Since 2008, the Olympia Mountaineers and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington have partnered together to provide at-risk children the opportunity to be outside, active and engaged in healthy behaviors. The Olympia Mountaineers and Big Brothers Big Sisters staff carefully plans each outing and matches (an adult mentor and the youth he/she is matched with) attend together. The monthly outings have included snowshoeing at Mt. Rainier, bike trips, hiking and rock gym adventures. The Mountaineers Foundation, the Alpine Experience, the Tacoma Mountaineers and REI are helping to make this partnership possible through funding, donations, equipment loans and discounts.

Volunteers are essential to the success of this program. If you would like to assist by leading hikes or participating in outings, donating equipment for outings, or contributing to support the HARK program, please contact HARK Committee Chair Patrick Chaffeur.

To find more information about becoming a volunteer or to learn more about being a mentor visit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington website or call 360-943-0409