Category: Community

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What does a healthy culture look like?

by Debbie Dwelle, Mazama President

As I contemplated the theme for this Bulletin, Health and Fitness, I felt drawn to something I hold dear, which is creating and sustaining a healthy culture within the Mazamas. As I wrote about last month, the Board and Rebekah have been diligently working through the strategic planning process. Throughout this work, I keep mentally returning to the saying “culture eats strategy for breakfast,” by Peter Drucker. The idea is that if we don’t have a healthy culture, we significantly decrease our chances of being successful in our strategic objectives.

With that in mind, the board has been discussing what a healthy board culture looks like and working to embody these elements as we move through our work together. First and foremost, our board culture is driven by our mission and values. From there, we are focused on the following areas:

  • Collaborative: respect, trust, hospitable
  • Diverse: backgrounds, opinions, ways of thinking
  • Accountable: to the organization, to each other
  • Inquisitive: engaged, curious, questioning
  • Disciplined: focused, prepared, consistent
  • Ambassador: reputation, good will, public relations
  • Data driven: assessing ourselves and the organization
  • Decisive: having focused agendas, measurable results, and being outcome-oriented

As I broaden that to consider a healthy volunteer culture, I believe it is one where volunteers feel valued, supported, and motivated to contribute their time and skills in meaningful ways. It promotes a positive environment that nurtures both the individual volunteer and the organization they support. Here are some key characteristics of a healthy volunteer culture:

  • Clear Purpose and Goals: Volunteers understand the mission of the organization and how their work contributes to its overall goals. They feel that their efforts make a real impact.
  • Inclusivity: A healthy volunteer culture is inclusive, welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds and ensuring that everyone feels they have a place to contribute.
  • Respect and Recognition: Volunteers are treated with respect and appreciation. Acknowledging their contributions through thank-yous, celebrations, or small gestures of appreciation helps foster a sense of belonging.
  • Effective Communication: Open and honest communication ensures that volunteers are well-informed and have the opportunity to ask questions or provide feedback. They also know who to turn to for support.
  • Training and Development: Volunteers are given the training and resources they need to succeed. Continuous learning opportunities allow them to grow in their roles and take on new challenges.
  • Supportive Leadership: Leaders provide guidance, mentorship, and encouragement. They are approachable, empathetic, and actively engage with volunteers, creating an environment where everyone feels supported.
  • Flexibility: Volunteers are able to engage with flexible schedules and roles that suit their availability and interests. This makes the volunteer experience more sustainable and enjoyable.
  • Collaboration: Volunteers work together as a team, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. Team-building activities or group/committee projects can strengthen relationships.
  • Feedback and Growth: Volunteers receive constructive feedback on their performance, as well as opportunities to share their own suggestions for improvement. This promotes a continuous cycle of growth and positive change.
  • Wellness and Balance: A healthy volunteer culture recognizes the importance of balance, ensuring volunteers do not experience burnout by setting clear boundaries and encouraging them to take care of themselves.

Overall, it’s about creating a positive, supportive environment where volunteers feel motivated, appreciated, and empowered to contribute in ways that align with both their personal values and the organization’s mission.

One of our strategic priority areas is focused on member and volunteer engagement. Working together to foster a healthy culture will absolutely support our success in this domain. Given you all are critical to creating and sustaining a healthy culture in the Mazamas, I invite you to contemplate what a healthy culture looks like to you. Here are a few questions for consideration:

  • What do you value in the community and culture of the Mazamas?
  • If you are a leader, what are you modeling for others? If you are not a leader, what do you see being modeled by leaders?
  • What areas are we doing well with regard to creating a positive community and culture?
  • What areas could our sense of community and culture could be improved?
  • What role can you see yourself playing in supporting a healthy culture?

As the board continues to move through the strategic planning process, we believe having a healthy culture is interwoven with all of our values: Inclusion, Safety, Education, Service, and Sustainability. We are incorporating all of these elements as we continue diligently working on defining and refining our goals, tactics, metrics, and key performance indicators for the next 3 years. I loved Rebekah’s vision of vitality—an active, connected, and strong Mazamas creating our future together. Let’s all work together to create and sustain a culture that realizes this vision! 

