Michele joined the Mazamas a few years ago, looking for adventure after her children finished high school. Initially, she started participating in local hikes and was excited to join Round the Mountain in 2022. Then she took the Basic Climbing Education Program (Team JJ’s Commandos) and Backcountry Alpine Ski Touring courses and continues to advance her climbing skills. She is an active member of the Trail Trips Committee, and recently became the hike leader training assistant. When not out in the wild, she runs a specialized private practice serving students with dyslexia and is a passionate literacy advocate.
Name: Michele Scherer Barnett
Pronouns: she/her
Year Joined Mazamas: 2022
Present-day outdoor activities: Hiking and skiing – downhill, Nordic, and backcountry
What’s your earliest outdoor memory? I grew up in the Bay Area, and I remember going to Stinson Beach and being cold and wrapped up in a blanket, and having a lot of sand in my peanut butter sandwich because it was so windy.
How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? I was prompted to engage with Mazamas partly because my kids were finishing high school, and I started carving out some time for my own adventures. I joined the Oregon Nordic Club and started backcountry Nordic skiing, and many ONC members talked about their Mazamas experiences. So when I wanted to start doing longer hikes in new areas, I thought I would check out Mazamas. I tried a day hike and had a great day, so I kept coming back for more. I never dreamed that would lead me back to things like rock climbing again because I had thought those days were over for me, but instead one thing just keeps leading to the next.
As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offerthem? Learn to use at least one good GPS app on your phone and practice with it.
What activities/situations/people most inspire you? All of the volunteer leaders and assistants in the Mazamas programs inspire me. It’s amazing how many people are actively spending their time doing this, how dedicated they are, and they are genuinely encouraging people.
What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow andwhy? Pick one. The book called, “A Fortunate Life,” by Albert Facey, an autobiography. I like memoirs and real stories better than fiction. I love his natural storytelling ability, self awareness, survival and gratitude for his wife and family. What’s on your adventure bucket list? Hiking and skiing in the Alps, Nordic skiing in Norway, Alpine Touring in Canada.
Connor Carroll is an avid backpacker, mountaineer and climber from Austin, Texas. Connor is an Oregon State University alumnus and since her undergraduate degree, calls Oregon and the Pacific Northwest home. After moving back to Oregon in 2020, she rediscovered her love for the mountains and noticed the profound impact on her depression, anxiety and disorder, Trichotillomania. Connor previously worked as an environmental educator and is now the Training and Recruiting Manager with People and Culture for Next Adventure. She spends her free time adventuring in the mountains with her Jack Russell, Dan.
Name: Connor Carroll
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Year Joined Mazamas: 2022
Present-day outdoor activities: Backpacking, mountaineering, alpine and backcountry skiing, rock climbing, swimming in remote alpine lakes, and Stand Up Paddle Boarding.
What’s your earliest outdoor memory? Growing up with a father who was a Colorado native, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to backpacking at a young age. At just 5 years old, my family backpacked the Blue Lake Trail near Mt. Sneffels in the San Juans. We enjoyed simple snacks of Vienna sausages, frolicked in snow patches nestled on the mountainside, played on a log over a rushing creek, and my twin brother and I shared laughs in our sleeping bags on the forest floor. However, that adventure also marked my first encounter with altitude sickness. Struggling with the symptoms, my father had to carry me down the mountain. Since then, I’ve become overly cautious about altitude sickness, as it seems I’m particularly susceptible to it.
How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? Hold on…this is a long one!
Apart from a brief stint on the PCT in northern Washington after college, I hadn’t explored backpacking in the Pacific Northwest. Eager for an adventure summer of 2020, I settled on the Wallowas in Eastern Oregon for my first backpacking trip back in the PNW. The plan was to trek 9 miles to Ice Lake, unwind by the frozen lake, and summit Matterhorn, a peak standing at 9,826 ft. Being from Texas, I had little experience with snow, so I was surprised to find Ice Lake frozen, and Matterhorn covered in snow in early July. (Now – not so surprising HA)
The following day, we joined two seasoned hikers for a summit attempt on Matterhorn. As we ascended, there was a steep snow patch above Ice Lake that we had to cross. Due to my inadequate footwear, I slipped numerous times, almost risking falling into the ice-covered lake below. Thankfully, the quick reflexes of one of the men saved me each time I slipped. I’m forever grateful! Since I was unable to cross without slipping, we navigated through scree to bypass the snow patch. Despite the initial scare, we continued, scrambling over rocks and wading through deep snow until safety concerns prompted us to turn around. The views were unforgettable, and we descended by glissading down Matterhorn.
