Tacoma Youth Programs

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.

Looking for fun ways for youth to get involved with Mountaineers Programming in Tacoma? From  camps, to clubs, to after school, and outreach programs, we have lots of fun ways for kids to get outside and experience all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer!

After sChool

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

Camps

Mountaineers Summer Camps | Ages 6–17

Youth are invited to spend their summer with The Mountaineers! In the summer of 2023, we'll be offering 6 weeks of day camp for age 6-13, 2 weeks of overnight camp for age 8-14, and three weeks of teen adventure camps for age 13-17. These experience-based camps offer youth a chance to learn a variety of outdoor skills and spend time outside with new friends.

PARTNER PROGRAMS

The Mountaineers partners with Tacoma-area youth serving organizations 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!

YEAR ROUND

Mountaineers Adventure Club (MAC) | Ages 14–18

In MAC, the youth members plan all of their outings, with guidance from adult advisers. From single-day outings to week-long camping trips, activities include rock climbing, mountaineering,  hiking and backpacking, backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and more.  While attendance at everything isn't required, the more meetings and outings you attend the more rewarding the program!

Explorers | Ages 10–13

Explorers is a year-round outdoor adventure program for youth ages 10–13 and their parents/guardians 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, and to prepare youth with the skills to be successful in our teen program, Mountaineers Adventure Club (MAC). 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,  snowshoeing, camping, kayaking, and more. 

Pathfinders | Ages 6–9

Our Pathfinders program 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.

GEAR LIBRARY

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

SCHOLARSHIPS 

Scholarships are available for  youth, family, and partner programs. We recommend applying for a scholarship at least two weeks before you plan on enrolling in a program.