Truth first joined the Mazamas in 1990, went through our Basic Climbing Education Program, and took Mazama Nordic Ski classes. In the ’90s, she climbed mountains, helped out with BCEP, and skied a lot with us. She pressed pause and raised a family, remaining active in swimming, running, and taking fitness classes. She returned to the organization a couple of years ago and has become a hike leader. Professionally, she works as a mediator.
Name: Truth Johnston
Pronouns: She/They
Year Joined Mazamas: 1990 and 2021
Present-day outdoor activities: Rock and alpine climbing, hiking, Nordic skiing, snow shoeing, biking, Mt. St. Helen’s Institute (Climbing, Hiking and Ape Cave Steward and Ambassador), snorkeling, pickleball, rafting, kayaking, gardening, and DIY house projects.
What’s your earliest outdoor memory? I lived in Colorado until 4th grade, and my grandpa called me his little mountain climber. I remember climbing on sandstones, one called Alligator Rock near my Aunt Truth and Uncle Andy’s mountain cabins.
How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? I met someone at work and another at church who were Mazamas when I first moved to the Northwest. The co-worker, Joe Whittington, lead, Mazama David Nelson, others from work and I up to the top of Mt. Hood in 1990. Felt like I was on top of the world. Shortly after, my husband and I took BCEP and Mazama Nordic ski classes. Years later after my kids were raised, I went on a private climb with Joe Whittington and I knew I had to get back to the Mountains with the Mazamas.
As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? There are many groups that focus on the outdoors, but Mazamas stands out to me because of our emphasis on education and safety. There is something so special about valuing all ages and skill levels on climbing teams.
What activities/situations/people most inspire you? Pick one. I like seeing a team come together to meet a big challenge. This synergy meets the challenge and turns it into a great story.
What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? I am a big fan of the Great Courses (audio or video college-like recorded classes). My favorite subjects are space, science, music, personal communication, linguistic, and history. And the subject list continues to grow.
What’s on your adventure bucket list? I really don’t have a bucket list. It seems new things come up for me to try. And when I do try them, they become new loves. The most recent is multi-pitch climbing.
My two non-outdoor passions are mediating (resolving conflicts) and participating in Braver Angels (bridging political divides).
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Way cool! Keep on truckin.
David