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Cultivating Vitality: Leaning into Spring

by Rebekah Phillips, Mazama Executive Director 

Welcome to spring! Or should I say, “Welcome, Spring,” as this season of awakening and renewal offers opportune insight. In the last issue, I wrote about the changing financial landscape, constraints the staff and board are working with, and the organizational response it will require to secure a more stable foundation. (The CliffsNotes version, for those that didn’t read it, goes like this: rising costs have outpaced revenues, and we’ve got serious work to do.) This conversation continues to develop in real-time, representing a dynamic scenario which calls for clear communication, strong coordination, and decisive action.

Ominous as that may sound, trees and shrubs are beginning to bud, song sparrows serenade us earlier each day, and the sun is gradually warming our hemisphere, apt reminders that regeneration is part of life. Aligning with both the season and the theme of this Bulletin, my own innate belief in the power of potential has me feeling deeply inspired by a vision of vitality—an active, connected, and strong Mazamas creating our future together.

But what does it look like to cultivate vitality? What does it take to persevere and grow?

Connecting with our purpose

The Mazamas is a nonprofit, and nonprofits are full of purpose. Whether they deliver social, economic, or environmental impact, nonprofits solve real problems and offer meaningful, fulfilling work for both those carrying it out and those benefiting from their services. 

At the Mazamas, we’re in the business of building community through activities rooted in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. We take our cues from nature: interdependent systems, mentorship between the established and the new, and resource-sharing, to name a few. Fitting as these concepts may be, let’s not discount how fundamental to the mission they are, nor how rare they are to find in a business setting. As strategies, they lead to resilience. As tactics, they develop personal and collective trust, camaraderie, engagement, and accountability. Is the Mazamas curing cancer? Maybe not, but we sure as hell are giving people tools to build a life worth fighting for.

Reflection and revision (rinse and repeat) 

Despite being anchored in a shared purpose, when we look under the organization’s hood we find a business model that’s unsustainable by many measures: budgeted deficits rather than calculated growth; income streams that don’t cover their operating costs; and under-supported resources spread thin across a tangled web of objectives. The 2025-2027 Strategic Plan addresses all of this by prioritizing responsible financial planning, recalibrating our revenue model, and identifying ways to better future-proof operations.

But this doesn’t live with the board and staff alone. This is a call to all members to come together in support of our mission and community. To ask, “How can I help?” To refer a friend, or make a donation. To be an engaged ambassador of the organization. Zooming out to examine the big picture, we’re experiencing the kind of watershed moment that inspires evolution. It’s not the first time in our 131-year history, and it won’t be the last.

Gratitude and celebration

In nature, spring has a way of making things look easy. That’s because once balance is in place, rebirth unfolds seemingly like clockwork. In truth, it took millions of years of trial and error for Earth’s ecosystems to harmonize. 

Volunteers, leaders, and staff are working tirelessly to support and uplift the Mazamas—every one of us experiences moments of exhaustion, disappointment, and fear of failure. To support vitality, it’s especially important that we hold space to acknowledge all that’s going right:

Our people: Nothing short of extraordinary are the staunch corps of volunteers upholding the Mazamas’ reputation for excellence, the board of directors rising to the occasion, and the capable staff that’s ready to make a difference. Combined, the nearly 3,000 members that make up the Mazamas move our mission forward each day, building community at a time when many among us need it more than ever.

Responsivity: Leadership has immersed itself in research and analysis, as we aim to articulate our core competencies and identify a tangible and optimal business model. We’ve confirmed that our services have been wildly undervalued, leading to a new program pricing policy; this brings needed consistency internally and ties pricing directly to the cost of production, encouraging awareness of the impact programs have on resources. We’ve also identified that (like any non-profit) fees for service can only cover a portion of our costs and must be subsidized by charitable contributions; among other strategies, we’ve widened our donor base, have normalized applying for foundation support after a multi-year hiatus, and are implementing a formal planned giving program. 

Transparency and accountability: Since I joined the staff in 2023, we’ve fully caught up on four years of independently reviewed financial statements, and we’re about to publish our first impact report since 2016. Importantly, we’re also working to address a significant omission in our financial statements by quantifying the astonishing in-kind value that volunteer leaders contribute each year—this alone is worth celebrating for many reasons, not the least of which is that it will help us more meaningfully recognize you, our members and volunteers, who carry out our mission.

Friends, on behalf of everyone at the Mazamas, thank you for your enduring partnership and support. The future is not a thing merely to be experienced; it’s a great and wonderful opportunity to be created together. Let’s lean into the lessons of spring.

