Volunteer with Youth Programs

Thinking about getting involved in Youth Programs? Fantastic! The Mountaineers run a variety of programs designed to foster a love of the outdoors. We are always looking for volunteers who are excited about sharing their skills and being mentors. Find out about types of programs, volunteer requirements, and current opportunities!

 

Programs where we need your help

Partner Programs 

The Mountaineers offers a variety of custom partner programs, called Mountain Workshops, for  youth serving organizations. Mountain Workshops are single or multi-day experiences designed in collaboration with partner organizations to meet the educational goals of their group. Programs happen mid-week, on weekends, and in the evenings, and need volunteers to help belay, teach basic first aid, navigation, outdoor cooking, and much more. It's easy, fun, low-commitment, and very rewarding. 

 Summer Camp

Mountaineers summer campers ages 6–12 spend their days climbing, swimming, learning outdoor curriculum, completing stewardship projects, and exploring the great PNW. Volunteers are invited to belay campers every Friday morning from 9:30am–12:00pm. It's a fun, easy way to connect with campers and give back to The Mountaineers community.

  year-round Youth Clubs

Join youth ages 6–13 outside all year long in the full array of outdoor activities offered by The Mountaineers. Get involved by helping belay at a skills workshop, or teach backpacking basics, navigation, or how to cook a favorite camping meal at a monthly meeting for our families.   

Hoping to help out with our Teen Club? Head on over to the Seattle Mountaineers Adventure Club (MAC) page to learn more. 

Ready to jump in? Click on an activity, choose register an instructor on the right side, and sign up for the activity. If you have any questions contact the event lead listed.

 

Upcoming Activities:

Seattle MAC Methow Cross Country Ski Weekend

Seattle MAC Methow Cross Country Ski Weekend - Methow Valley Winter Trails

Youth Youth activity: Mountaineers Adventure Club
MAC's annual trip to the beautiful Methow Valley for a weekend of Nordic skiing based
Difficulty: G-XC 2 Advanced Beginner Groomed, G-XC 4 Advanced Groomed, G-XC 1 Beginner Groomed
Fri, Jan 16, 2026 - Mon, Jan 19, 2026
Prerequisites
15 participants 7 instructors 1 chaperone
Registration closes Jan 14
Seattle Branch
Hank Stein
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Pathfinders Snowshoeing

Seattle Pathfinders Snowshoeing - Heather Lake (Mountain Loop)

Youth Youth activity: Pathfinders
Join us for a day of snowshoeing!
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Sun, Jan 18, 2026
Prerequisites
2 participants 0 instructors 2 chaperones
Registration closes Jan 16
Seattle Branch
Alvaro Juarez
Qualified Youth Leader
Interagency High School - Climbing - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Interagency High School - Climbing - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Partner Program - Interagency High School Climb
Come belay and support youth from Interagency High School during this six part challenge series!
Thu, Jan 22, 2026
No Prerequisites
0 participants 4 instructors
Seattle Branch
Lauren Glassbrenner
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Explorers | Lead Climbing Skills Workshop

Seattle Explorers | Lead Climbing Skills Workshop - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Avalanche Safety Lecture: Explorers
This is a skills workshop for Explorers interested in learning to lead climb and belay.
Thu, Jan 22, 2026
Prerequisites
4 participants 2 instructors 5 chaperones
Registration closes Jan 21
Seattle Branch
Trenton Bick
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Jr. MAC | Lead Climbing Skills Workshop

Seattle Jr. MAC | Lead Climbing Skills Workshop - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Junior MAC
This is a skills workshop for Jr. MACers interested in learning to lead climb and
Thu, Jan 22, 2026
Prerequisites
3 participants 2 instructors 3 chaperones
Registration closes Jan 21
Seattle Branch
Trenton Bick
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Junior MAC XC Skiing

Seattle Junior MAC XC Skiing - Erling Stordahl

Youth Youth activity: Junior MAC
Join us for an afternoon of xc skiing!
Difficulty: G-XC 2 Advanced Beginner Groomed
Sat, Jan 24, 2026
Prerequisites
9 participants 0 instructors
Registration closes Jan 22
Seattle Branch
Alvaro Juarez
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle MAC Wilderness First Aid

Seattle MAC Wilderness First Aid - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Mountaineers Adventure Club
MAC learns and gains certifications in Wilderness First Aid (WFA)!
Sat, Jan 24, 2026
No Prerequisites
18 participants 4 chaperones
Registration closes Jan 22
Seattle Branch
Hank Stein
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Explorers XC Skiing

