Pathfinders- Olympia

FAMILY-DRIVEN, STAFF-SUPPORTED

Our Pathfinders program provides youth ages 6-10 and their parents/guardians with the opportunity to get outside once a month. Pathfinders is designed to expose youth to a variety of outdoor activities and have fun! They will have the chance to climb, hike, paddle, explore, and learn how to be safe in the 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. Staff will provide opportunities for parents to advance their own outdoor skills as well as learn key skills for leading kids safely in the outdoors. This program will focus on skill-building for both youth and adults, and on building an outdoor community. 

Pathfinders members generally are offered two weekend outings per month. One of the trips will be for Pathfinders families only, while the other trip will be a joint trip for both Pathfinders and Explorers members. 

Parents who have children in the 9-10 age range may choose which program better suits their child's needs. Pathfinders-only trips will be shorter, easier, and less technical, while Explorers-only trips may be longer, more strenuous, and place more emphasis on developing technical skills. 

TYPICAL OUTINGS

Activities: Hiking, Rock Climbing, Cross-Country Skiing, Rafting, Snowshoeing, Camping, Kayaking, Exploring and More!

HOW DO OUTINGS WORK?

Outings are organized by staff and parent volunteers and chaperoned by at least two adults. Outings range from single-day hikes, to paddles, and climbs. Some trips have a maximum capacity, while others are open to as many youth and adults as want to attend. Note that while parents/guardians are expected to be active participants in the club, there is plenty of flexibility so that youth can participate in a trip even if a parent/guardian can't make it.

Pathfinders membership is $480 in total for the year and optionally $120 per quarter.

Financial assistance is available, so please don't hesitate to apply!