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Meet the Mazamas

Andy is a native Oregonian who grew up spending time outdoors with his family. Since joining the Mazamas a decade ago, he has volunteered in many capacities, from climb leader to skill builder instructor. He’s even managed to focus a fair bit of his work-related life on the outdoors too, as a land-use planner and landscape architect. 

Name: Andy Nuttbrock

Pronouns: He/Him/His 

Year Joined Mazamas: 2014

Present-day outdoor activities: Climbing, Hiking, Skiing (Backcountry, Downhill, Nordic) 

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? My earliest memories involve camping and fishing with my family. We had a place at Cape Kiwanda, before it was what it is today, and a Dory boat. I remember many weekends deep sea fishing. I learned to drive a boat, as well as drive a car to park the truck and trailer, at the age of 10 (It was the 70’s).

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? Our friends (Tom and Laura Baughman) took the Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP) and told me that I would love it. It took a couple years, but I finally took BCEP and was automatically hooked.

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? There is so much information to allow folks to get out there and recreate, but they should be mindful where that information comes from. I would recommend folks go through reliable channels to get the skills they desire. Organizations such as the Mazamas are a great start. Also, try and find mentors and buddies to use those skills with and have them provide some supervision and feedback. Above all, go out and do things. Get some time under your belt. 

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? I am inspired by all the folks that test and push themselves in new and unknown situations. I love spending my time in the education stream of the Mazamas and watching so many people trying new things. There is nothing like seeing folks get that “aha” moment or push through some fear. I really enjoy seeing their faces light up at the joy of completing a difficult task.

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? Pick one. I’ve always been a fan of non-fiction, historical accounts. Lately I have been into local stories. My current favorite has been “Astoria” by Peter Stark. The interesting portion of the book is the self-imposed trouble and disasters they ran into due to their over-abundant confidence. Also, interesting to hear of folks that influenced local geographical feature names and question their relevance enough to warrant their name.


What’s on your adventure bucket list? My current fascination has been centered on long treks. I would love to do the Camino de Santiago. In the short term, as I haven’t done much hiking, outside of climb objectives, but I am looking at doing the Timberline Trail and Loowit/Mt. St. Helens Trail this season.

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Meet the Mazamas

Eric is a first-generation Peruvian American who is an American Mountain Guides Association single pitch instructor, aiming to become a rock guide in a few years. He loves spending every moment he can outdoors, but he recently opened up a machine shop, and that does take up a fair bit of his time lately. But not so much time that he hasn’t added a new hobby to his ever-expanding list – circus activities, like the flying trapeze, as a way to help him strength train for climbing. 

Eric Meza

Pronouns:  He, Him, His

Year Joined Mazamas: 2022

Present-day outdoor activities: Climbing, scuba diving, ski mountaineering,

mountain biking, surfing, trail running and learning the intricacies of nonprofit peanut farming 

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? Ooof. I was maybe 2 or 3; I remember my parents used to bring a little kid portable toilet that held a wag bag for long road trips. I clearly remember visiting Yosemite one snowy winter day and having my portable setup right in front of El Cap in the icy meadow. I think that’s when my obsession first started with the big stone. There’s a picture of me pooping while in awe of El Capitan somewhere in an album buried in storage.

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? I first heard of the Mazamas from some friends in PDX Climbers of Color. Joining was a catalyst for becoming a safer, more knowledgeable climber. My goal is to keep learning so that I can someday pass on the knowledge I’ve accumulated from classes and adventures to the next generation of BIPOC climbers.

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? Sometimes conditions or situations get dangerous, and retreating seems like giving up on your goal or a failure; it’s not. Getting home alive should be the end goal and everything in-between is the good stuff you can tell stories about. You can always try again another day. 

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? U.S. competitive eater Joey Chestnut’s world record from a few months ago inspires me everyday. 

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? Pick one. Hmmm @creamycanoli on Instagram is my latest inspiration. They really capture the plethora of facial expressions during difficult climbing moments. 

What’s on your adventure bucket list? A few big walls this year and then a trip to Chile/Patagonia next winter. 

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Meet the Mazamas

Name: Colleen Rawson

Pronouns: she/her

Year Joined Mazamas: 2023

Present-day outdoor activities: Climbing, walking/hiking, biking, backpacking, learning to ski  

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? Jumping into a river when I was around 4 years old, learning the doggie paddle. I grew up in Florida, so most of the outdoor rec was water-related. 

