Seattle Partner Programs
The Mountaineers works with a variety of youth serving organizations to offer customized partner programs. We call these programs Mountain Workshops.
Mountain Workshops are single or multi-day experiences designed in collaboration with partner organizations to meet the educational goals of their group. Typically broken into 1 hour or ½ hour activity blocks, the flexible, hands-on curriculum is designed to expose youth to transferable outdoor skills and impart a desire to explore and conserve the outdoors. Bring your students to The Mountaineers for fun programs that will increase their confidence and introduce them to fun activities!
Program Offerings & Seasonal Availability
Partner programs can choose from indoor/outdoor climbing, first aid, outdoor cooking, navigation, and many other skills at our Seattle Program Center in Magnuson Park. Additionally, groups can learn to hike, snowshoe, and cross country ski at multiple offsite locations.
Sample Multi-Activity Programs
You can get your group outside on single, one-day programs or we can work with you to provide multiple activities during a week, month, or even the school year. Below is a sample of what a multiple activity experience might look like:
Seattle Program Pricing
Mountain Workshop pricing is primarily based on the size of the program, as we offer low instructor to student ratios. Rock climbing is an additional add-on price, as are programs that happen off-site from our Seattle Program Center. We also have a van that can transport up to 13 students and we can work with your group to schedule transportation for larger groups.
Financial Assistance
The Mountaineers Access Program (MAP) is a scholarship fund that subsidizes individuals or groups who otherwise would not be able to afford The Mountaineers programs. Group scholarships are available to partner programs participating in Mountain Workshop or borrowing group gear through the Gear Library. The Mountaineers typically awards scholarships of 30–70% of the program cost.
Group scholarship Information
MAP is made possible by generous contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, including the REI Foundation, Treeline Foundation and Bradley Foundation. We count on these donations from our members and partners to fulfill this very important part of our mission.
Experience a Mountain Workshop
If you are interested in scheduling a Mountain Workshop, let us know a little more about your organization, desired activities, and goals for your program by completing the program request form linked below.
For more information, please email Ethan Metzger, our Seattle Mountain Workshops Program Manager.
Volunteer with Mountain Workshops
We're always looking for volunteers to support our vibrant Seattle Mountain Workshops programs! As a volunteer, you might:
- Share the basics of climbing with kids who are brand new to the sport, and support them in what can be an exciting and challenging growth experience.
- Lead first aid activities, where you’ll teach students how to bandage a wound and splint an arm.
- Support students in a navigation treasure hunt around the Seattle Program Center.
Instructors on our Mountain Workshops programs have the chance to share their skills and connect with youth in a fun, supportive atmosphere. You’ll likely end the day having learned something new yourself, whether it’s the latest TikTok dance trend or a new appreciation for your favorite activity. Volunteers will be supported with fully developed curriculum plans and staff supervision during all programs.
Seattle Mountain Workshop Volunteer Requirements
All Seattle Mountain Workshop volunteers must complete their Qualified Youth Leader badge and attend a volunteer training.
- Earn your Qualified Youth Leader badge. It’s a simple, online process that takes about 1 hour.
- Email Ethan Metzger to attend an upcoming volunteer training. Trainings are typically offered monthly.
If you've already earned your Qualified Youth Leader badge and attended a training, please sign up as a volunteer instructor for one of our upcoming programs!
Gear library
The Mountaineers is deeply committed to helping folks explore, learn about, and enjoy the Pacific Northwest. As we seek to promote greater inclusion in the outdoors, our Gear Library is here to make our wild places more accessible. Borrow gear to make your outdoor exploration dreams a reality! The Gear Library is a community resource to make both Mountaineers courses and personal adventure more sustainable and accessible for all outdoor enthusiasts.
Individuals, families, non-profits, schools, and organized groups can borrow gear for the following activities:
- Hiking
- Car Camping
- Backpacking
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-Country Skiing