The rest was history; I was hooked. Eager to pursue mountain climbing safely (not slipping into an icy lake), I sought guidance. In March 2021, with the help of my friend Marisa Carrion, an experienced mountaineer, I conquered my first volcano, Mt. St. Helens. Marisa recommended Mazamas and encouraged me to enroll in a beginner course so I could join her on more technical climbs. At the time I was unsure due to time and financial constraints.
However, in the summer of 2021, I went backpacking solo in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Following what I thought was the “off-trail trail”, I boulder hopped and soon found myself on the left side of the ridge. According to my GPS I was supposed to be on the right side of the ridge. Looking for another way around, it became evident that another way was impossible. I made the call to return to the lower lake to camp. While hiking down, I lost my footing and fell 15 feet, hitting my head on a rock.
To this day, I remember the slow-motion experience of my fall. When I landed, blood covered my face and head. I looked like I walked out of a horror film. I quickly took my pack off to get my first aid kit. I kept repeating, “you’re okay, you’re fine.” I wanted to believe the words I was saying, after all, my worst fear had finally happened; I was alone in the wilderness and injured. I quickly put pressure on the wound on my head to stop the bleeding. Fortunately, at the lower lake there was a team of climbers that quickly noticed my head bandage and frazzled demeanor. They greeted me, sat me down, thoroughly cleaned out my wound and continued to monitor my state. I learned that this group of climbers met through a Seattle alpine club called The Mountaineers. The bond this team had was supportive and special. Where could I find a group of people that would have my back in the mountains? Mazamas.
I decided to apply for the Basic Climbing Education Program with Mazamas to gain the proper education and build a community that could help me work through my new PTSD. I was fortunate to have been accepted and to join Pushkar Dixit’s team, where I met some truly remarkable individuals that I now call my dear friends. After BCEP, I continued with my education and applied for ICS in 2022. Between BCEP and ICS I’ve had the pleasure of climbing 11 peaks. I cannot wait to see what the summer of 2024 will hold!
As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offerthem? Challenge yourself and step out of your comfort zone; that’s how I have such a range of outdoor hobbies. It’s terrifying! But by taking chances, I now am part of an amazing climbing community and I have been able witness some of the most breathtaking places. While it’s inevitable that bad things can occur in the backcountry, like my fall, it hasn’t kept me from pursuing what I love. Instead, I view each experience as an opportunity to learn and grow as an outdoorswoman.
What activities/situations/people most inspire you? It’s truly inspiring to witness how individuals who have overcome adversity, whether it’s a physical disability, mental health challenges, or unfortunate life events, find solace and healing in nature and the wilderness. As someone who deals with mental health issues and has faced setbacks, I’m deeply moved when I see people triumph over their struggles and continue to embrace the beauty and imperfections of life!
What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow andwhy? “Fried Green Tomatoes” holds a special place in my heart. While my father is from Denver, my mother is from New Orleans. A lot of my childhood was in New Orleans, visiting multiple times a year. Growing up in the South and in an Italian family, cooking is deeply ingrained in our culture. This film is not just about cooking/fried green tomatoes; it’s about women, their strength, their love, and how they navigate life. It evokes a strong sense of home for me.
Since I was a kid, I’ve always associated my Uncle Andy with The Andes in South America. I have always wanted to visit and backpack in The Andes. Now that I have mountaineering and climbing experience, exploring this range in a more technical sense would feel like a meaningful tribute to my Uncle Andy and his deep love for the mountains.
Aimee grew up getting dirty in the Utah Mountains, where she says backpacking and skiing were just the way of life. A former Mazama Board Member, Aimee has helped out with many of our class offerings, from Advanced Rock to First Aid. When not adventuring, Aimee is the co-founder and director of operations for Graphic 45, an award-winning scrapbook and paper crafting company.
Name: Aimee Filimoehala
Pronouns: she/her
Year Joined Mazamas: 2017
Present-day outdoor activities: I love being in the mountains, especially off the beaten path. My favorite activities include rock, ice, and alpine climbing, and exploring the mountains on skis.
