Explorers and Junior MAC Ages 10-13

Youth aged 10–13 are invited to join a community of other outdoor enthusiasts. No experience or skills needed to join; we will teach all the skills necessary to participate in activities. The group meets once per month at The Mountaineers Seattle Program Center to learn skills and goes on 1–2 outings a month. The registration period is now closed and we not no longer accepting lottery applications.

YOUTH-DRIVEN, ADULT-GUIDED

Explorers is a year-round outdoor adventure program for youth aged 10–13 looking to learn new outdoor skills and make lasting friendships with fellow adventurers. While there is a focus on developing climbing skills for those who are interested, the program and activities rotate with the seasons and include outings for all interests. Activities include hiking, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow caving, camping, and exploring in just about any capacity! This is a great opportunity for you to get outside with your child!

In Seattle, Explorers is divided into two cohorts: Explorers for ages 10–11 and Junior MAC for those who are 12–13. This allows us to give more families more opportunities to get outside. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to Member Services!

The registration period for the '23-'24 season is closed.

Trips, Meetings, and skills

Trips

Trips are planned and led by Mountaineers staff, volunteers, and parents. Explorer and Jr. MAC youth are given the opportunity to go on one or more trips per month. These trips range from single-day hikes, paddles, and climbs, to multi-day hiking, climbing, or camping trips. Some trips have a maximum capacity, while others are open to as many youth and adults as want to attend. Parents are welcomed on trips, but not always required (adult:youth ratio is a minimum of 1:4).

Meetings

Students meet monthly at the Seattle Mountaineers to learn about various outdoor topics ranging from Leave No Trace to navigation to conservation and more. These meetings are also used for trip planning and Q&A.

Skills

Students are offered the opportunity to participate in skills workshops each month, teaching them climbing skills ranging from belaying to lead climbing to anchor building and more. Skills workshops take place at the Seattle Program Center.

View CalendarExplorers Adventure Photos

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

Explorers and Jr. MAC membership is $1,400 in total for the year. By default, members will pay the entire annual course fee all at once upon registering for the club. Upon request, families may elect to agree to an installment plan in order to make 4 payments on the annual course fee over the course of the year.

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

enroll in explorers or jr. MAC

The Explorers and Junior MAC course pages for 2023-2024 is now available. The registration window is now closed and we are not accepting any lottery applications. The registration period for the '24-'25 season will open in the fall of 2024.

Questions?

Contact the youth clubs program manager or member services team with questions or for more information.

PARTICIPANTS MUST ENROLL ONLINE. PROGRAM YEAR RUNS OCTOBER 1 - AUGUST 31. PAYMENT IN FULL OR 1ST PAYMENT IS DUE UPON REGISTRATION. SUBSEQUENT INSTALLMENTS DUE ON THE 1ST OF JANUARY, APRIL, AND JULY. BECAUSE Explorers and Jr MAC are YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMs, PARTICIPANTS CAN ONLY ENROLL IN OCTOBER. SEE PAYMENT FORMS FOR CANCELLATION POLICY DETAILS.