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? I overheard two fellow students in my indoor lead climbing class in 2022 talking about the Mazamas. I had just summited Mount St. Helen’s that summer and was curious to learn more, so they recommended the Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP). The rest was history — I applied to BCEP in 2023, went on to do Intermediate Climbing School (ICS) in 2023-2024, became a hike leader and committee member. The Mazamas programs have given me the skills I need to make informed decisions outside, teach others more effectively, challenge myself, and be in community with people who love being outside. 

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? Be prepared and do some research beforehand. Go with friends, family, or community groups (like Mazama hikes!). Know your limits. Remember it’s supposed to be fun.   

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? I am inspired most by people who have experienced great pain, grief, and uncertainty in their lives but who remain open, gentle, and lighthearted. 

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? Pick one. My favorite nonfiction book that I read last year was “4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals” by Oliver Burkeman. The title references the fact that humans only have, on average, about 4,000 total weeks in their lives. (Hint: It is not a time management or productivity book!) 

What’s on your adventure bucket list? I don’t know if I believe in bucket lists. There is a nearly infinite amount of adventures to be had. In mountaineering, it’s easy to be fixated on “what is next.” I have some goals year to year — I’d love to do Mt. Shuksan’s Fisher Chimneys, Glacier Peak, Acker Rock, and Prusik Peak — but my real goal is to savor the process. 

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Meet the Mazamas

A native Minnesotan, Chris moved to Portland in the mid-1990s and quickly fell in love with the region’s mountains, forests, deserts and coastlines. Despite a fear of heights, discovering the Mazamas 20 years later sparked a passion for climbing that took him from student and participant to instructor, climb leader and member of the Mazama board of directors. When not recreating outdoors, he leads marketing and business development efforts for technology companies of all sizes.

Name:  Chris Kruell

Pronouns:  He/him

Year Joined Mazamas: 2007

Present-day outdoor activities:  Climbing (alpine and rock), hiking, gravel biking and skate skiing. I used to be a competitive distance runner, and I just recently took up running again.

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? I remember being a little boy in Minneapolis. I was playing on the beach at the Minneapolis lake now named Bde Maka Ska, and I didn’t know how to swim yet. The family was heading back to the car, and my dad told me to go in the lake and rinse off. I remember thinking that made no sense because I was going to have to walk back through the sand again. I also have fond memories of when I first got cross country skis, and I would head out my back door and ski through the fields with my dog, Thor. 

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? Somebody I knew was telling me about Mazamas, and she had taken BCEP (Basic Climbing Education Program) awhile ago and was going to take it again. She described climbing Mt. Adams and camping out on the Lunch Counter, and I just thought that was the craziest thing. But then I decided to sign up for BCEP, and once class started, I was all in. I just absolutely loved it. You’re engaging physical and mental strength and endurance, decision making under duress, sense of accomplishment, learning about “next time”—all facets. I took BCEP, then ICS (Intermediate Climbing School) and AR (Advanced Rock) and headed down the leadership path. In addition to climbs, I led a BCEP team for several years. I also ran the BCEP program and assisted for ICS and AR. 

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? I think there are three fundamental areas people should think about. Number one, they should seek out sound advice or education from reputable people and organizations so you know what you’re getting into. And second, is proper gear selection. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to outfit yourself with the latest gear. But you shouldn’t just be out climbing peaks in jeans and running shoes (ask me how I know). And lastly, find experienced people. Find your people. The fun factor goes way up. The safety risks go way down. 

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? Since I took up skate skiing, I just marvel at Jessie Diggins, the Olympian from Minnesota. She has a gear that most of us don’t and lays it out on the line every single time. The other people would be my high school and college cross country and track coaches who had a huge influence on my life. More recently in the outdoor recreation world, I’ve been thinking about the Mazamas. I went to the Steps Together fundraising dinner, and I looked around, and thought, “these are my people.” The Mazama community is incredibly inspiring, and I just love to be a part of it.

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? Pick one. My favorite book of all time is “A River Runs Through It.” I loved the movie too, but the book was just phenomenal.  

What’s on your adventure bucket list? I am so looking forward to taking my almost 11-month-old granddaughter camping this summer! I’d also like to go live in Europe or the UK for a couple months and just experience day-to-day life there. I’ve done a lot of business travel in my lifetime, but it’s much different staying in a five-star hotel for work compared to experiencing life as a local. 

