A Higher Calling

Volunteer Opportunities

Missing Hiker Searcher

This position suits anyone eager to be out in the field, actively searching for hikers that law enforcement and other official agencies have ceased looking for. Our purpose is to bring peace and closure to the families and loved ones of missing and murdered hikers throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Want to help? Fill out our volunteer form to get started.

Fill Out the Volunteer Form

Scholarship Funds

American Mountain Guide Association

The American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) is a professional organization representing mountain guides in many disciplines across the United States. Entering the guiding industry is expensive and difficult, but the AMGA provides scholarship opportunities for motivated individuals. Applications usually close around June for scholarships covering the following year.

Visit AMGA's Website

AIARE Education

AIARE is a nonprofit educational organization working to build an evidence-based avalanche education model for backcountry users, founded on the belief that avalanche education, research, and training can prevent injuries and fatalities. Scholarships are offered for:

  • AIARE Instructor Training courses
  • AIARE PRO courses
  • AIARE Recreational classes

Note: you must apply for the specific course for which you are requesting a scholarship.

Visit AIARE's Website

The Mountaineers

The Mountaineers is a Washington-based nonprofit organization dedicated to getting people outdoors. Scholarships are offered for all of their courses, programs, and memberships. Their courses are priced lower than professional organizations, but costs can add up quickly, and their scholarships can cover up to 70% of the price of your course or membership.

Note: scholarships cannot be applied retroactively to courses, activities, or memberships you have already registered for or paid.

Visit the Mountaineers' Website

Have More Questions?

Get in touch with us at [email protected] or through our contact page.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Missing Hiker Searcher volunteer opportunity?
It is a volunteer role for people who want to be out in the field searching for missing and murdered hikers in the Pacific Northwest, with the goal of bringing peace to families and loved ones. You can get started by filling out the volunteer form linked above.
Which organizations offer scholarship funds listed on this page?
This page features scholarship opportunities from the American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA), AIARE Education, and The Mountaineers. Each organization links to its own scholarship page for details and applications.
When do AMGA scholarship applications close?
As noted in the AMGA section above, applications typically close around June for scholarships for the following year. Check AMGA's website for the most current deadlines.
What AIARE courses have scholarships available?
AIARE offers scholarships for AIARE Instructor Training courses, AIARE PRO courses, and AIARE Recreational classes. You must apply for the respective course for which you seek a scholarship.
How much of a Mountaineers course can a scholarship cover?
The Mountaineers' scholarships can cover up to 70% of the price of your course or membership. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively to courses, activities, or memberships for which you have already registered or paid.
How can I ask a question that isn't answered here?
You can contact us by email at [email protected] or through our contact page.

Whether you are ready to join search efforts in the field or looking for financial help to advance your outdoor training, this page gathers the key starting points in one place. Use the volunteer form to get involved with missing hiker searches, and follow the scholarship links to apply directly with each organization.