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: Jeannie Nahan (she/her)
Branch: Seattle
How long have you been volunteering with The Mountaineers? Since 2004
What activities do you volunteer with at The Mountaineers? Sea kayaking and packrafting
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?
In 1990, I wanted to learn how to telemark ski - it took forever but I finally know how.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
Hanging out around the fire pit after a tough day of kayaking on the coast.
How did you get started as a volunteer?
After I took the Basic Sea Kayaking course in 2003, I started volunteering with the course the following year. "See one, do one, teach one" makes you a better kayaker.
What is one thing you do as a leader to make your participants feel welcome?
I tell the humbling story of my first kayaking trip when I did everything wrong and realized I needed more training. I kept learning by taking courses and paddling with amazing folks.
What is one surprising thing you've learned through volunteering with The Mountaineers?
It's an addiction - I started with skiing, then hiking, and before I knew it, I was kayaking, packrafting, and backpacking... what's next?
LIGHTNING ROUND
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset
Smile or Game Face? Game face
What's your favorite close-to-home adventure? Paddling through the locks
What's your 11th essential? Gaia
What's next on your bucket list? Leading a trip to Lake Huron's Georgian Bay
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.