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Meet the Mazamas

Damon joined the Mazamas in 2018 when he signed up for the Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP) and then Intermediate Climbing School (ICS) to learn how to navigate the technical and glaciated terrain of the Cascade volcanoes. He now volunteers with the Advanced Rock (AR) program. AR is now accepting applications for 2025. His favorite outdoor days are on long multi-pitch rock climbs. When not outside, he’s either reading, watching TV or wasting time playing Sudoku.

Name:  Damon Greenshields

Pronouns:  He/Him

Year Joined Mazamas: 2018

Present-day outdoor activities: I spend most of my outdoor time rock climbing, mountaineering, or skiing with my partner Angie.

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? I grew up in Eastern Oregon just outside of the Wallowa mountains. When I was 5, my dad and I hiked to the top of Ruby Peak. My dad had this huge, blue backpack that he would tote the kids around with, so there’s a good chance I didn’t hike much at all and was just training weight for him. I’m told there were plenty of candy breaks.

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? When I moved to Portland in 2018, I wanted to climb some of the local Cascade volcanoes but had never used crampons or an ice axe before. I discovered the Mazamas while searching online for mountaineering classes. I’m so thankful I decided to join because through taking BCEP and ICS and now volunteering with AR, I have made many amazing friends. One of my favorite things about the Mazamas is the friendly and uplifting community it has fostered.

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? Some of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in the outdoors was when I completed a difficult challenge by being well prepared and using skills that I learned to mitigate risks. So, I would say, at least regarding mountaineering/climbing, one of the most important things you can do for yourself is to prioritize learning and truly understanding systems and skills that contribute to keeping you safe.

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? I get anxious about being bad at things, so I’ve been working on putting myself out there more with new hobbies. It’s been way more fun and encouraging than I expected. I’ve found a lot of inspiration from friends who are passionate and excited about interests that are different from mine.

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? Pick one. Angie and I listen to a lot of podcasts when on the road. Our favorite outdoor podcast is The Sharp End, and our favorite easy listening podcast is Normal Gossip.

What’s on your adventure bucket list?  Currently scheming up a plan to check out the Bugaboos next summer. The Bugaboos are a mountain range in the Purcell Mountains of British Columbia, Canada

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Meet the Mazamas

Erin has been involved with the Mazamas for the past 11 years and has been lead climbing for 10. She has a strong sense of wanderlust and recently traveled to South Africa for her honeymoon in June and then rafted the Grand Canyon in August. She recently ran the Smith Rock Run half marathon in the beginning of November. When not adventuring, she works an occupational therapist and currently works with preschoolers. 

 Name: Erin Reaksecker 

Pronouns:  She/Her 

Year Joined Mazamas: 2015 

Present-day outdoor activities:  Rock climbing, running, biking, mountain climbing! 

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? My earliest outdoor memory is camping at Wallowa Lake with my family in elementary school! 

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? When I first moved to Portland after grad school, I found a golden scroll at my aunt’s house that said “One free annual membership to the Mazamas,” so I asked my aunt about the organization and made a phone call and joined the Mazamas shortly after! 

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? My advice is do something that makes you uncomfortable, try something new and keep an open mind, because that allows you to grow and have memorable experiences. 

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? I am inspired by ultra runners. I recently attempted a 50k and met some amazing people along the way. I realize that it takes significant mental toughness to complete an ultra and worked with a great running coach to help myself train! Dana Katz is amazing.

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? Pick one. I enjoy listening to the podcast “Against the Odds” and learning how people get through unexpected circumstances in the great outdoors. 

What’s on your adventure bucket list? I would like to travel to South America and climb in Patagonia. I would also like to return to Squamish and lead some multi-pitch climbs!

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Meet the Mazamas

Almost as if winning the birth location lottery, Britt grew up near Olympic National Park and grew up camping there. She joined the Mazamas after realizing she needed some solid mountaineering education and has been active in the organization ever since. This past year, she helped bring back our Eastside Rambles, leading folks from the Mazama Mountaineering Center to trails (and stairs) on Mt. Tabor. She blogs about her adventures.

Name: Britt Q. Hoover

Pronouns: she/her

Year Joined Mazamas: 2016

Present-day outdoor activities: Backpacking, mountaineering, cycling. I also co-lead the new weekly Eastside Rambles! 

