Olympia Youth Programs

Find opportunities for youth to get outside near Olympia.

In accordance with Washington State and CDC guidelines, The Mountaineers has developed an operating plan for our programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. for more information, please visit our COVID-19 RESPONSE PAGE.

Our wilderness adventures are scheduled throughout the year and are led by experienced Mountaineers. The focus is to have fun and engaging activities for kids such as hiking, rock climbing, camping, backpacking, razor clamming, orienteering, berry picking, boating, and more. We also have exciting classes for the family that teach Family Essentials and encourage a connection with the outdoors and participate in several stewardship outreach activities that offer families an opportunity to serve.

After school

After School Programs offer youth an opportunity to get together, in-person, with other youth once a week to socialize and learn outdoor skills.

Camps

MOUNTAINEERS BREAK CAMPS | AGES 10–15

When school is out, join The Mountaineers for some outdoor adventure! We offer programming during Mid-Winter Break, as well as Spring Break.

Mountaineers Summer Camps | Ages 6–15

Youth are invited to spend their summer with The Mountaineers in Olympia! We offer three different styles of Summer Camps: Mini Mountaineers Camps are for youth ages 6–8, Day Camps are for youth ages 8–12 and our Overnight Adventure Camps are for youth ages 10–15. These experience-based camps offer youth a chance to learn a variety of outdoor skills and spend time outside with new friends.

Outreach

Partner Programs

The Mountaineers partners with local youth-serving agencies to deliver single or multi-day experiences called Mountain Workshops. These programs are designed in collaboration with partner organizations to meet the educational goals of their group. Curriculum is designed to expose youth to transferable outdoor skills and impart a desire to explore and conserve the outdoors. Activities include rock climbing, hiking, navigation, first aid, outdoor cooking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more!

GEAR LIBRARY

The Mountaineers has a robust Gear Library that aims to make the outdoors more accessible. Individuals, families, non-profits, schools, and organized groups can borrow gear for hiking, car camping, backpacking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

YEAR ROUND

JUNIOR MAC | AGES 12–15

Junior MAC is a year-round outdoor adventure program for youth ages 12–15 who want to learn new outdoor skills, and make lasting friendships with fellow adventurers. The program and activities are driven entirely by the participants’ areas of interest. Parents are not required to attend outings but we do encourage parents to join us. This is a great opportunity for you to get outside with your Junior MAC member!

Explorers | Ages 10–12

Explorers is a year-round outdoor adventure program for youth ages 10–13 and their parents who want to learn new outdoor skills and make lasting friendships. These programs are designed for parents and children who are looking for a community of like-minded families. Families are offered the opportunity to participate in an educational meeting and at least one outdoor trip per month, with activities like hiking, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, rafting, snowshoeing, camping, kayaking, and more.

Pathfinders | Ages 6–9

Pathfinders is a program that provides youth ages 6–9 and their parents/guardians with the opportunity to get outside at least once a month. Pathfinders is designed to expose youth to a variety of outdoor activities and have fun! Participants will have the chance to climb, hike, paddle, explore, and learn how to be safe outdoors. The group will be supported by Mountaineers staff, but parents will be expected to play an active role in planning and even leading some trips. Families are offered the opportunity to participate in an educational meeting and at least one outdoor trip per month.

Mini Mountaineers | Ages 2–5

Created for ages 2–5, Mini Mountaineers is designed to get our youngest Mountaineers and an accompanying adult interacting with nature, fostering a love for the outdoors in the next generation. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, babysitters, friends... let us do the planning to get you and your little one outside with other outdoorsy families!

Family Programs

Whether you're already an adventure enthusiast wanting to engage the rest of your family outside, or you are completely new to the outdoors in the Pacific Northwest, The Mountaineers can help you enjoy our natural world with your kids in a safe and fun environment. Learn more about our Family Programs or find what happening with Family Activities in Olympia.