Explorers and Junior MAC Ages 10–13
YOUTH-DRIVEN, ADULT-GUIDED
Explorers is a year-round outdoor adventure program for youth aged 10–13 looking to learn new outdoor skills and make lasting friendships with fellow adventurers. While there is a focus on developing climbing skills for those who are interested, the program and activities rotate with the seasons and include outings for all interests. Activities include hiking, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow caving, camping, and exploring in just about any capacity! This is a great opportunity for you to get outside with your child!
In Seattle, Explorers is divided into two cohorts: Explorers for ages 10–11 and Junior MAC for those who are 12–13. This allows us to give more families more opportunities to get outside. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to Member Services!
Trips, Meetings, and skills
Trips
Trips are planned and led by Mountaineers staff, volunteers, and parents. Explorer and Jr. MAC youth are given the opportunity to go on one or more trips per month. These trips range from single-day hikes, paddles, and climbs, to multi-day hiking, climbing, or camping trips. Some trips have a maximum capacity, while others are open to as many youth and adults as want to attend. Parents are welcomed on trips (we'd like a minimum of 2 parent chaperones), but not required.
Meetings:
Students meet monthly at the Seattle Mountaineers to learn about various outdoor topics ranging from Leave No Trace to navigation to conservation and more. These meetings are also used for trip planning and Q&A.
Skills:
Students are offered the opportunity to participate in skills workshops each month, teaching them climbing skills ranging from belaying to lead climbing to anchor building and more. Skills workshops take place at the Seattle Program Center.
Gear
Outdoor equipment can almost always be borrowed from The Mountaineers when given enough notice (usually 1–2 weeks prior to trip). Gear lists are noted on the activity page for each trip as well as the check out and return time for gear.
membership fee
Explorers and Jr. MAC membership is $1,000 in total for the year. All members will pay the 1st installment of annual dues upon registering for the course. Afterwards, members may then choose to pay the balance remaining in three additional installments or all at once.
The membership fee covers: staff time, transportation costs, gear, camping fees and permits, and food for longer trips. In return, members gain a community of outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy spending time learning skills and getting outside together. As families grow through our programs, lifelong friendships are built. When graduates of our teen program come home from college, they meet up with other Mountaineers friends to go hiking, backpacking, and climbing. This program is just the beginning.
Become involved
Sign up for a family membership
To get involved, you'll need to sign up for a Family Membership with us. Once you have created your new account, add your kids to your account by clicking on the "Membership" tab and adding a family member. Here is an FAQ on that process.
Take the prospective member Interest survey
Please take our prospective member interest survey which will help staff learn what members are interested in. The survey will answer some of your preliminary questions and give you an idea of what to expect from the club. We're looking forward to a great season!
Attend our September Info Session
Our program year begins in September. We host our info session so you can learn in more depth what Explorers is and what we offer as well as ask all of your questions.
enroll in explorers or jr. MAC
This section will be updated when enrollment for 2022 becomes available.
Questions?
Contact our member services team with questions or for more information.
- info@mountaineers.org
- 206-521-6000