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 Kai Davey (he/him)
Branch Seattle
When did you first get involved with The Mountaineers? 2018
What youth programs do you participate in with The Mountaineers? Mountaineers Adventure Club (MAC)
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
How did you first get involved with The Mountaineers?
I first got involved with the Explorers Youth Program after wanting to try something other than gym climbing. I found it so fun, I stuck around!
Why do you participate in Mountaineers Youth Programs?
I adore learning from such a diverse community of outdoor enthusiasts and being a small part in The Mountaineers mission of giving access to others. I have admired being brought up by some incredibly talented students who taught me so many of the skills I use now, and I am privileged to be someone who teaches younger students those same skills and watches their growth.
What is your favorite Mountaineers memory?
My favorite MAC memory is from the Snow 2 field trip in 2022, where we got to practice advanced snow skills. On this particular trip, we woke up at 4am to beat the sun and practice crevasse rescue on Mt. Baker. It was magical to watch the sun rise on Easton Glacier with my friends, enjoying a panoramic view of the Cascades. Not to mention, I was being lowered into a crevasse!
What is your favorite outdoor activity and why?
I love multi pitch climbing in Squamish, BC. I don't get to do it often, but there's a special climber's high I get from being 600 feet from the ground, staring out at the Howe Sound and the beautiful trees and wildflowers.
What have you learned at The Mountaineers that you have applied to other parts of your life?
I've learned from The Mountaineers that there are an infinite number of small things you can do to better the outcome of your trips. From packing so you can access essentials quickly to preparing an emergency plan in case something goes awry, ultimately, the little things you do in preparation for your trip matter so much. These lessons have helped prepare me to lead other activities such as organizing summer practices on my track team and climbs with my friends.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
Favorite season? Fall
Gummy candy or chocolate bar? Gummy Bears
What’s your 11th essential? My favorite orange puffy
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Time travel
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.
