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 Pathfinders Backpacking Trip - Shi Shi Beach

Seattle Pathfinders Backpacking Trip - Shi Shi Beach

Backpacking Youth activity: Pathfinders
Join us on this magical and playful backpacking destination. We will hike 4 flat miles
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Fri, Jul 10, 2026 - Sun, Jul 12, 2026
Prerequisites
2 participants 1 chaperone
Registration closes Jul 8
Seattle Branch
Dragana Lassiter
Qualified Youth Leader
TAC MAC Climbing/Camping Trip - Squamish

TAC MAC Climbing/Camping Trip - Squamish

Climbing Field trip: Mountaineers Adventure Club - Tacoma
Week long camping trip to Squamish BC. Multiple daily opportunities, such as rock climbing, hiking,
Sun, Jul 12, 2026 - Sun, Jul 19, 2026
No Prerequisites
7 participants 3 instructors 2 chaperones
Registration closes Jul 10
Tacoma Branch
Sarah Holt
Seattle Pathfinders Summer Trip!

Seattle Pathfinders Summer Trip! - Squamish

Youth Youth activity: Pathfinders
Join the Pathfinders (and Nomads) on a 4 day trip to somewhere in the PNW!
Difficulty: Crag Rock Climb
Fri, Jul 17, 2026 - Mon, Jul 20, 2026
Prerequisites
9 participants 9 instructors 7 chaperones
Registration closes Jul 15
Seattle Branch
Hank Stein
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle MAC Alpine Scramble

Seattle MAC Alpine Scramble - Del Campo Peak

Youth Youth activity: Mountaineers Adventure Club
Join MAC for a scramble to a Smoot's 100 peak which might include travel on
Difficulty: Strenuous 5, Technical 5
Sun, Jul 19, 2026
No Prerequisites
8 participants on waitlist 1 instructor 0 chaperones
Registration closes Jul 17
Seattle Branch
Ana Maria Feito
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Jr. MAC Summer Trip

Seattle Jr. MAC Summer Trip - Squamish

Youth Youth activity: Junior MAC
Join the Jr. MACers (and Explorers) on a 5 day trip to somewhere in the
Difficulty: Crag Rock Climb
Mon, Jul 20, 2026 - Sat, Jul 25, 2026
Prerequisites
17 participants 9 instructors 16 chaperones
Registration closes Jul 18
Seattle Branch
Hank Stein
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle Explorers Summer Trip

Seattle Explorers Summer Trip - Squamish

Youth Youth activity: Explorers
Join the Explorers (and Jr. MACers) on a 5 day trip to somewhere in the
Difficulty: Crag Rock Climb
Mon, Jul 20, 2026 - Sat, Jul 25, 2026
Prerequisites
19 participants 8 instructors 9 chaperones
Registration closes Jul 18
Seattle Branch
Hank Stein
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle MAC Backpacking Trip

Seattle MAC Backpacking Trip - Spider Meadows, Spider Gap, Lyman Lakes & Buck Creek Pass

Youth Youth activity: Mountaineers Adventure Club
MAC members go on a multiday backpack trip somewhere in Washington. This trip has prerequisites.
Difficulty: Strenuous
Wed, Jul 22, 2026 - Mon, Jul 27, 2026
No Prerequisites
11 participants
Registration opens May 1
Seattle Branch
Hank Stein
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle MAC Conditioning Hike - Cascade Pass & Sahale Arm

Seattle MAC Conditioning Hike - Cascade Pass & Sahale Arm

Youth Youth activity: Mountaineers Adventure Club
A summer conditioning hike. Assume a 2.0-2.2 MPH moving pace for this hike to better
Difficulty: Strenuous, Very Strenuous
Fri, Jul 24, 2026 - Sat, Jul 25, 2026
Prerequisites
6 participants on waitlist 0 chaperones
Registration closes Jul 23
Seattle Branch
Ana Maria Feito
Qualified Youth Leader
TAC MAC Alpine Climb

TAC MAC Alpine Climb - Mount Thompson/West Ridge

Climbing Field trip: Mountaineers Adventure Club - Tacoma
Alpine climb for Tacoma MAC Students
Difficulty: Intermediate Rock Climb
Sat, Aug 1, 2026 - Sun, Aug 2, 2026
No Prerequisites
4 participants 0 instructors
Registration opens Jun 1; Instructor registration open now
Tacoma Branch
Sarah Holt
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, Aug 5, 2026
No Prerequisites
8 participants 2 instructors
Registration closes Aug 4
Tacoma Branch
Sarah Holt

Seattle MAC- End of Year Potluck

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

Aug 05, 2026
06:00 PM to 08:00 PM
Seattle Program Center
7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

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
TAC MAC Alpine Climb

TAC MAC Alpine Climb - Gilbert Peak/Conrad Glacier

Climbing Field trip: Mountaineers Adventure Club - Tacoma
This will be not just a climb of Gilbert Peak, but a traverse of the
Difficulty: Basic Alpine Climb
Mon, Aug 10, 2026 - Wed, Aug 12, 2026
No Prerequisites
5 participants
Registration opens Aug 1
Tacoma Branch
Sarah Holt
TAC MAC Alpine Climb

TAC MAC Alpine Climb - Mount Shuksan/Fisher Chimneys

Climbing Field trip: Mountaineers Adventure Club - Tacoma
Alpine climb for Tacoma MAC Students
Mon, Aug 17, 2026 - Wed, Aug 19, 2026
No Prerequisites
4 participants 0 instructors
Registration opens Aug 1; Instructor registration open now
Tacoma Branch
Sarah Holt
Partner Program - World Relief Western Washington - Seattle - 2024

