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 Mara Stilnovich (she/her)
Branch Tacoma
When did you first get involved with The Mountaineers? 2024
What youth programs do you participate in with The Mountaineers? Mountaineers Adventure Club (MAC)
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
What is your favorite outdoor activity and why?
Rock climbing - I'm still new to it but I'm trying my best to improve and having a blast doing it. MAC sucked me into climbing, and I enjoy it in a way I never expected before.
Why do you participate in Mountaineers Youth Programs?
I participate as they give me so many opportunities to learn and use skills that are otherwise pretty much inaccessible to me as a youth.
What is your favorite Mountaineers memory?
Summiting Mount Baker with so many friends and celebrating up there with my summit cucumber. The absurdity of everyone passing around a cucumber to eat on the summit was hilarious and definitely memorable.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to spend more time outside, what would you say?
Go for it. It might be overwhelming at first but it's so rewarding and worth it.
What have you learned at The Mountaineers that you apply to other parts of your life?
Confidence in so many skills that allows me to do things outside of The Mountaineers that I wouldn't have dreamed of before. It has also given me so much more confidence in my everyday life.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
Favorite season? Summer
Gummy candy or chocolate bar? Chocolate bar
What’s your 11th essential? My summit cucumber
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?Teleportation
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.