What’s your earliest outdoor memory? I was fortunate to grow up in Utah at the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, where I was exposed to hiking and skiing as a child.
How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? After hiking and backpacking for years, I decided to climb Mount Adams. Early into the climb, I grasped that alpine climbing was much more demanding and consequential than your typical hike. I realized I wanted to acquire the necessary skills to be safe in the mountains, and I signed up for the Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP) the next spring.
As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offerthem? Join an organization like the Mazamas or a meet-up group. I’ve met many amazing nature-loving people who have taught me so much.
What activities/situations/people most inspire you? I’m inspired by the members of Portland Mountain Rescue and the time they volunteer to help with Search and Rescue (SAR) missions on Mount Hood.
What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow andwhy? Pick one. Alpinesavvy.com is a great resource for PNW climbing information like GPX tracks and route beta! I’ve downloaded maps and tracks for dozens of climbs.
What’s on your adventure bucket list? I’m hoping to get down to Peru and explore some of the Cordillera Blanca soon.
Ann Marie graduated from high school in Japan before settling in the Pacific Northwest and calling it home. She fell in love with the outdoors while in college, where she was introduced to climbing in 1991. She climbed a lot in the early years before moving to the Midwest and starting a family. Upon returning to the Northwest in 2004, she got back into climbing and wanted to find a group to climb with. Finding the Mazamas opened a whole new world of adventuring. Ann Marie is a provisional leader in the Leadership Development (LD) program.
Name: Ann Marie Caplan
Pronouns: She/her
Year Joined Mazamas: 2018
Present-day outdoor activities: Rock climbing, cycling, alpine in the summer
What’s your earliest outdoor memory? I remember hiking with my family when we lived in Hawaii. On one hike, we had found an abandoned kitten that they let me take home and keep.
How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? I learned about the Mazamas from a friend, Mark Milobinski. He was a climb leader and was going to lead a couple climbs (Hood and Eldorado) and invited me to come along. I joined so I could climb with him. I then decided to take ICS (Intermediate Climbing School) to brush up on my skills and be more in line with “the Mazama way” of doing things. From that point on, I was all in with the organization. I was drawn in by the community of like-minded climbers who love to adventure like I do.
As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offerthem? Don’t worry about being the strongest or fastest. There are plenty of us who are here for the people and the journey.
What activities/situations/people most inspire you? I am inspired by people who push themselves to do things they may feel they are not ready to do. My favorite thing about assisting on climbs is the pure joy people feel when they overcome mental or physical challenges they otherwise may not have done without the Mazamas.
What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow andwhy? Pick one. This is a tough one, as I am not one to choose favorites. I am a fan of Alpine Savvy because John Godino is cool. (@alpinesavvy on Instagram)
What’s on your adventure bucket list? I’ve always wanted to trek to Everest Base Camp. I would love to see the Khumbu Ice fall in person.
Diane hails from the Midwestern prairie landscape now mostly converted to cornfields and pig farms, but found her way to Oregon where her love for outdoor recreation, especially snowboarding, intersects with her professional passion for environmental ethics. Having worked for a conservation non-profit, Diane went to law school to become a more effective environmental advocate. She now works as an environmental lawyer in the public sector, advising Oregon natural resources agencies, primarily the Department of Environmental Quality, on water quality issues.
After trying splitboarding a handful of times, she applied for the Backcountry Ski Touring (BCST) program as a student in 2018, looking to solidify her skills and meet like-minded people. Some of the folks from the class are still her best snowboarding buddies. And she thinks that BCST provides such a unique opportunity for people to learn important skills that are beneficial in reducing accidents, keeping access open, and getting people the experience they need to enjoy the sport.
Diane is now chairing the BCST committee, responsible for the successful implementation of a complex curriculum that involves 7 lectures and 6 field sessions/on-snow tours. But she was initially hesitant to become a tour leader and assume increased responsibilities. At the time there was only one other woman tour leader. Diance thought about where her fear was coming from and decided to lean into it. After all, forcing yourself to teach something is the best way to really know it.
Her motivations come from both the ownership she feels for the program, and the fact that so many of her backcountry friendships have been cultivated here. She wants others to have that opportunity too.
