Tacoma Mountaineers Adventure Club (MAC) Ages 14–18

Tacoma MAC is a year-round outdoor adventure program for high-school age youth

YOUTH-DRIVEN, STAFF-SUPPORTED

From single-day outings to week-long camping trips, activities include rock climbing, backpacking, hiking, car and snow-cave camping, cross-country and back-country skiing, and mountaineering. Our goal is to give our students the skills necessary to safely travel in backcountry and alpine environments, gain an appreciation for our wild places, learn teamwork skills, and grow in confidence. While attendance at all meetings is not required, the more meetings and outings attended, the more rewarding the program!

TRIPS, MEETINGS, AND SKILLS

TRIPS

Trips are planned and led by MAC students with support from Mountaineers staff, volunteers, and parents. MAC students are given the opportunity to go on one or more trips per month. These trips range from single-day hikes and climbs, to multi-day backpacking, mountaineering, or camping trips. Some trips have a maximum capacity, while others are open to as many youth and adults as want to attend. Adult staff, volunteers, and small number of chaperones accompany youth on each trip.

Last year's highlights included:

Rock climbing in Vantage, Leavenworth, and Smith Rock
Climbs and ski descents of Mt. St. Helen's, Camp Muir, and Mt. Adams
Summit of Mt. Rainier
Skiing at Mt. Baker
Snowshoeing and winter camping at Mt. Rainier National Park
Numerous skills training trips and conditioning hikes

MEETINGS

Students meet monthly to build community, learn about various outdoor topics ranging from Leave No Trace to navigation to conservation, practice skills, and more. These meetings are also used for trip planning and Q&A.

SKILLS

Students are offered the opportunity to participate in skills workshops, teaching them climbing skills starting with belaying and lead climbing all the way up to trad and multi-pitch.

MAC Calendar

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

MAC is $800 in total for the year. Members may pay in full upon enrollment, or may email sarahh@mountaineers.org to set up a quarterly payment plan.

The membership fee covers: staff time, transportation costs, gear, camping fees and permits, and food for group meals on overnight 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.

We offer scholarships! To apply for assistance from our scholarship funds, click here.

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 MAC

In order to build a cohesive community, registration is available in the fall, and closes in January.

For questions, email sarahh@mountaineers.org or our member services team at info@mountaineers.org

We looking forward to a great season!