The Olympia Mountaineers is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Thurston County (BBBSTC) to introduce disadvantaged children and their adult mentors to the great outdoors by taking them on hikes, paddle trips, showshoe outings, and rock gym adventures, and providing outdoor education. State Parks and Recreation, the Mountaineers Foundation, Alpine Experience, and the Tacoma Mountaineers are helping to make this partnership possible through funding, donations, equipment loans and discounts.

Key to this program, though, is volunteers. If you would like to help by volunteering to lead hikes or other outings, to help with educational or other events, or to donate equipment for day outings, please contact HARK Committee Chair Patrick Chaffeur, Phone: (360) 481-4819.

BBBSTC Phone: (360) 943-0409, is also looking for people to volunteer as big brothers or big sisters, involving a minimum one-year commitment.