Leader Resources Blog

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…

fric·tion
/'frikSH(e)n/
The resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another
slab
/slab/
A large, thick, flat piece of stone, concrete, or wood Read more…

We wanted to make sure that our Native American neighbors know we respect and care about potential concerns  with our members' outdoor activities on culturally-important locations. We reached out every tribe in our state and learned of no such conflicts.  Read more…

This free evening workshop offers participants individualized hands-on learning for activity leaders about how to use the Mountaineers website to list activities and courses, manage rosters, and communicate with activity/course participants, and any other website skills that participants wish to learn about. Bring your laptop or tablet if you have one (you can also share someone else's or follow along with demonstrations on the screen). 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 know you asked Santa for this in May, but our elves just finished working, and we’re happy to deliver this to you a few days early and drop it down your chimney before the holidays. Read more…

It's been several months since we launched our new website, and we remain incredibly energized by the community's support of our new home and the positive impact this is having on our organization. Read more…

Ever wonder what happens when you report an incident? What happens to the information supplied, when should you report an incident, and what information is needed?  Read more…

Our leaders often ask about the “best” ways to screen participants in advance of their trips. We want to be inclusive of our whole community - half the fun of a Mountaineers trip is the opportunity to meet new people! - but as leaders, we also have an obligation to keep the group safe. Not every member is suited for every trip!  Read more…

Our website was designed both as a tool for the public to find information about The Mountaineers and as a place for our volunteer leaders and administrators to store and share information specific to courses, activities, and committees. 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…

It's been nearly a month since we launched our new website, and we remain incredibly energized by the community's support of our new home and the positive impact this will have on our organization. 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.

The Mountaineers Ten Essentials™ dates back to our climbing courses of the 1930s. This widely respected safety and packing system was formalized in the third edition of Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, released in 1974. Each of the nine editions of Freedom, as it is affectionately known, was written entirely by volunteers and reflects the collective wisdom of hundreds of outdoor skills instructors. The list has always sought to answer two basic questions: Read more…