Partner Program - World Relief Western Washington - Seattle - 2024 - Exit 38

Youth Youth activity: Partner Program - World Relief Western Washington
A day of climbing at Exit 38 for the young adults interns of World Relief
Fri, Aug 21, 2026
No Prerequisites
11 participants
Registration closes Aug 19
Seattle Branch
Christine Kler
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle MAC WTF Backpacking Trip - Seven Lakes Basin & High Divide

Seattle MAC WTF Backpacking Trip - Seven Lakes Basin & High Divide

Youth Youth activity: Mountaineers Adventure Club
We will enjoy the diversity of the Olympic Peninsula on a two-night backpacking adventure that
Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous, Strenuous
Sat, Aug 22, 2026 - Mon, Aug 24, 2026
No Prerequisites
0 participants 0 chaperones
Registration closes Aug 19
Seattle Branch
Dragana Lassiter
Qualified Youth Leader
Magnuson Park In-Town Day - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Magnuson Park In-Town Day - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Field trip: Summer Camp - Wilderness Discovery Week
A typical day at Seattle Mountaineers Summer Camp
Mon, Aug 24, 2026
No Prerequisites
45 participants
Registration closes Aug 22
Seattle Branch
Julia Knight
Qualified Youth Leader
Magnuson Park In-Town Day - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Magnuson Park In-Town Day - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Field trip: Summer Camp - Wilderness Discovery Week
A typical day at Seattle Mountaineers Summer Camp
Tue, Aug 25, 2026
No Prerequisites
42 participants
Registration closes Aug 24
Seattle Branch
Julia Knight
Qualified Youth Leader
Magnuson Park In-Town Day - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Magnuson Park In-Town Day - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Field trip: Summer Camp - Wilderness Discovery Week
A typical day at Seattle Mountaineers Summer Camp
Wed, Aug 26, 2026
No Prerequisites
45 participants
Registration closes Aug 25
Seattle Branch
Julia Knight
Qualified Youth Leader
Magnuson Park In-Town Day - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Magnuson Park In-Town Day - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Field trip: Summer Camp - Wilderness Discovery Week
A typical day at Seattle Mountaineers Summer Camp
Thu, Aug 27, 2026
No Prerequisites
45 participants
Registration closes Aug 26
Seattle Branch
Julia Knight
Qualified Youth Leader
Magnuson Park In-Town Day - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Magnuson Park In-Town Day - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Youth Field trip: Summer Camp - Wilderness Discovery Week
A typical day at Seattle Mountaineers Summer Camp
Fri, Aug 28, 2026
No Prerequisites
45 participants
Registration closes Aug 27
Seattle Branch
Julia Knight
Qualified Youth Leader
Seattle MAC Conditioning Hike

Seattle MAC Conditioning Hike - Vesper Peak

Youth Youth activity: Mountaineers Adventure Club
Another Smoot’s 100 Peak conditioner hike coming up! I’ll reach out for volunteers to help
Difficulty: Strenuous 3, Technical 3, Strenuous
Sat, Aug 29, 2026
Prerequisites
5 participants on waitlist 0 instructors 0 chaperones
Registration closes Aug 27
Seattle Branch
Ana Maria Feito
Qualified Youth Leader

Seattle MAC- Open House for Prospective Members

The MAC New Information Seminar is an open house for prospective students (9th-12th grade) and their families to learn more about the program from staff and returning students.

Sep 02, 2026
06:00 PM to 08:00 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

Seattle Volunteer with Youth Orientation Dinner

A time for parents and volunteers to learn about the youth programs and how to volunteer/become involved.

Oct 01, 2026
06:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Seattle Program Center
7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

Goodman A, Goodman B

Seattle MAC Workshop - Climbing 101

Intro to climbing and belay on top rope

Oct 03, 2026
09:00 AM to 02:00 PM
Seattle Program Center
7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

Goodman C, Goodman C: Ice Walls, Goodman C: Rock Walls, South Plaza: Boulder, South Plaza: Boulder Field, South Plaza: Center Green, South Plaza: Climbing Wall East Side, South Plaza: Climbing Wall West Side

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

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

Goodman B, Goodman C, Goodman C: Ice Walls, Goodman C: Rock Walls
Seattle Pathfinders Hike - Park Butte

Seattle Pathfinders Hike - Park Butte

Youth Youth activity: Pathfinders
Pathfinders will enjoy some fall foliage and hike to a historic lookout.
Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous
Mon, Oct 12, 2026
Prerequisites
0 participants
Seattle Branch
Dragana Lassiter
Qualified Youth Leader

Seattle MAC Workshop - Anchors & Cleaning

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.

Oct 18, 2026
09:00 AM to 02:00 PM
Seattle Program Center
7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

Goodman C, Goodman C: Ice Walls, Goodman C: Rock Walls

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

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

Goodman B, Goodman C, Goodman C: Ice Walls, Goodman C: Rock Walls

SEA Youth Clubs Parents Workshop - Welcome & Website 101

Welcome to clubs and intro to the website.

Nov 05, 2026
06:00 PM to 08:00 PM
Seattle Program Center
7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

Cascade A, Cascade B

Seattle MAC Workshop - Lead Climbing Part I

MAC students will learn how to lead belay with good technique.

Nov 07, 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, Goodman C, Goodman C: Ice Walls, Goodman C: Rock Walls, South Plaza: Boulder, South Plaza: Boulder Field, South Plaza: Center Green, South Plaza: Climbing Wall East Side, South Plaza: Climbing Wall West Side