
Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members. For our member profile this week we talked to...
Name Audrey Looper
Branch Tacoma
When did you first get involved with The Mountaineers? 2021
What youth programs do you participate in with The Mountaineers? Mountaineers Adventure Club (MAC) and Camps
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
how did you first get involved with the mountaineers?
When my family first moved to Tacoma in 2008, my parents got a family membership at The Mountaineers and joined the scrambling program. It wasn't until 2021 that I got involved with The Mountaineers by joining MAC. I wanted to start hiking more and learn to climb, and my parents remembered that The Mountaineers were an option and signed me up.
Why do you participate in Mountaineers Youth Programs?
I participate in Mountaineers Youth Programs because they allow me to do something I love. I never would have found rock climbing without the MAC program, and working at Summer Camp lets me share that passion with kids who might share that interest.
What is your favorite Mountaineers memory?
I have so many amazing memories with The Mountaineers, so it's hard to choose a favorite but one of them would have to be climbing Mt. Rainier. At Basecamp, we live-streamed on Instagram and talked to our families, and at the summit (despite being extremely cold and tired), we listened to a song that had just been released that night, and I called my dad telling him I made it. When we got back down to camp, one of our tents was missing and after a while we found it in a crevasse. As much as this sucked, it had been one of the funniest things in the moment and it's something we still joke about.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wanted to spend more time outside, what would you say?
I'd say to have an open mind. The first actual trip I went on with The Mountaineers was a conditioner hike and if I'm being honest, it was not fun. I didn't really know anyone who was on the hike, the weather wasn't good, and I wasn't in shape. After that, I was worried that I was going to hate the rest of the program and thought about quitting but I'm so glad that I didn't.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset
Favorite season? Summer
Gummy candy or chocolate bar? Chocolate bar
What’s your 11th essential? My little digital camera
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Telekinesis
If you could be an expert in any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Whitewater rafting; I’ve never done it before, but it seems like it would be a lot of fun
NOMINATE YOURSELF FOR MOUNTAINEER OF THE WEEK
Mountaineers 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 membership, and we hope these weekly features highlight who we are and why our community plays an important part in feeling belonging in the outdoors. 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!
Want to nominate a friend? Email Bayley Stejer to make a recommendation.