Adventure Club
Cross country ski trip. This trip is part of the MAC XC Ski Weekend. It
Difficulty: G-XC 3 Intermediate Groomed
Sat, Jan 18, 2025
Prerequisites
9 participants 0 instructors 0 chaperones
Registration opens Jan 6; Instructor registration open now
Seattle Branch
Matt Davey
Qualified Youth Leader
Pierce County Parks - Climbing

Pierce County Parks - Climbing - SPIRE Rock

Climbing Youth activity: Partner Program - Pierce County Parks
Climbing clinics for youth through Pierce County Parks
Sat, Jan 18, 2025
No Prerequisites
11 participants
Registration closes Jan 16
Tacoma Branch
RyAnn Peverley
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Pathfinders | Climbing 101 Skills Workshop

Seattle Pathfinders | Climbing 101 Skills Workshop - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Pathfinders
This is a chance for Pathfinders and parents to come in to learn how to
Sun, Jan 19, 2025
Prerequisites
11 participants 6 chaperones
Registration closes Jan 17
Seattle Branch
Trenton Bick
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Explorers | Climbing 101 Skills Workshop

Seattle Explorers | Climbing 101 Skills Workshop - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Explorers
This is a chance for Explorers and parents to come in to learn how to
Sun, Jan 19, 2025
Prerequisites
10 participants 6 chaperones
Registration closes Jan 17
Seattle Branch
Trenton Bick
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Jr. MAC Climbing 101 Skills Workshop

Seattle Jr. MAC Climbing 101 Skills Workshop - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Junior MAC
This is a chance for Jr. MACers and parents to come in to learn how
Sun, Jan 19, 2025
Prerequisites
9 participants 5 chaperones
Registration closes Jan 17
Seattle Branch
Trenton Bick
Qualified Youth Leader
Interagency High School - Climbing

Interagency High School - Climbing - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Mountain Workshop - Interagency High School
Come belay and support youth from Interagency High School during this six part challenge series!
Tue, Jan 21, 2025
No Prerequisites
0 participants 9 instructors
Registration closes Jan 19
Seattle Branch
Christine Kler
Qualified Youth Leader
After-School Program Day - Pathfinders

After-School Program Day - Pathfinders - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: After-School - Pathfinders - Winter
A typical day of after-school programming for Pathfinders!
Tue, Jan 21, 2025
No Prerequisites
7 participants
Registration closes Jan 19
Seattle Branch
Christine Kler
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Explorers Meeting

Seattle Explorers Meeting - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Explorers
Explorers meet once a month at the Seattle Program Center from 6-8pm
Wed, Jan 22, 2025
Prerequisites
3 participants on waitlist 8 chaperones
Registration closes Jan 20
Seattle Branch
Trenton Bick
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Junior MAC Meeting

Seattle Junior MAC Meeting - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Junior MAC
Jr. MAC meet once a month at the Seattle Program Center from 6-8pm
Wed, Jan 22, 2025
Prerequisites
4 participants on waitlist 7 chaperones
Registration closes Jan 20
Seattle Branch
Trenton Bick
Qualified Youth Leader
After-School Program Day - Explorers

After-School Program Day - Explorers - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: After School - Explorers - Winter
A typical day of after-school programming for Explorers!
Thu, Jan 23, 2025
No Prerequisites
9 participants 4 instructors
Registration closes Jan 23
Seattle Branch
Christine Kler
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Pathfinders XC Skiing

Seattle Pathfinders XC Skiing - Cabin Creek

Youth Youth activity: Pathfinders
Join us for a day of XC skiing!
Difficulty: G-XC 3 Intermediate Groomed, G-XC 1 Beginner Groomed, G-XC 2 Advanced Beginner Groomed
Sat, Jan 25, 2025
Prerequisites
3 participants on waitlist 1 chaperone on waitlist
Registration closes Jan 17
Seattle Branch
Trenton Bick
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle MAC Wilderness First Aid

Seattle MAC Wilderness First Aid - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Mountaineers Adventure Club
MAC learns and gains certifications in Wilderness First Aid (WFA)!
Sat, Jan 25, 2025
No Prerequisites
5 participants 4 chaperones
Registration closes Jan 23
Seattle Branch
Alvaro Juarez
Qualified Youth Leader