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: Jerrick Linde (he/him)
Branch: Tacoma
How long have you been volunteering with The Mountaineers? Since 2018
What activities do you volunteer with at The Mountaineers? Hiking, climbing, navigation, backpacking, sport climbing, first aid, scrambling, Youth Programs, and leadership development
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I wanted to learn more off-trail, semi-technical terrain traveling. While going up Mt. Ellinor, I met a couple Mountaineers volunteer leaders. They taught for the Alpine Scrambling course and highly recommended it. That fall, I attended a Meet The Mountaineers info session and then enrolled into the Tacoma Basic Alpine Scrambling course.
How did you get started as a volunteer?
My very first volunteer opportunity with The Mountaineers was assisting in teaching the Tacoma Branch Wilderness First Aid course. I found it to be a lot of fun and when they asked for volunteers to return for future courses I was more than happy to keep helping.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
My favorite Mountaineers memory is leading the hike for my wife's 15th peak on the Mount Rainer 100 Peak Pin list. On that hike, we brought a cake to the summit to surprise her and the other participants.
What is one thing you do as a leader to make your participants feel welcome?
When leading trips, I am always watching how the group is doing. If I or one of my assistant leaders sees someone having issues or struggling, I will make up an excuse to stop the group, so we can resolve the issue without that person feeling like they are delaying the trip.
What advice do you have for aspiring volunteers?
Ask leaders to help out as assistant leaders on their trips. When you start leading your own trips, always bring along an assistant or two to help you out and provide opportunities for leadership growth.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Smile or game face? Smile
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
What's your 11th Essential? My friends
What's your favorite close-to-home adventure? The Fay peak to Mt. Pleasant to Hessong rock loop in Mt. Rainier
What's next on your bucket list? Pinto rocks
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.