While Diane may think of herself as an unlikely BCST leader, moving from the volunteer coordinator role into the committee chair has felt surprisingly natural. She already has a vision for 2025 to ensure continuity and is experimenting with building out new volunteer roles and subcommittees to respond to the growing list of past students excited to pay it forward as volunteers.
Name: Diane Lloyd
Pronouns: she/her
Year Joined Mazamas: 2014
Present-day outdoor activities: I love splitboarding – it’s my main activity. Like many, I have an 8-5, Monday through Friday job and it’s just too expensive and crowded to enjoy the resort every weekend. I’m also a hiker, backpacker, rock climber, and a bit of a mountain biker – but all of these sports take a backseat to snowboarding!
What’s your earliest outdoor memory: Growing up in Iowa, a landscape redundant with monocrops, I went to summer camp as a kid. This was the first time I experienced hiking and campfire cookouts surrounded by tall grass and verdant trees that seemed so much bigger back then. This experience inspired my interest in the environment and excitement for outdoor recreation, so I continued to seek out “wild landscapes,” which were a formative cornerstone of my professional and personal journeys.
How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? I remember exactly when I heard about Mazamas from a friend. Hearing about the Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP) made me think that it would be a good way to meet new people, get outdoor experiences, and gain new skills in a fun and organized way.
As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? I think the most important thing as outdoor recreation increases, is for people to get involved with the management of public lands. Exercising the “leave no trace” ethic is fundamental, and for public lands users there is a responsibility to understand the shared use (and competing interests) involved on public lands. As recreators, we’re also stewards, and it’s on us to balance sport and conservation efforts as active participants. Instead of getting siloed in your lifestyle sport, stay open to considering other uses or conservation efforts that are overlapping.
Here’s a few ways I’d recommend getting involved:
Depending on your recreation type, you can seek out info on social media and websites that describe the issues, advocacy efforts, and budgets for public lands. For example, state parks are often heavily used by mountain bikers, while national forests are used by backcountry skiers and snowboarders.
Provide comments during open public comment periods. A successful example of this recently was for Mount Hood’s backcountry permitting process. This type of engagement directly influences decision making.
Advocate for sufficient funding for public lands and natural resource management agencies.
Lastly, minimize your own impact on land, wildlife, and water quality by educating yourself and others in “leave no trace” principles. Being a good steward on a micro level means taking good care of your own sh*t, literally, at times.
What activities/situations/people most inspire you? Many of my ski partners are inspiring individuals with busy careers and other competing priorities, so time on the skin track together is really special. Splitboarding is a social activity and it allows for time to talk and share things that inspire each other.
What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? I’m following the podcast “Buddy Check” right now, which is about (romantic) relationships with climbing partners. It dives into traditional gender roles, heterosexual relationships, and climbing. Turns out, humans play out those traditional, heteronormative gender roles at the climbing gym, which speaks to dynamics I may have felt at times but never really deeply analyzed.
What’s on your adventure bucket list? .So many things! I love volcano skiing in the spring, so this year I’m scoping out lines with conditions that are harder to time just right – Bailey, Diamond, Thielson and El Dorado are on my radar, but I’m also interested in some other objectives off the beaten track, like getting lines in the Steens or Strawberries. Even though international snowboarding trips are always exciting, there is so much to do around the Pacific Northwest!
This Valentine’s Day, we point our compass to tales of love, connection and shared adventures. At the Mazamas, we believe the great outdoors not only supplies stunning landscapes and heart-thumping adventures but also serves as the backdrop for some of life’s beautiful love stories.
In celebration of this international day of love, we’re delighted to share stories of couples who’ve found love amidst the rugged allure of nature and strengthened their bond through the Mazamas.
Merche & Chelsea
They met online at the height of the pandemic in 2020 and married in a small ceremony at Crater Lake the following year. How did they get to know each other? They hiked. The first trail the pair walked together was Tom, Dick and Harry Mountain. At the top, they gazed at Mt. Hood, never dreaming they would soon stand at its summit together.
Chelsea, a high school Spanish teacher and initially the more outdoorsy of the pair, applied to the Mazama Basic Climbing Education Program in 2022. Hearing Chelsea and another friend talk nonstop about BCEP on a hike, Merche applied too. “I thought, ‘what am I going to do on all the weekends you’re with the Mazamas,’” Merche, who teaches fifth grade in Hillsboro, recalled. “I can’t miss out.”
