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:

Stevens Lodge Day - Leavenworth

Stevens Lodge Day - Leavenworth

Youth Youth activity: Stevens Lodge Overnight Camp - Rocks Week 4
Campers head out to climb in Leavenworth.
Tue, Aug 26, 2025
No Prerequisites
22 participants 7 instructors
Registration opens Jan 28; Instructor registration open now
Seattle Branch
Leslie Gobel
Qualified Youth Leader
Stevens Lodge Day - Lake Valhalla

Stevens Lodge Day - Lake Valhalla

Youth Youth activity: Stevens Lodge Overnight Camp - Rocks Week 4
Campers go hiking to Lake Valhalla at Stevens Pass.
Wed, Aug 27, 2025
No Prerequisites
22 participants 7 instructors
Registration opens Jan 28; Instructor registration open now
Seattle Branch
Leslie Gobel
Qualified Youth Leader
Stevens Lodge Day - Lake Wenatchee South Park Area

Stevens Lodge Day - Lake Wenatchee South Park Area

Youth Youth activity: Stevens Lodge Overnight Camp - Rocks Week 4
Campers spend the day swimming in the sun at Lake Wenatchee.
Thu, Aug 28, 2025
No Prerequisites
22 participants 7 instructors
Registration opens Jan 28; Instructor registration open now
Seattle Branch
Leslie Gobel
Qualified Youth Leader
Stevens Lodge Day - Stevens Lodge

Stevens Lodge Day - Stevens Lodge

Youth Youth activity: Stevens Lodge Overnight Camp - Rocks Week 4
Pick-up and last day of camp at Stevens Lodge.
Fri, Aug 29, 2025
No Prerequisites
22 participants 7 instructors
Registration opens Jan 28; Instructor registration open now
Seattle Branch
Leslie Gobel
Qualified Youth Leader

Seattle MAC- New Member Info Seminar

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

Sep 03, 2025
06:00 PM to 08:00 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
Seattle MAC Student Leadership Team Meeting

Seattle MAC Student Leadership Team Meeting - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Mountaineers Adventure Club
The elected MAC student leadership team meets monthly on the last or 2nd to last
Wed, Sep 24, 2025
Prerequisites
11 participants
Registration opens Aug 25
Seattle Branch
Hank Stein
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

Oct 01, 2025
07:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Seattle Program Center
7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

Goodman B, Goodman C, Goodman C: Ice Walls, Goodman C: Rock Walls

Seattle Volunteer with Youth Orientation Dinner

A time for parents and volunteers to learn about the youth programs and how to volunteer/become involved.

Oct 02, 2025
06:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Seattle Program Center
7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

Goodman A, Goodman B
Seattle MAC Climbing 101 Workshop

Seattle MAC Climbing 101 Workshop - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Mountaineers Adventure Club
These workshops cover the foundational skills of all climbing - basic knots, top rope belaying,
Sat, Oct 4, 2025
Prerequisites
13 participants 0 instructors
Registration opens Aug 25; Instructor registration open now
Seattle Branch
Hank Stein
Qualified Youth Leader

Seattle MAC Workshop - Climbing 101

Intro to climbing and belay on top rope

Oct 04, 2025
09:00 AM to 02:00 PM
Seattle Program Center
7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

Goodman C, Goodman C: Ice Walls, Goodman C: Rock Walls, South Plaza: Boulder, South Plaza: Boulder Field, South Plaza: Center Green, South Plaza: Climbing Wall East Side, South Plaza: Climbing Wall West Side

Seattle MAC Skills Night - Climbing 101

An evening to review and practice skills learned from Climbing 101 workshop

Oct 09, 2025
06:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Seattle Program Center
7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

Goodman C, Goodman C: Ice Walls, Goodman C: Rock Walls, South Plaza: Boulder, South Plaza: Boulder Field, South Plaza: Center Green, South Plaza: Climbing Wall East Side, South Plaza: Climbing Wall West Side
Seattle MAC Anchors and Cleaning Routes Workshop

Seattle MAC Anchors and Cleaning Routes Workshop - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Mountaineers Adventure Club
How do you safely anchor a rope at the top of a climb? When you
Sun, Oct 12, 2025
Prerequisites
13 participants 0 instructors
Registration opens Aug 25; Instructor registration open now
Seattle Branch
Hank Stein
Qualified Youth Leader

Seattle MAC Workshop - Anchors & Cleaning

A workshop to learn how to build anchors, how they work, and how to clean them off a fixed anchor. Students will learn how to clean and lower.

