Tacoma Explorers Ages 10–13

Youth aged 10–13 are invited to join a community of other outdoor enthusiasts. No experience or skills needed to join; we will teach all the skills necessary to participate in activities. The group meets once at month at The Mountaineers Tacoma Program Center to learn skills and goes on 1–2 outings a month.

YOUTH-DRIVEN, ADULT-GUIDED

Explorers is a year-round course, focused on teaching outdoor skills and providing outdoor experiences for kids 10–13 and their families. Explorers members will have the chance to learn and try a variety of outdoor sports, and will learn important skills to keep them safe in the wilderness. Activities include hiking and backpacking, rock climbing, snowshoeing, kayaking, cross-country skiing, building snow shelters, rope skills such as belaying and rappelling, wilderness first aid, wilderness navigation, ice ax skills, and more.

Trips, Meetings, And Skills

TRIPS:

Trips are planned and led by Mountaineers staff, leader volunteers, and parents and typically happen one weekend per month. These trips range from single-day trips like hikes, snowshoes, and climbs, to backpacking and car 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:

Members meet one Tuesday evening per month at the Tacoma Mountaineers to plan trips and practice skills.

SKILLS:

Students are offered the opportunity to learn and build on their skills, teaching them climbing skills such as belaying and rappelling, to first aid, conservation, and avalanche awareness.

View Calendar

GEAR

Outdoor equipment can almost always be borrowed from The Mountaineers when given enough notice (usually 1–2 weeks prior to trip). If you need gear, please contact the trip leader once you are aware of this need and we will do our best to get you geared up.

MEMBERSHIP FEE

Explorers membership is $550 in total for the year. By default, members will pay the entire annual course fee all at once upon registering for the club. Upon request, families may elect to agree to an installment plan in order to make 4 payments on the annual course fee over the course of the year.

This 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.

ENROLL IN EXPLORERS

For questions, email ryannp@mountaineers.org.

We looking forward to a great season!