Seattle Explorers XC Skiing - Erling Stordahl

Youth Youth activity: Explorers
Join us for a xc ski adventure!
Difficulty: G-XC 2 Advanced Beginner Groomed
Sat, Jan 24, 2026
Prerequisites
4 participants 0 instructors 4 chaperones
Registration closes Jan 22
Seattle Branch
Alvaro Juarez
Qualified Youth Leader
Climbing Skills Series | Anchors, Cleaning & Lowering

Climbing Skills Series | Anchors, Cleaning & Lowering - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Youth Clubs Parent Skills Series
Clubs parents will be learning and practicing anchor building and rope management.
Sun, Jan 25, 2026
Prerequisites
2 participants on waitlist 2 instructors on waitlist
Registration closes Jan 23
Seattle Branch
Alvaro Juarez
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Pathfinders Snowshoeing

Seattle Pathfinders Snowshoeing - Paradise Area (winter)

Youth Youth activity: Pathfinders
Join us for a day of snowshoeing!
Difficulty: Easy, Easy/Moderate
Sun, Jan 25, 2026
Prerequisites
6 participants 0 instructors 5 chaperones
Registration closes Jan 23
Seattle Branch
Alvaro Juarez
Qualified Youth Leader
Interagency High School - Climbing

Interagency High School - Climbing - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Partner Program - Interagency High School Climb
Come belay and support youth from Interagency High School during this six part challenge series!
Tue, Jan 27, 2026
No Prerequisites
0 participants 4 instructors
Seattle Branch
Lauren Glassbrenner
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle MAC Student Leadership Team Meeting

Seattle MAC Student Leadership Team Meeting - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Mountaineers Adventure Club
The elected MAC student leadership team meets monthly on the last or 2nd to last
Wed, Jan 28, 2026
Prerequisites
7 participants
Registration closes Jan 27
Seattle Branch
Hank Stein
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Junior MAC Meeting

Seattle Junior MAC Meeting - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Junior MAC
Jr. MAC meet once a month at the Seattle Program Center from 6-8pm
Wed, Jan 28, 2026
Prerequisites
14 participants 7 chaperones
Registration closes Jan 28
Seattle Branch
Alvaro Juarez
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Explorers Meeting

Seattle Explorers Meeting - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Explorers
Explorers meet once a month at the Seattle Program Center from 6-8pm
Wed, Jan 28, 2026
Prerequisites
13 participants 8 chaperones
Registration closes Jan 28
Seattle Branch
Alvaro Juarez
Qualified Youth Leader
Interagency High School - Climbing - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Interagency High School - Climbing - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Partner Program - Interagency High School Climb
Come belay and support youth from Interagency High School during this six part challenge series!
Thu, Jan 29, 2026
No Prerequisites
0 participants 4 instructors
Seattle Branch
Lauren Glassbrenner
Qualified Youth Leader

Seattle MAC- Basement Drytooling

We will be practicing dry tooling in the basement!

Jan 29, 2026
06:30 PM to 08:30 PM
Seattle Program Center
7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

Basement: North Bay, Basement: Overhanging Wall, Basement: South Bay, Basement: Vertical Wall
Seattle Explorers & Jr. MAC Snow Cave Building

Seattle Explorers & Jr. MAC Snow Cave Building - Paradise

Youth Youth activity
Build snow caves and practice winter camping!
Difficulty: Easy, Easy/Moderate
Sat, Jan 31, 2026 - Sun, Feb 1, 2026
Prerequisites
16 participants 1 leader
Registration closes Jan 29
Seattle Branch
Hank Stein
Qualified Youth Leader
TAC MAC Skills Night

TAC MAC Skills Night - Mountaineers Tacoma Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Mountaineers Adventure Club - Tacoma
MAC Meeting and Skills Practice
Wed, Feb 4, 2026
No Prerequisites
5 participants 2 instructors
Registration closes Feb 3
Tacoma Branch
Sarah Holt
Seattle Explorers | Lead Climbing Skills Workshop

Seattle Explorers | Lead Climbing Skills Workshop - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Lecture: Explorers
This is a skills workshop for Explorers interested in learning to lead climb and belay.
Wed, Feb 4, 2026
Prerequisites
4 participants 1 instructor 4 chaperones
Registration opens Jan 1; Instructor registration open now
Seattle Branch
Alvaro Juarez
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Jr. MAC | Lead Climbing Skills Workshop