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? I grew up in a small town near Olympic National Park. My earliest outdoor memories are of car camping with my father and siblings around the park each summer. 

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? Many years ago a few friends invited me to climb Mount St. Helens with them. It was my first time on a mountain and climbing on snow. Although I summited, I was woefully unprepared for the early start, elevation gain, and physical exertion. On the way down, while glissading, I (lightly) stabbed myself in the leg with my ice axe. It was at that moment I realized I should probably sign up for the Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP)—and I did, that spring! 

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them?
We all start somewhere. It can feel intimidating for those new to the outdoors to figure out the right gear, understand weather and safety, and plan trips. I learned a lot by hiking and climbing with others, and I am so grateful to those who shared their knowledge with me. I encourage anyone just starting out to adopt a growth mindset and ask questions.

What activities, situations, or people inspire you most? I’m inspired by situations that call for quick thinking and helping others. I often read mountaineering accident reports to learn from others’ decisions and apply those lessons to prevent future incidents. My favorite Mazama experience was taking the Mountaineering First Aid course, and I’ve used these skills many times to aid others outdoors. 

What is your favorite book, movie, TV show, or social media account that you follow, and why? Pick one. One account I love following is Kimber Cross (@kimberbelle) on Instagram. Kimber is an alpinist, adaptive athlete, rock climber, and kindergarten teacher. I’ve followed her since she started her introductory course with the Mountaineers. Now, she’s regularly summiting tough peaks in the PNW, ice climbing in Montana, and is sponsored by North Face among other companies. Kimber is down-to-earth and an excellent example of how far you can go with hard work and dedication. I’m truly inspired by her.

What’s on your adventure bucket list? I just checked a trip off my bucket list in February! My spouse, Jeff, and I completed a 7-day backpacking trip across the remote Avellanos Valley in the Aysén region of Patagonia. I posted some photos from the trip on my website, Yes Mom I’m Alive (www.yesmomimalive.com). 

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Meet the Mazamas

Tiffany, a nurse practitioner, is board-certified in psychiatry and a solo practitioner. She is a therapist with the American Alpine Association’s Climbing Grief Fund and the American Avalanche Association Resilience Project. 

She divides her time between Virginia, where she helps manage care for her mother who has Alzheimer’s and Oregon, where she climbs with the Mazamas and assists with the Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP).

Name:  Tiffany McClean

Pronouns:  She/Her

Year Joined Mazamas: 2018

Present-day outdoor activities:  Rock and alpine climbing, backpacking, downhill skiing, scuba diving and horseback riding. 

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? Being on my dad’s sailboat in the Chesapeake Bay, which is akin to camping. It wasn’t a big boat, but it was big enough that we could sleep on it.  I used to sleep in the cockpit as a little girl and just look up at the stars. 

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? To be honest, it was a rough introduction, although that can’t be blamed on the Mazamas. I first heard about the organization when I was dating someone who thought they were skilled enough to bypass BCEP and go straight into Intermediate Climbing School (ICS), but the Mazamas disagreed. Then, one of my close friends and colleagues was dating someone who died on Mt. Hood. I had climbed Mt. Adams, South Sister and other peaks, and I really, really wanted to climb Mt. Hood, but after that, I was so afraid. I knew I needed training that would allow me to take care of myself at a minimum, so I signed up for BCEP, and I got in!

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? I think first and foremost, nature and the outdoors are for everyone. And I mean everyone, regardless of age, sex, disability, race, etc. In the Climbing Grief Fund, we celebrate turning around, and I firmly believe mountaineering is more than just summiting. People need to know their limits, must work to fill in their knowledge gaps through organizations like the Mazamas and be OK with being vulnerable. Vulnerability in the outdoors is absolutely acceptable and should be encouraged.. 

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? I guess I’d have to say that people who are willing to speak about their own fears and share mental health issues in the mountains. People can push the envelope of fear in climbing and yet still be willing to say, “Today is not my day,” or “I know my limits. South Sister is my Mt. Hood, and I am fine with that..” Mazama Climb Leaders Tim Scott and Pushkar Dixit embody these values and definitely inspire me. 

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? Pick one. I have listened to almost every single episode of Hidden Brain. It’s a great podcast. 

What’s on your adventure bucket list? I’ve had to cancel a few Glacier Peak climbs to be with family, so that looms large on my list. I’d really like to trek to Annapurna base camp. I’d also like to dive into a great white shark cage. I feel like that can be done ethically.