Mountaineer of the Week: Sara Schroeder

Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members. For our member profile this week we talked to...

Name: Sara Schroeder (she/her)
Branch: Seattle
How long have you been volunteering with The Mountaineers?  Since 2018
What activities do you volunteer with at The Mountaineers? Sailing

10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?

Alan Vogt, the past Sailing Committee Chair, recruited me to be a Skipper with the Seattle Sailing program. However, on more than one occasion, I remember square dancing at the old Queen Anne location!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?

I was conducting a training sail with four students and we sailed over to Port Madison to meet up with a few other Seattle Sailing Skippers and their students. After the lunch raft-up, I told the students, "You have enough knowledge to sail this boat as a team. I'm going to stay quiet. Work as a team, talk to each other, and sail us back to Shilshole Bay Marina."

They looked at me like I was crazy and started talking to each other about what to do and how. But they successfully and competently sailed the boat to the outside of the marina. I was very proud of them!

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU DO AS A LEADER TO MAKE YOUR PARTICIPANTS FEEL WELCOME?

Sailing can be intimidating at first. I work hard to not criticize or prevent mistakes during the learning phase. Instead, all maneuvers are viewed as learning opportunities. When a maneuver or tactic doesn't go as planned, we talk about what went sideways, why, and what the correct tactic is. I think this lowers their stress and allows them to feel free to make mistakes and learn from them.

What is one surprising thing you've learned through volunteering with The Mountaineers?

One thing that has surprised me is that, with very little exception, Mountaineers members dive in and are super excited to learn new skills. Skippers have to watch the weather to ensure we do not put students in situations they are not ready for. That being said, they never complain if it gets a little dicey! They are all in.

What advice do you have for aspiring volunteers?

If you are interested in volunteering but are not sure you have enough knowledge, skill, or experience, don't let that stop you. All of us are at different stages and there is always someone who would benefit from your knowledge and experience. And, you'll quickly realize that sharing your knowledge is very fulfilling.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Sunrise or sunset? Sunset
Smile or Game Face? Smile
What's your favorite close-to-home adventure? Solo sailing my boat to the back side of Blake Island for a few days and hanging out on the hook
What's your 11th essential? Respect the water and what lives there. Keep your garbage on the boat.
What's next on your bucket list? Racing in the Single Handed Race in August 2025

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!

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

If you’re a leader (or want to nominate a leader to spotlight), send an email to Michelle Song to make a recommendation.