Oct 12, 2025
09:00 AM to 02:00 PM
Seattle Program Center
7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

Basement: Friction Slabs, Basement: North Bay, Basement: Overhanging Wall, Basement: South Bay, Basement: Vertical Wall, Goodman C, Goodman C: Ice Walls, Goodman C: Rock Walls, South Plaza: Boulder, South Plaza: Boulder Field, South Plaza: Center Green, South Plaza: Climbing Wall East Side, South Plaza: Climbing Wall West Side
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, Oct 15, 2025
Prerequisites
15 participants 8 chaperones
Registration opens Aug 30
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, Oct 15, 2025
Prerequisites
15 participants 8 chaperones
Registration opens Aug 30
Seattle Branch
Trenton Bick
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle MAC Student Leadership Team Meeting

Seattle MAC Student Leadership Team Meeting - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Mountaineers Adventure Club
The elected MAC student leadership team meets monthly on the last or 2nd to last
Wed, Oct 22, 2025
Prerequisites
11 participants
Registration opens Aug 25
Seattle Branch
Hank Stein
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.
Thu, Oct 23, 2025
Prerequisites
29 participants
Registration opens Oct 1
Seattle Branch
Trenton Bick
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

Nov 05, 2025
07:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Seattle Program Center
7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

Goodman B, Goodman C, Goodman C: Ice Walls, Goodman C: Rock Walls

SEA Youth Clubs Parents Workshop - Welcome & Website 101

Welcome to clubs and intro to the website.

Nov 06, 2025
06:00 PM to 08:00 PM
Seattle Program Center
7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

Cascade A, Cascade B

Seattle MAC Workshop - Lead Climbing Part I

MAC students will learn how to lead belay with good technique.

Nov 15, 2025
09:00 AM to 02:00 PM
Seattle Program Center
7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

Basement: Friction Slabs, Basement: North Bay, Basement: Overhanging Wall, Basement: South Bay, Basement: Vertical Wall, Goodman C, Goodman C: Ice Walls, Goodman C: Rock Walls, South Plaza: Boulder, South Plaza: Boulder Field, South Plaza: Center Green, South Plaza: Climbing Wall East Side, South Plaza: Climbing Wall West Side

Seattle MAC Workshop - Lead Climbing Part II

MAC students will learn how to lead belay with good technique.

Nov 16, 2025
09:00 AM to 02:00 PM
Seattle Program Center
7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

Basement: Friction Slabs, Basement: North Bay, Basement: Overhanging Wall, Basement: South Bay, Basement: Vertical Wall, Goodman C, Goodman C: Ice Walls, Goodman C: Rock Walls, South Plaza: Boulder, South Plaza: Boulder Field, South Plaza: Center Green, South Plaza: Climbing Wall East Side, South Plaza: Climbing Wall West Side
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, Nov 19, 2025
Prerequisites
15 participants 8 chaperones
Registration opens Aug 30
Seattle Branch
Trenton Bick
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, Nov 19, 2025
Prerequisites
15 participants 9 chaperones
Registration opens Aug 30
Seattle Branch
Trenton Bick
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle MAC Student Leadership Team Meeting

Seattle MAC Student Leadership Team Meeting - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Mountaineers Adventure Club
The elected MAC student leadership team meets monthly on the last or 2nd to last
Wed, Nov 26, 2025
Prerequisites
11 participants
Registration opens Aug 25
Seattle Branch
Hank Stein
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.
Wed, Nov 26, 2025
Prerequisites
29 participants
Registration opens Oct 1
Seattle Branch
Trenton Bick
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, Dec 9, 2025
Prerequisites
29 participants
Registration opens Oct 1
Seattle Branch
Trenton Bick
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle MAC Holiday Party

Seattle MAC Holiday Party - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Mountaineers Adventure Club
Celebrate the holidays with us at The Mountaineers!
Wed, Dec 10, 2025
Prerequisites
11 participants
Registration opens Aug 25
Seattle Branch
Hank Stein
Qualified Youth Leader

Seattle MAC- Holiday Party

MAC Holiday party: potluck, gifts, community building.

Dec 10, 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 #1 | How to Plan a Trip

Parent Trip Leadership Series #1 | How to Plan a Trip - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Youth Clubs Parent Skills Series
Part 1 of 2. This is a two-part leadership series teaching about trip leadership and
Thu, Dec 11, 2025
Prerequisites
15 participants
Registration opens Aug 30
Seattle Branch
Trenton Bick
Qualified Youth Leader

SEA Youth Clubs Parents Workshop: Trip Leadership Part I

SEA youth club parents come together to learn what it takes to plan and lead trips for the youth clubs.

Dec 11, 2025
06:00 PM to 08:00 PM
Seattle Program Center
7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

Cascade A, Cascade B