They both were accepted to the BCEP LGBTQ+ team, which they credited with enhancing their overall experience. “Representation matters,” Chelsea said. “That was the first time either of us had been part of an affinity group, and it was very welcoming. There even were others who did not speak English as their first language (members of the all-Latino BCEP team) BCEP was such a great introduction to the organization.”
But the couple wanted more, so they climbed mountains together that summer – Mt. Hood, Unicorn Peak, Mt. Washington and South Sister, to boost their applications to the Mazama Intermediate Climbing School (ICS). There were a couple of climbs where they said they were feeling a bit unwell, and if they hadn’t been together, they might have bailed.
“But we helped and inspired each other, and it was so amazing to be on top of Mt. Hood together,” Chelsea said. “It’s so wonderful to have a hobby like climbing that we share.”
Chelsea and Merche are in the midst of ICS and have signed up to assist with the LGBTQ+ BCEP team again this year.
Kirk & Debbie
Debbie and Kirk met on the ICS committee in 2018, but it would take a few out-of-character, post-committee group pub gatherings, texts and a spare ticket to a soccer game before they truly clicked.
“Kirk is a major introvert,” said Debbie, who also noted she’s very shy. “I learned later he never went for beers after committee meetings.”
“Yeah, there was no way I was just going to ask her out,” Kirk said, recalling the group email he sent inquiring if anyone wanted to go to a Timbers game. He wasn’t looking for just anyone though, and lucky for him, Debbie was the only taker.
But even during the soccer match, Debbie didn’t think it was a real date. That didn’t happen until they had been texting a lot, they had a free weekend from ICS, and they went to the beach and went for a hike.
“The rest, as they say, is history,” they both joked. That summer, the pair began climbing a fair bit together, and they backpacked around Mt. Adams. Then Debbie had a bad fall.
“It was really bad,” Kirk said. “She fell like 30 feet.” She suffered a concussion, broke her heel. As a result, the couple spent a lot of time indoors, getting to know each other.
“I couldn’t do anything, and I really appreciated how supportive he was,” Debbie said. “I just wasn’t myself, and he was just wicked patient through all that.”
Fast forward to July 2019. Kirk proposed on the day off, between climbing South Early Winter Spire and Liberty Bell in the North Cascades. Their first wedding date, in 2020, was delayed due to COVID. In 2021, they opted for a small backyard ceremony at Kirk’s parents’ house in West Linn. Both had been married before and have kids ranging in age from 24 to 33.
Kirk and Debbie assisted with BCEP, with Debbie in Leadership Development and Kirk a longtime climb leader. Together, they have run the LGBTQ+ BCEP team the past few years as allies, and have been so happy to meet the demand for that affinity space.
Jeff & Freda
Jeff and Freda, who have run and continue to help with our Nordic and Backcountry Ski programs, met in November 1999. They both attended the Mazamas Annual Banquet at the Oregon Zoo. They met in the beverage line, and later, by coincidence, they wound up seated across from each other at dinner.
A few weeks later, Jefff got Freda’s number from a friend. They had dinner once, and shortly thereafter, Jeff took on a huge work project, and over the next year, he put in 60- to 100-hour weeks and had no time for a social life.
But he emerged that following spring, when the project was over. He helped out with a BCEP class, and in another coincidence, Freda was assisting the same class. Late on the Ruckel Ridge conditioning hike, while descending from Benson Plateau, Freda and Jeff happened to be together in the back. They chatted, and Jeff asked if she would be interested in picking up where they left off 16 months prior.
“Maybe” she said. “I have two questions…My dad was a school teacher, and in the summer he framed houses. Any man in my life needs to be handy. Do you know which end of a hammer to hold onto?”
Jeff replied: “Yeah. What’s your second question?”
Freda: “I intend to be married by the time I’m 50, and right now I’m 48. Are you still interested?”
Three-and-a-half years later they married at an outdoor wedding with a cloudburst rainstorm interruption between their vows. And they’re still going strong, living a life of adventure and volunteerism, with the Mazamas and beyond.
Kristie grew up staring at Mt. Saint Helens from her living room window and has been living around the Northwest long enough to remember its eruption in May 1980. Since then, she has skied and climbed several of the Northwest volcanoes and loves to suffer by running ultramarathons around mountains.
