Volunteers Blog

Sometimes this works - we have amazing volunteers - but it can be a recipe for increased burnout. For us to be effective in the long run, everyone must create the change they would like to see and not pressure others to do things they may not have time for. Read more…

We emailed all of the volunteers that we could identify with our rosters and available information. This included people who volunteer with us as leaders, course instructors, committee members/branch administration, event support, help for our youth programs, the lodges, stewardship volunteers, Mountaineers Players and on the Board or Advisory Council. We received feedback from 482 people.  Read more…

The Mountaineers offers a wide range of outdoor experiences through our courses and activities. Our outdoor experiences are organized and led by volunteers across seven branches. Our volunteer structure, and the fact that some of our activities can only be done seasonally, means our courses generally happen on a seasonal basis as well. Read more…

With our new technology investments, we are able to better identify two of our most common types of volunteerism* and wanted to give credit to our most active trip leaders and course instructors. Thank you all!  Read more…

Everything accomplished by The Mountaineers as an organization can be credited to the efforts of our volunteers. Our courses, trips, youth programs, and advocacy efforts are fueled by the passion of people who are engaged because they want to be, not because they receive financial motivation. Each year we host a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner to recognize these tireless individuals. Find out which volunteers were honored this year with the Branch Service awards and the organization-wide Leader of the Year and Mountaineers Service Award (there are other awards at the branch level that are not highlighted here but which show how our community can embrace those that contribute to it - at the bottom of this blog, we'd love to hear how different committees and branches choose to thank and recognize their other volunteers).  Read more…

We're teaming up with AmazonSmile to support the mission of The Mountaineers - to get more people outside enjoying the lands and waters of our beautiful Pacific Northwest. Read more…

For our member profile this month we spoke with Isabel Suhr, a graduate of our MAC (Mountaineers Adventure Club), about who inspires her and why she volunteers.  Read more…

The need for the Ten Essentials is not apparent until something goes wrong. Maybe you're surprised by darkness, weather, or a slow partner, or an injury slows or prevents travel. Whatever happens, the lack of an Essential can result in death.  Read more…

Updated June 2025

Mountaineers activities are led by volunteers who give their time to help others safely explore the outdoors. Due to the potentially hazardous and strenuous nature of our activities, some leaders may choose to require Leader’s Permission before allowing participants to register. Leader's Permission can be a critical tool for ensuring a successful trip, but good communication is key to avoiding frustration.  

We hope the guidance below will help set expectations and illustrate best practices for both leaders and participants.

What is Leader’s Permission?

Leader’s Permission exists so leaders have the opportunity to verify that each participant is fully qualified to participate in their activity in situations where badges don’t give a complete picture of the demands of the trip. Leader’s Permission also gives participants a chance to understand trip expectations and ask questions.

If an activity is marked “Leader’s Permission Required,” all participants, including instructors, co-leaders, and assistant leaders, must seek and receive permission from the Primary Leader before registering.

How does Leader’s Permission work?

When the leader’s permission is required, there is an additional check-box on the right hand side of the registration page, just below the listed prerequisites.

Important: Do not register until you’ve received confirmation from the leader. Registering early without permission may result in permanent removal from the roster and adds unnecessary (and frustrating) burden to volunteer leaders.

PARTICIPANTS BEST PRACTICES

Please keep in mind that all of our leaders are volunteers, giving their time willingly. Allow them time to reply to your message, and help them out by providing all relevant information before registering.

Here are key tips to improve your chances of being accepted and to show respect for your leader’s time:

Read Carefully

• Expand the Leader Notes to check for fitness/skill expectations, gear requirements, and contact methods.
• Look for any specific timeframe for permission requests.

Send a Complete Request

Avoid vague claims like “I’m in good shape.” Be specific. Include:

• Relevant experience (e.g., “Completed Ingalls Peak, 6/15, Seattle branch”)
• Fitness examples (e.g., “Mailbox Peak with 3,800’ gain in 2:30”)
• Skills (e.g., crampon/ice axe use, glacier travel)
• Any requested info (e.g., climbing resume, course affiliation)

Time It Right

• Only submit your request during the designated window if one is given.
• Don’t assume prior trips or relationships mean automatic approval.
• Wait for a clear “yes” before registering.

Be Courteous and Patient

• Leaders are volunteers. Allow 3 days for a response.
• Avoid multiple follow-ups unless 4 days have passed.
• If your plans change, remove yourself from the waitlist promptly.

LEaders Best Practices

Using Leader’s Permission effectively helps create safe, rewarding experiences. Here’s how to set your team up for success:

Be Clear About Fitness Requirements

• Use measurable, activity-specific benchmarks (e.g., “3,500’ gain/day with 40lb pack”).
• Help participants self-assess their readiness honestly.

Set Team Expectations

• Describe the trip style (e.g., relaxed, exploratory, fast-paced).
• Outline shared duties and non-negotiables like start times and group safety norms.
• Reinforce a culture of open communication and mutual support.

Explain the Permission Process Clearly

• Specify the request method: email, form, or site message.
• List what to include: experience, fitness benchmarks, skills.
• State permission request open/close dates and time zone.
• Provide contact info for questions and format the steps simply.

Be Transparent About Selection Criteria

• Share how decisions are made (e.g., based on fitness, experience, application clarity).
  
• Note that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
• Provide a decision timeline so applicants know when to expect a response.
  

Consider Priority Registration Thoughtfully

• If using priority registration, define eligibility (e.g., Basic Alpine students, affinity groups).
• Clearly list exact priority/general registration windows.
• Emphasize that qualifications, not affiliation, are required for all.

Always include some period for general registration. Even if space is limited, offering a waitlist opportunity fulfills this good-faith effort. This fosters inclusivity and ensures compliance with public land permitting rules. Student-only trips must take place in areas for which we have a permit to operate, and should be listed within the course itself. Permit information is available in every Route/Place. 

Handling registration without Leader’s Permission

People make mistakes, and there will be times when you have to cancel someone from your roster because they failed to seek Leader’s Permission. When you do have to cancel someone from your roster, be kind and considerate. Help that member understand why Leader’s Permission was required and send them a link to this blog.

Attendees of our Leader Seminar will learn what it means to lead a Mountaineers hike or backpack, how to prepare and lead your participants in a safe and enjoyable outing, and how to handle some common on-trail leadership challenges, as well as how to post a hike or backpack and a post-trip activity report. This course will get you started towards becoming a trip leader for the Seattle and Foothills Branches. Read more…

Volunteers often spend 1-2 days a week training course participants in skills to ensure safe and responsible enjoyment of our natural world. Others also help coordinate and administer course offerings. This is the core of what defines us - The Mountaineers - as a community.  Read more…

The Mountaineers has hundreds of volunteers who make our programs possible, and thanks to super volunteers like Chris Chapin and Deling Ren, who both work for Microsoft, their volunteerism is going even further in the form of  cash donations to The Mountaineers from Microsoft's matching gift program. Read more…