Pathfinders and Nomads Ages 6–9
FAMILY-DRIVEN, STAFF-SUPPORTED
Our Pathfinders program provides youth ages 6–9 and their parents/guardians with the opportunity to get outside once a month. This club is designed to expose youth to a variety of outdoor activities and have fun! Participating families will have the chance to climb, hike, paddle, explore, and learn how to be safe in the 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. Staff will provide opportunities for parents to advance their own outdoor skills as well as learn key skills for leading kids safely in the outdoors. This program will focus on skill-building for both youth and adults, and on building an outdoor community.
In Seattle, Pathfinders is divided into two cohorts: Pathfinders for ages 6–7 and Nomads for those who are 8–9. 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. Pathfinder and Nomad 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 encouraged to join with their youth.
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:
Parents are offered the opportunity to participate in skills workshop series. Currently we are offering a climbing skills series as well as a trip leadership series. 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
Pathfinders and Nomads 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 Pathfinders is and what we offer as well as ask all of your questions.
enroll in PATHFinders or nomads
Specific enrollment information will be provided at the Informational Session. In order to build a cohesive community, registration is available only in October (and January if space is available).
[Nov 2021] Currently Nomads is full, but we still have space in Pathfinders.
Questions?
Contact our member services team with questions or for more information.
- info@mountaineers.org
- 206-521-6000