Leadership Development
Leadership development is central to The Mountaineers mission to lead innovation in outdoor education. By fostering a community of skilled volunteer leaders, we ensure that anyone inspired to learn outdoor skills has the opportunity to do so. To support this, we offer year-round resources, training, and events tailored to current and aspiring leaders.
Leadership Development Series
The Leadership Development Series provides high-quality, continuing education opportunities for volunteer leaders and anyone interested in gaining outdoor leadership skills. From October through April, weekly webinars are offered to help participants hone outdoor leadership skills.
Leadership Conference
The Mountaineers holds two Leadership Conferences each year: the North Sound Leadership Conference at the Seattle Program Center and the South Sound Leadership Conference at the Tacoma Program Center. Both conferences include esteemed outdoor professionals and seasoned Mountaineers leaders who explore the many facets of leadership through interactive sessions. Registration for both conferences typically opens mid-fall.
Volunteer-led Outdoor Leadership Activities
Volunteer-led leadership opportunities go beyond courses and trips, they include skill-building clinics, practice sessions, social gatherings, and seminars tailored for both new and seasoned leaders. These volunteer-led events are hosted by our committees and branches, and designed to strengthen our volunteer community.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The 4 P's: Supporting Mountaineers Who Menstruate, Pee and Poop in the Backcountry - Online Classroom
Remote Crisis De-escalation - Online Classroom
Preventing Harassment and Abuse in Outdoor Communities - Online Classroom
Low and Slow: The Challenges and Benefits of Leading Mixed-Level Trips and Activities - Online Classroom
Intermediate Skills Practice Session - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center
How to Think Like A Bee - Online Classroom
2026 South Sound Leadership Conference
The South Sound Leadership Conference is a fun day of professional development dedicated to thanking, inspiring, and empowering the Mountaineers current and aspiring volunteer leaders.
The South Sound Leadership Conference - Mountaineers Tacoma Program Center
Imperfect Advocate: How to Fight Imposter Syndrome in Speaking Up for Climate, Nature, and the Environment - Online Classroom
New Hike Leader Seminar - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center
From Feelings to Action: Communication with Intention - Online Classroom
SEA Hike & Backpack Leaders Spring Potluck
Plan on a fun evening of food and drink with your fellow trip leaders! Adult +1s and prospective leaders are welcome.
Intermediate Skills Practice Session - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center
Introduction to Hiking - Margaret's Way to Debbie's View
How Adults Learn: Research-Backed Strategies for Outdoor Educators - Online Classroom
Navigating Benevolent Sexism in the Outdoors: How to Support Mountaineers Who Don’t Fit the Mold - Online Classroom
From Reluctant to Ready: Inspiring Change in Your Participants - Online Classroom
Lessons Learned from Aasgard Pass - Online Classroom
New Hike Leader Seminar - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center
Intermediate Skills Practice Session - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center
Intermediate Skills Practice Session - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center
VIBE Outside Youth Conference
This November, MAC students are organizing a youth outdoor leadership conference, and we’d love to invite any high school aged youth to join us. What makes this event special is that it’s entirely student-led and student-driven (with adult speakers). A youth committee has designed every aspect of the conference—the name, program tracks, flyer, schedule, and speaker lineup.