Tacoma Explorers Ages 9–13
YOUTH-DRIVEN, ADULT-GUIDED
Explorers is a year-round course, focused on teaching outdoor skills and providing outdoor experiences for kids 9–13 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.
Explorers members generally are offered two weekend outings per month. One of the trips will be for Explorers families only, while the other trip will be a joint trip for both Pathfinders and Explorers families.
Parents who have children in the 9-10 age range may choose which program better suits their child's needs. Pathfinders-only trips will be shorter, easier, and less technical, while Explorers-only trips may be longer, more strenuous, and place more emphasis on developing technical skills.
Trips, Meetings, And Skills
TRIPS:
Trips are planned and led by Mountaineers staff, leader volunteers, and parents and typically happen 1-2 weekends 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:
Meetings are scheduled on an as-needed basis to prepare for or learn new skills for upcoming trips.
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.
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
RSVP for our September Kick-Off events for a chance to try out the program for free before deciding whether to commit! We will hold an informational meeting on Sep 12, and our kick-off climbing trip will be on Sep 23.
For questions, email ryannp@mountaineers.org.
We looking forward to a great season!