Tacoma Mountaineers Adventure Club (MAC) Ages 14–18
YOUTH-DRIVEN, STAFF-SUPPORTED
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. Our goal is to give our students the skills necessary to safely travel in backcountry and alpine environments, gain an appreciation for our wild places, learn teamwork skills, and grow in confidence. While attendance at all meetings is not required, the more meetings and outings attended, the more rewarding the program!
TRIPS, MEETINGS, AND SKILLS
TRIPS
Trips are planned and led by MAC students with support from Mountaineers staff, volunteers, and parents. MAC students are given the opportunity to go on one or more trips per month. These trips range from single-day hikes and climbs, to multi-day backpacking, mountaineering, or camping trips. Some trips have a maximum capacity, while others are open to as many youth and adults as want to attend. Adult staff, volunteers, and small number of chaperones accompany youth on each trip.
Some of last year's trips included:
- Rock climbing in Vantage, Leavenworth, Washington Pass, and Mazama
- Summit climbs of Mt. Baker and Mt. Olympus
- Ski touring Mt. St. Helens, Cascade Pass, and Snoqualmie Pass areas
- Skiing at Mt. Baker and staying at Baker Lodge
- Scrambling in the North Cascades
- Winter camping at Paradise, Mt. Rainier
- Numerous training trips and conditioning hikes
- and lots more
SKILLS Nights
Students are offered the opportunity to participate in skills workshops 1-2 evenings per month, teaching them climbing skills starting with belaying and lead climbing all the way up to trad and multi-pitch, crevasse rescue, and more.
Conditioner Hikes
MAC members are encouraged to participate in monthly evening conditioner hikes (Wednesday evenings) after school, to build fitness for alpine climbing.
BIG SUMMER TRIP
Each July, MAC takes a week-long camping trip to a further destination (such as Squamish BC, Bend, OR, or the Washington Pass/Methow area). For many members, this is the highlight of the year.
GEAR
Outdoor equipment can almost always be borrowed from The Mountaineers when given enough notice (usually 1–2 weeks prior to trip). Gear lists are noted on the activity page for each trip as well as the check out and return time for gear.
MEMBERSHIP FEE
MAC is $875 in total for the year. Members may pay in full upon enrollment, or may email sarahh@mountaineers.org to set up a quarterly payment plan.
The membership fee covers: staff time, transportation costs, gear, camping fees and permits, and food for group meals on overnight trips. In return, members gain a community of outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy spending time learning skills and getting outside together. As families grow through our programs, lifelong friendships are built. When graduates of our teen program come home from college, they meet up with other Mountaineers friends to go hiking, backpacking, and climbing. This program is just the beginning.
We offer scholarships! To apply for assistance from our scholarship funds, click here.
BECOME INVOLVED
SIGN UP FOR A FAMILY MEMBERSHIP
To get involved, you'll need to sign up for a Family Membership with us. Once you have created your new account, add your kids to your account by clicking on the "Membership" tab and adding a family member. Here is an FAQ on that process.
ENROLL IN MAC
In order to build a cohesive community, registration is available in the fall, and closes in January.
For questions, email sarahh@mountaineers.org or our member services team at info@mountaineers.org
New and prospective MAC members should sign up for our kick-off meeting on Sep 17, 2025 and our kick-off trip on Sep 27-28. New members may participate in these two activities before deciding whether to commit to the program.