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: KD Dase (he/him)
Branch: Seattle
How long have you been volunteering with The Mountaineers? Since 2017
What activities do you volunteer with at The Mountaineers? Snowshoeing, climbing, and avalanche safety activities
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?
My guided climb on Mount Rainier in the summer of 2016 sparked an intense desire to explore more of the Cascade Range. Recognizing this passion, my rope team partner suggested The Mountaineers as the perfect avenue to pursue it. He was absolutely right! I enrolled in the Basic Alpine Climbing course with the Kitsap Branch, where instructors and mentors like Debbie, Steve, Michael, Jerry, and Ed truly shaped the climber I am today. Two trips with them stand out in particular: summiting Ingalls Peak and tackling Mount Baker via the Easton Glacier. These experiences, along with the incredible community I found within The Mountaineers, solidified my love for mountaineering and my commitment to this organization.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
My favorite Mountaineers memories are those moments when I witness the immense growth and joy of students on climbing trips. Seeing them progress from learning basic knots to confidently tackling glaciated mountains and multi-pitch trad routes is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that I played a part in facilitating their journey and helping them achieve their climbing goals truly makes it all worthwhile.
How did you get started as a volunteer?
My initial motivation for volunteering stemmed from a desire to explore new places and share those experiences with others. I noticed some less-traveled areas weren't frequently featured on the website, so I became a hike and snowshoe leader to introduce people to those hidden gems.
As my climbing skills progressed, I became a climb leader, focusing on common trips that help course students meet their graduation requirements. Now, I'm gradually shifting toward posting more adventurous snowshoeing and climbing trips in less-traveled terrain, catering to both current students and graduates seeking a challenge.
What is one thing you do as a leader to make your participants feel welcome?
I strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment by fostering a sense of partnership among all participants. Whether they're instructors or students, I believe everyone is learning and growing together. Even experienced instructors can learn new teaching techniques or gain fresh perspectives from students.
I also believe in showing vulnerability. I openly acknowledge that I'm not perfect and encourage others to do the same. This creates a safe space for people to express challenges or uncertainties, fostering a supportive learning environment.
Finally, I maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude throughout every interaction, whether it's a field trip, course, or activity. Sharing my passion for the outdoors and encouraging others helps everyone feel welcome and excited to be there.
What is one surprising thing you've learned through volunteering with The Mountaineers?
One surprising thing I've learned through volunteering is the power of delegation and clear communication. When working with volunteers, it's crucial to establish clear goals, define roles and responsibilities, and ensure everyone understands who's taking the lead.
Another surprising lesson has been the value of seeking and responding to feedback, even if it's negative. Reaching out to those who offer critiques to engage in open dialogue can provide invaluable insights. Sometimes, you may not receive a response, and that's okay. But when you do, it's like hitting a jackpot! You gain a deeper understanding of their perspective and learn how to better serve their needs. Ultimately, embracing feedback and fostering open communication helps resolve issues and strengthens the entire team.
Have you supported The Mountaineers with a donation? What impact do you hope to have in our community through your donations?
Yes, I've supported The Mountaineers through donations, even if in small amounts. I also took advantage of scholarships when I needed them to participate in courses.
I believe in giving back to the organization that has given me so much. My hope is that my contributions, however modest, help make The Mountaineers accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial means.
I want to see a community where everyone has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of the outdoors, to learn essential skills, and to forge lasting connections with nature and each other. By supporting The Mountaineers, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and vibrant outdoor community.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
Smile or Game Face? Smile
What's your 11th essential? Empathy
What's next on your bucket list? Denali
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.
