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: Katja Hurt (she/her)
Branch: Olympia
How long have you been volunteering with The Mountaineers? Since 2017
What activities do you volunteer with at The Mountaineers? Olympia Branch Chair, hiking, scrambling, and climbing
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I got in over my head hiking in the Olympics and knew I needed to learn more mountaineering skills before I ended up needing to be rescued.
How did you get started as a volunteer?
I had so much fun in my Alpine Scrambling course that I wanted to come back and teach. I also realized there was a huge need for conditioning hikes, so I quickly became a hike leader as well.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
Leading a slow hike to Tenerife Falls with newer members who did not have a lot of confidence in their fitness or abilities yet. Seeing their faces when we finally arrived and hearing how much more confident they were at the end (and excited to see what else they were capable of) felt amazing. Any time I can help someone have a wonderful experience or come away from an outing more confident in themselves is a new favorite memory.
What is one thing you do as a leader to make your participants feel welcome?
I share my motivation for being there, whether it's to learn while helping them learn or to climb another peak.
What is one surprising thing you've learned through volunteering with The Mountaineers?
How important it is for so many participants and students that we share our pronouns and actively model inclusion and acceptance.
What advice do you have for aspiring volunteers?
If you don't feel capable or qualified, ask for a mentor or a skills refresher. No one has ever said no, and I've been able to overcome my perfectionism and imposter syndrome by asking someone to work with me when I feel insecure.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Smile or Game Face? Smile
What's your 11th essential? My InReach (GPS device)
What's your favorite close-to-home adventure? Geocaching
What's next on your bucket list? Kayak around Vashon Island
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.
