The Objective
Mount Rainier is the most heavily glaciated peak in the contiguous United States. Each year thousands of people successfully climb to the summit of this 14,411 foot active volcano. We will be climbing the mountain via the Disappointment Cleaver route. This is the most commonly used route to climb the mountain. Reaching the summit requires a vertical elevation gain of more than 9,000 feet over a distance of eight or more miles.
Why climb Mount Rainier?
The theme of much of what our young people are exposed to today is to try to get by with a minimum effort and instant gratification. “It is alright to give up when things become hard.” “I want the reward now.” The important things in life are hard and the rewards are only achieved through constant effort toward your goals.
- Keeping yourself worthy to serve a mission
- Serving an honorable mission
- Getting an adequate education
- Becoming an honorable husband and father
I believe that the struggle necessary to prepare for a climb and work through the mental struggle to continue, when you are becoming tired and there is still a long way to go, are character building opportunities that will serve every young man well as he faces today’s “real” world. The process of setting distant goals and working to achieve them are fundamental to being successful in the work of The Lord and adult life.