When Kristie is not outside, she can be found working as a Nurse Practitioner in a small clinic in Hood River, practicing the piano, or having fun in the bouldering gym. She recently became an empty nester after sending two kids off to college, and is enjoying having more time on her hands to pursue more wilderness medicine teaching and adventure, including, Intermediate Climbing School (ICS, which she is currently taking) and volunteering for the Mazama first aid committee and the Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP).
Name: Kristie Mitchell
Pronouns: She/her
Year Joined Mazamas: 2018
Present-day outdoor activities: I spend most of my spring/summers trail runni
ng, mountaineering or mountain biking. My winters I spend Nordic and backcountry skiing with some downhill skiing thrown in. I hope to incorporate some rock climbing post-Intermediate Climbing School (ICS) once the weather improves!
What’s your earliest outdoor memory? I remember my first day skiing like it was yesterday. I was 6 years old and enrolled in Powder Hounds ski school at Timberline. It was cold, and I fell a lot. I remember being very frustrated until after lunch and hot chocolate. Then parts of it became more fun. It obviously stuck!
How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? I first heard of the Mazamas through a friend. I was looking to climb Mountain Hood again (initially I climbed it with Timberline Mountain Guides) and wanted to connect with more people to climb with.
As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offerthem? Enjoy the outdoors, but be prepared to be humbled. There is a lot that can go wrong, and being prepared (and in good fitness) is the key to enjoyment.
What activities/situations/people most inspire you? I love long days on the trails or climbing routes, particularly when it involves mountains and views and multiple terrains. I especially love being in the present moment and in awe of nature. That to me is the most inspiring. I am inspired by people who are passionate about the outdoors and generous with sharing.
What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow andwhy? Pick one. It’s hard for me to pick just one. I guess I really like the Sharp End podcast because of the interviewing style, and I learn a lot.
What’s on your adventure bucket list? So many things. Definitely exploring Patagonia. There’s a race down there called the Patagonia Expedition Race where a team of four covers over 500 km by mountaineering, kayaking, trekking, trail running and mountain biking, all without electronic navigation on a course that is revealed 24 hours before the start time. That to me would be the ultimate adventure. If anyone wants to form a team with me let me know 🙂
Since joining the Mazamas 11 years ago, Matt has dedicated more than 6,000 volunteer hours to the organization. He’s chaired the climb committee, spearheaded the Mountain LEAD certification program, launched the AIARE Pilot Program and developed new programming like the Introduction to Alpine, Multipitch Skill Builder and Traditional Gear and Anchor Rigging courses.
Present-day outdoor activities: Mountaineering and alpine climbing, rock climbing, car camping, hiking, occasional skiing.
What’s your earliest outdoor memory? As a curious four-year-old exploring the woods behind my parents’ house, I used my National Audubon Society “Field Guide to the Southwestern States” to seek out creatures. I never did find any creatures from that book— I was located in upstate New York.
How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? In 2010, I learned about the Mazamas from a friend—now a longtime climbing partner. Our friendship strengthened over a shared love for adventure, but our lack of education often led us into challenging situations. Recognizing the need for skills, he completed BCEP and ICS. Then, one day, he told me I couldn’t join him on some mountaineering adventures because he couldn’t teach me all the important skills I needed. He urged me to enroll in ICS, and I applied immediately, officially becoming part of the Mazamas community.
As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? Besides encouraging individuals to pursue the proper mentorship, education, and training needed to safely recreate and be self-sufficient while adventuring outdoors…
I encourage everyone to discover their unique adventure. We all differ in how we engage with the outdoors, bringing our entire selves with us. Embrace the unique connection with adventure, honoring what inspires, thrills, and fulfills you. The world is vast and full of wonder. Find your adventure—whether a calm stroll or tackling remote peaks—on your terms. Don’t let others dictate how you should enjoy the outdoors. Forget social media, peer pressure, or unnecessary expectations. Engage in a way that suits you and feeds your soul.
What activities/situations/people most inspire you? The moment when someone accomplishes a significant feat and the realization dawns on them. Whether it’s summiting a challenging mountain, leading their first pitch, excelling in teaching, or conquering a personal challenge, you can sense the achievement. You know it when you see it; it’s remarkable to witness.
What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? Pick one. My most recent favorite book is The Unexpected Universe by Loren Eiseley. His meticulous choice of words imparts thoughtfulness, wonder, and gravity to every sentence in his essays. Eiseley’s writing is inspiring and shows a love and connection to the natural world like few others.
