Tacoma Youth Programs
Looking for fun ways for youth to get involved with Mountaineers Programming in Tacoma? From camps, to clubs, to partner programs, we have lots of fun ways for kids to get outside and experience all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer!
Camps
Spring break camp | Ages 6–13
The Tacoma Mountaineers will host Spring Break Camp during April 6-10, 2026. Camp runs from 8:30-4:30, Monday through Friday. Kids will have a chance to try a variety of outdoor activities, which may include: climbing, hiking, navigation, outdoor cooking, first aid, knots and rope skills, or basic wilderness skills.
Mountaineers Summer Camps | Ages 6–17
In summer of 2026, we plan to offer 8 weeks of day camp for kids 6-13, as well as teen adventure overnight camps, and 2 weeks of overnight camp for kids age 8-14.
PARTNER PROGRAMS
The Mountaineers partners with Tacoma-area youth serving organizations to deliver single or multi-day experiences called Mountain Workshops. These programs are designed in collaboration with partner organizations to meet the educational goals of their group. Curriculum is designed to expose youth to transferable outdoor skills and impart a desire to explore and conserve the outdoors. Activities include rock climbing, hiking, navigation, first aid, outdoor cooking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more!
YEAR ROUND
Mountaineers Adventure Club (MAC) | Ages 14–18
In MAC, the youth members plan all of their outings, with guidance from adult advisers. From single-day outings to week-long camping trips, activities include rock climbing, mountaineering, hiking and backpacking, backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and more. While attendance at everything isn't required, the more meetings and outings you attend the more rewarding the program!
Explorers | Ages 9–13
Explorers is a year-round outdoor adventure program for youth ages 9–13 and their parents/guardians who want to learn new outdoor skills and make lasting friendships. These programs are designed for parents and children who are looking for a community of like-minded families, and to prepare youth with the skills to be successful in our teen program, Mountaineers Adventure Club (MAC). Families are offered the opportunity to participate in 1-2 outdoor adventures per month, with activities like hiking, back-packing, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, camping, kayaking, and more.
Pathfinders | Ages 6–10
Our Pathfinders program provides youth ages 6–10 and their parents/guardians with the opportunity to learn a variety of outdoor skills and participate in 1-2 outdoor adventures per month. Pathfinders is designed to expose youth to a variety of outdoor activities and have fun! Participants will have the chance to climb, hike, camp, snowshoe, cross-country ski, paddle, explore, and learn how to be safe outdoors.
Mini Mountaineers | Ages 2–5
Created for ages 2–5, Mini Mountaineers is designed to get our youngest Mountaineers and an accompanying adult interacting with nature, fostering a love for the outdoors in the next generation. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, babysitters, friends... let us do the planning to get you and your little one outside with other outdoorsy families!
Family Programs
Whether you're already an adventure enthusiast wanting to engage the rest of your family outside, or you are completely new to the outdoors in the Pacific Northwest, The Mountaineers can help you enjoy our natural world with your kids in a safe and fun environment. Learn more about our Family Programs.
GEAR LIBRARY
Borrow gear to make your outdoor exploration dreams a reality! The Gear Library is a community resource to make both Mountaineers courses and personal adventure more sustainable and accessible for all outdoor enthusiasts. Individuals, families, non-profits, schools, and organized groups can borrow gear for the following activities: Hiking, Car Camping, Backpacking, Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing
SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships are available for youth, family, and partner programs. We recommend applying for a scholarship at least two weeks before you plan on enrolling in a program.