Tacoma Pathfinders Ages 6–10
FAMILY-DRIVEN, STAFF-SUPPORTED
Our Tacoma 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 driving, supervising, participating, and maybe 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.
Trips, Meetings, And SKills
TRIPS:
Trips are planned and led by Mountaineers staff, leader volunteers, and parents and typically happen 1-2 weekends per month. These trips range from single-day trips like hikes, snowshoes, and climbs, and car camping trips. 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.
MEETINGS:
Students meet on a weeknight monthly in Tacoma 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 learn and build on their skill, teaching them climbing skills, first aid, conservation, avalanche awareness, and more.
GEAR
Outdoor equipment can almost always be borrowed from The Mountaineers when given enough notice (usually 1–2 weeks prior to trip). If you need gear, please contact the trip leader once you are aware of this need and we will do our best to get you geared up.
MEMBERSHIP FEE
Pathfinders membership is $450 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.
This membership fee covers: staff time, transportation costs, gear, camping fees and permits, and food for longer 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.
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 Pathfinders
RSVP for our September Kick-Off events for a chance to try out the program for free before deciding whether to commit! We will hold an informational meeting on Sep 10, and our kick-off climbing trip will be on Sep 21.
For questions, email ryannp@mountaineers.org.
We looking forward to a great season!
For questions, email ryannp@mountaineers.org
We looking forward to a great season!