What’s on your adventure bucket list? Visit Antarctica and the southernmost tip of Cape Horn. Climb the Daubenhorn via ferrata in Leukerbad, Switzerland. Walk the Camino de Santiago. Spend a few months rock climbing all over Thailand. Climb the Matterhorn.
Joining the Mazamas has been transformative for Debbie, and she treasures the education she’s received, the friends she’s made and the myriad volunteer opportunities she’s embraced within the organization.
She’s a Mountain LEAD certified educator and a climb leader who has co-led the queer BCEP team the past two years as an ally with her husband, Kirk. For the past decade, she has worked as a licensed psychologist serving adolescents and young adults. Prior to that she worked in accounting and finance for 20 years. Read more about Debbie and other Mazama Board candidates.
What’s your earliest outdoor memory? Camping with my parents and making campfires with my dad. I’m still mesmerized by a good campfire!
How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? I heard about the Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP) through a friend. I had done some backpacking and had summited Mt. St. Helens in the summer (not a 10/10 experience…). I knew I didn’t have the technical skills to do more than that and was interested in learning more, so I applied. My BCEP experience opened up a whole new world for me, including an introduction to technical climbing skills as well as meeting an entire new community of amazing people. The other volunteers, sense of community, teaching opportunities, and being present when others reach their goals are what’s kept me engaged and active in the organization for the past several years.
As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offerthem? Learn how to do things safely from others who have trusted experience. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t let others try to tell you what you “should” do. Explore new things on your own terms, discover what sparks joy, and do more of that!
What activities/situations/people most inspire you? I am most inspired by strong female role models. I appreciate humans who don’t accept limitations put on them by others and instead forge their own path, whatever that looks like!
What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow andwhy? Pick one. It’s tough to pick just one! I’d say my favorite social media platform is Instagram. I have a wide range of interests, so I appreciate that I can quickly get information/updates on a variety of topic areas in one place, including climbing, soccer, nature photography, mental health, advocacy, music, humor, etc. I’ve been able to curate my feed such that it [mostly] sparks joy.
What’s on your adventure bucket list? So many things! As far as mountaineering goals, I have Mt. Rainier and Mt. Olympus currently on my bucket list. I also generally want to do more alpine rock climbs. I’ve spent the past several months recovering from injury, so I’m just excited to get back outside for more adventuring!
Lily grew up in Northeast Portland and enjoyed cross country skiing and playing sports as a kid. In her adult life, she has continued to engage in those activities as much as possible by coaching girls lacrosse.
She completed our Basic Climbing Education Program last year and has summited Mount Hood, Unicorn Peak and South Sister. She assisted with a BCEP team in 2023, intends to assist again in 2024 and also is serving on the BCEP committee, which is gearing up for its info night on Jan. 11.
Name: Lily Cox-Skall
Pronouns: she/ her
Year Joined Mazamas: 2022
Present-day outdoor activities: Mountaineering, backpacking, hiking, running, cross country skiing
What’s your earliest outdoor memory? Going cross country skiing with my parents as a kid – I used to hate it! Lol
How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with theorganization? A few of my friends had taken BCEP and posted about it on social media, prompting my interest!
As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offerthem? Partaking in outdoor skill training can give you so much more confidence in the outdoors. Before I took BCEP, I felt like I had to rely on others to be knowledgeable about navigating outdoor scenarios. Since learning technical skills, I feel comfortable organizing and leading day trips and backpacking trips that I may not have in the past, and it’s given me the opportunity to get more of my friends and family outdoors with me!
What activities/situations/people most inspire you? Since joining the Mazamas and BCEP in particular, I have been so fortunate to meet so many amazing and inspiring people. In particular, one of my BCEP team leads, Ann Marie, inspired me so much throughout the course and beyond. On top of a million other commitments, Ann Marie volunteers to help students learn new outdoor skills, and she is so patient that it made it a lot easier to get through the intimidation of doing new and scary things. When it comes to badass mountaineering women who inspire me, I definitely hold her on the top of my list :).
What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow andwhy? I recently finished the book Bravey by Alexi Pappas! It is a really inspiring memoir that inspires me when it comes to setting goals and accomplishing them.
What’s on your adventure bucket list? I want to go climb the Acatenango volcano in Guatemala!
