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: Mike Forsyth (he/him)
Branch: Olympia
How long have you been volunteering with The Mountaineers? Since 2021
What activities do you volunteer with at The Mountaineers? Stewardship, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, Youth & Family, hiking, and naturalist trips
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
The Coldwater Lake (Mt. St. Helens) stewardship trip in August 2023. Swimming in the lake after a very hot, sweaty, and dusty day of pulling Scotch broom on the hillside. Followed by dinner and chillin' with the crew at a campsite with the best view of the lake and Mt. St. Helens.
What is one thing you do as a leader to make your participants feel welcome?
Once I am sure the lead and sweep positions are covered, I like to drift through the line of hikers, spending a few minutes walking close by and chatting with each.
What is one surprising thing you've learned through volunteering with The Mountaineers?
Everyone more than a few years into adulthood (who I hike and speak with at any length) has a story of some serious struggle, challenge, or life-altering adversity, typically an illness or injury, which they have met and survived, often, as Hemingway wrote, "strong at the broken places." Many have found strength and comfort in the outdoors and groups like The Mountaineers.
What advice do you have for aspiring volunteers?
Hang out with the "old" people on the trip who are smiling, and try to find out why.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
Smile or Game Face? Smile
What's your 11th essential? Thermos of tea (Trader Joe's Irish Breakfast)
What's your favorite close-to-home adventure? Squaxin Park
Post-trip meal or go-to place of choice? Twede's Cafe
What's next on your bucket list? Hawaii
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.
