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 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
Tacoma MAC Snow Skills Trip

Tacoma MAC Snow Skills Trip - Paradise

Climbing Field trip: Mountaineers Adventure Club - Tacoma
MAC will head to the mountains to practice snow skills
Sat, Feb 7, 2026
No Prerequisites
0 participants 0 instructors
Registration closes Feb 4
Tacoma Branch
Sarah Holt
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
1 participant on waitlist 0 instructors 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 2 chaperones
Registration closes Feb 12
Seattle Branch
Hank Stein
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Pathfinders Mountaineers Lodge Weekend

Seattle Pathfinders Mountaineers Lodge Weekend - Meany Lodge

Youth Youth activity: Pathfinders
Pathfinders stay at one of the rustic Mountaineers Lodges for a weekend of snowy adventure.
Sat, Feb 14, 2026 - Sun, Feb 15, 2026
Prerequisites
13 participants 1 instructor 13 chaperones
Registration closes Feb 12
Seattle Branch
Alvaro Juarez
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
4 participants 1 instructor on waitlist
Registration closes Feb 13
Seattle Branch
Alvaro Juarez
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Explorers Snowshoe

Seattle Explorers Snowshoe - Kendall: Knobs, Lakes & Loops

Youth Youth activity: Explorers
Join us for a day of snowshoeing!
Difficulty: M1 Intremediate Ski, Strenuous
Sun, Feb 15, 2026
Prerequisites
7 participants 1 instructor
Registration closes Feb 13
Seattle Branch
Hank Stein
Qualified Youth Leader

Seattle MAC Workshop - Rock Assessment

A workshop to learn how to build anchors, how they work, and how to clean them off a fixed anchor. Students will learn how to clean and lower.

Feb 15, 2026
09:00 AM to 02:00 PM
Seattle Program Center
7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

Basement: Friction Slabs, Basement: North Bay, Basement: Overhanging Wall, Basement: South Bay, Basement: Vertical Wall, South Plaza: Boulder, South Plaza: Boulder Field, South Plaza: Center Green, South Plaza: Climbing Wall East Side, South Plaza: Climbing Wall West Side
Break Camp - Magnuson Park In-Town Day - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Break Camp - Magnuson Park In-Town Day - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth & Climbing Youth activity: Mid-Winter Break Camp
A typical day at Seattle Mountaineers Camp.
Tue, Feb 17, 2026
No Prerequisites
24 participants
Registration closes Feb 9
Seattle Branch
Julia Knight
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle MAC Backcountry Ski Trip - Tilly Jane A-Frame

Seattle MAC Backcountry Ski Trip - Tilly Jane A-Frame

Youth Youth activity: Mountaineers Adventure Club
Advanced backcountry skiing in the wilderness that involves using climbing skins to go uphill and
Tue, Feb 17, 2026 - Fri, Feb 20, 2026
Prerequisites
4 participants 0 instructors 1 chaperone
Registration closes Feb 15
Seattle Branch
Gabrielle Orsi
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Pathfinders Climb Night

Seattle Pathfinders Climb Night - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Youth activity: Pathfinders
Youth Programs open the climbing wall to students and families.
Wed, Feb 18, 2026
Prerequisites
25 participants 11 chaperones
Registration opens Jan 7
Seattle Branch
Alvaro Juarez
Qualified Youth Leader
Break Camp - Magnuson Park In-Town Day - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Break Camp - Magnuson Park In-Town Day - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth & Climbing Youth activity: Mid-Winter Break Camp
A typical day at Seattle Mountaineers Camp.
Wed, Feb 18, 2026
No Prerequisites
24 participants
Registration closes Feb 17
Seattle Branch
Julia Knight
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Explorers Mountaineers Lodge Weekend

Seattle Explorers Mountaineers Lodge Weekend - Stevens Lodge

Youth Youth activity: Explorers
Explorers stay at one of the rustic Mountaineers Lodges for a weekend of snowy adventure.
Wed, Feb 18, 2026 - Fri, Feb 20, 2026
Prerequisites
4 participants 1 instructor 3 chaperones
Registration closes Feb 16
Seattle Branch
Alvaro Juarez
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Junior MAC Mountaineers Lodge Weekend

Seattle Junior MAC Mountaineers Lodge Weekend - Stevens Lodge

Youth Youth activity: Junior MAC
Jr. MACers stay at one of the rustic Mountaineers Lodges for a weekend of snowy
Wed, Feb 18, 2026 - Fri, Feb 20, 2026
Prerequisites
11 participants 5 chaperones
Registration closes Feb 16
Seattle Branch
Alvaro Juarez
Qualified Youth Leader
Break Camp - Magnuson Park In-Town Day - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Break Camp - Magnuson Park In-Town Day - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth & Climbing Youth activity: Mid-Winter Break Camp
A typical day at Seattle Mountaineers Camp.
Fri, Feb 20, 2026
No Prerequisites
24 participants
Registration closes Feb 19
Seattle Branch
Julia Knight
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Explorers XC Skiing

Seattle Explorers XC Skiing - Hyak Lake, Nordic Pass, Windy Pass & Mount Catherine

Youth Youth activity: Explorers
Join us for a xc ski adventure!
Difficulty: G-XC 3 Intermediate Groomed, G-XC 4 Advanced Groomed
Sat, Feb 21, 2026
Prerequisites
7 participants 1 instructor 1 chaperone
Registration closes Feb 19
Seattle Branch
Hank Stein
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Junior MAC XC Skiing

Seattle Junior MAC XC Skiing - Hyak Lake, Nordic Pass, Windy Pass & Mount Catherine

Youth Youth activity: Junior MAC
Join us for a day of xc skiing!
Difficulty: G-XC 3 Intermediate Groomed, G-XC 4 Advanced Groomed
Sun, Feb 22, 2026
Prerequisites
1 participant on waitlist 1 instructor 1 chaperone
Registration closes Feb 20
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 24, 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, Feb 25, 2026
Prerequisites
7 participants
Registration closes Feb 24
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, Feb 25, 2026
Prerequisites
0 participants
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, Feb 25, 2026
Prerequisites
0 participants
Seattle Branch
Alvaro Juarez
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Junior MAC Mountaineers Lodge Weekend

Seattle Junior MAC Mountaineers Lodge Weekend - Baker Lodge

Youth Youth activity: Junior MAC
Jr. MACers stay at one of the rustic Mountaineers Lodges for a weekend of snowy
Fri, Feb 27, 2026 - Sun, Mar 1, 2026
Prerequisites
1 participant on waitlist 1 instructor 1 chaperone on waitlist
Registration closes Feb 25
Seattle Branch
Alvaro Juarez
Qualified Youth Leader