Seattle Jr. MAC | Lead Climbing Skills Workshop - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Junior MAC
This is a skills workshop for Jr. MACers interested in learning to lead climb and
Wed, Feb 4, 2026
Prerequisites
4 participants 1 instructor 4 chaperones
Registration opens Jan 1; Instructor registration open now
Seattle Branch
Alvaro Juarez
Qualified Youth Leader

Seattle MAC- General Meeting

The MAC cohort meets on the first Wednesday of the month. We'll learn new skills, discuss upcoming trips, and plan activities

Feb 04, 2026
07:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Seattle Program Center
7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

Goodman A, Goodman B, Goodman C, Goodman C: Ice Walls, Goodman C: Rock Walls
Interagency High School - Climbing

Interagency High School - Climbing - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Partner Program - Interagency High School Climb
Come belay and support youth from Interagency High School during this six part challenge series!
Thu, Feb 5, 2026
No Prerequisites
0 participants 4 instructors
Seattle Branch
Lauren Glassbrenner
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Pathfinders Snowshoeing

Seattle Pathfinders Snowshoeing - Heather Lake

Youth Youth activity: Pathfinders
Join us for a day of snowshoeing!
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Sat, Feb 7, 2026
Prerequisites
0 participants 0 instructors 1 chaperone
Registration closes Feb 5
Seattle Branch
Alvaro Juarez
Qualified Youth Leader
Bailey Gatzert - Snowshoeing

Bailey Gatzert - Snowshoeing - Crystal Springs Dog Sled Trails

Youth Youth activity: Partner Program - Bailey Gatzert Elementary School
We will be taking Bailey Gatzert students snowshoeing up along the I-90 Corridor.
Difficulty: U-XC 2 Advanced Beginner Ungroomed, U-XC 3 Intermediate Ungroomed
Sat, Feb 7, 2026
No Prerequisites
0 participants 4 instructors
Seattle Branch
Lauren Glassbrenner
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle MAC Glacier Fundamentals Workshop

Seattle MAC Glacier Fundamentals Workshop - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Mountaineers Adventure Club
Skill building workshop at the Program Center to practice the fundamental skills of glacier climbing
Sat, Feb 7, 2026
Prerequisites
10 participants 1 instructor
Registration closes Feb 5
Seattle Branch
Hank Stein
Qualified Youth Leader
Climbing Skills Series | Lead Belaying

Climbing Skills Series | Lead Belaying - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Youth Clubs Parent Skills Series
Clubs parents will be learning and practicing leading belaying.
Sun, Feb 8, 2026
Prerequisites
1 participant on waitlist 1 instructor on waitlist
Registration closes Feb 6
Seattle Branch
Alvaro Juarez
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle MAC Trail Work Day

Seattle MAC Trail Work Day - Discovery Park

Youth Youth activity: Mountaineers Adventure Club
Get your hands dirty while taking care of our trails! Washington Trails Association (WTA) will
Sun, Feb 8, 2026
No Prerequisites
0 participants 1 instructor 2 chaperones
Registration closes Feb 6
Seattle Branch
Hank Stein
Qualified Youth Leader
Interagency High School - Climbing - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Interagency High School - Climbing - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Partner Program - Interagency High School Climb
Come belay and support youth from Interagency High School during this six part challenge series!
Tue, Feb 10, 2026
No Prerequisites
0 participants 4 instructors
Seattle Branch
Lauren Glassbrenner
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Junior MAC Snowshoe

Seattle Junior MAC Snowshoe - Mazama Ridge (Mount Rainier)

Youth Youth activity: Junior MAC
Join us for a day of snowshoeing!
Difficulty: Moderate, M1 Intremediate Ski
Sat, Feb 14, 2026
Prerequisites
3 participants 0 instructors 3 chaperones
Registration closes Feb 12
Seattle Branch
Hank Stein
Qualified Youth Leader
Climbing Skills Series | Lead Climbing

Climbing Skills Series | Lead Climbing - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Youth Clubs Parent Skills Series
Clubs parents will be learning and practicing lead climbing.
Sun, Feb 15, 2026
Prerequisites
2 participants 1 instructor on waitlist
Registration closes Feb 13
Seattle Branch
Alvaro Juarez
Qualified Youth Leader