The Mountaineers
Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members. For our member profile this week we talked to...
Name: Anna Batie Kuka (she/her)
Branch: Olympia
How long have you been volunteering with The Mountaineers? Since 2010
What activities do you volunteer with at The Mountaineers? Hiking, backpacking, and snowshoeing occasionally
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I was in my mid-twenties and had just broken up with my main hiking partner. So I joined The Mountaineers to meet more people to get outdoors with.
How did you get started as a volunteer?
I started leading hikes with Seattle's Under the Hill Rovers (20s-30s group). At the time, there weren't a lot of moderate-distance, moderately paced hikes. I really enjoyed building community with that group.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
A coast backpacking trip I did in 2012 with the Under the Hill Rovers. We had absolutely beautiful weather for backpacking to Toleak Point. The entire group did yoga on the beach one morning. It was just lovely.
What is one thing you do as a leader to make your participants feel welcome?
With group decision-making, I also have everyone close their eyes and vote using thumbs up, sideways, or down. This way the results are anonymous and nobody feels pressured to go along with the group if they don't want to.
What advice do you have for aspiring volunteers?
Try to be in different places in the group as you hike, so you can have a conversation with each hiker.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Smile or game face? Smile
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset
What's your 11th essential? My Garmin In-Reach Mini
What's your favorite close-to-home adventure? Big Creek Loop in the Olympics
If you could be adept at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Backcountry skiing
NOMINATE YOURSELF FOR MOUNTAINEER OF THE WEEK
Mountaineers volunteers come in all shapes and sizes, varying widely in age, outdoor experience, and length of time involved in The Mountaineers. Part of what makes our community so unique is the broad diversity of our leadership, and we hope these weekly features highlight how our trip leaders, course instructors, and committee and branch officers support our community. We are always seeking self-nominations for our Mountaineer of the Week, and we invite you to share your story. Trust us, we want to hear from you!
If you’re a leader (or want to nominate a leader to spotlight), send an email to Michelle Song to make a recommendation.
