Program Leaders & Volunteers
Are you interested in helping to make our programs happen? At Shifting Gears, our Program Leaders and Volunteers believe in our mission of creating a welcoming environment for all women to join in, learn, and enjoy.
Program Leaders
Shifting Gears Program Leaders will support fun, inclusive, and safe programs, whether mountain biking, road cycling, or hiking. As a Program Leader, your role involves navigating the route safely, ensuring the group stays together, addressing any needs or concerns, mitigating risks, creating a fun and positive environment, and supporting participants.
As a Program Leader, you’ll bring:
Experience leading outdoor recreation programs
Previous participation in Shifting Gears Programs
Industry certifications (vary by program)
Skill levels appropriate for the specific program
Passionate about outdoor recreation and fostering a welcoming environment for all women!
Mountain Bike Ride Leaders
Our Mountain Bike Program provides beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders with a safe space to explore mountain biking on Bellingham's lovely local trails.
Road Ride Leaders
Our Road Ride Program provides a safe and informative environment for new riders to feel comfortable riding bikes on the roads of Whatcom County.
Day Hike Trip Leaders
Our Day Hikes are designed to make individuals feel comfortable and empowered on hiking trails.
Backpacking Trip Leaders
Our Backpacking Trips are designed for and led by women seeking new experiences, craving a deeper connection to nature, and being interested in backpacking!
Program Volunteers
As a Program Volunteer your role involves supporting the Trip Leader, ensuring the group stays together, creating a fun and positive environment, and supporting participants. Our volunteers ensure our programs are no-drop and accommodate everyone’s pace.
As a Program Volunteer, you’ll bring:
Commitment to the Shifting Gears mission and values.
Ability to hike at the same skill level as your group
Passionate about outdoor recreation and fostering a welcoming environment for all women!
Knowledge of first aid is a plus!
Mountain Bike Ride Volunteers
Our Mountain Bike Program provides beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders with a safe space to explore mountain biking on Bellingham's lovely local trails.
Road Ride Volunteers
Our Road Ride Program provides a safe and informative environment for new riders to feel comfortable riding bikes on the roads of Whatcom County.
Day Hike Trip Volunteers
Our Day Hikes are designed to make individuals feel comfortable and empowered on hiking trails.
Backpacking Volunteers
Our Backpacking Trips are designed for and led by women seeking new experiences, craving a deeper connection to nature, and being interested in backpacking!
“[The trip leaders] made me feel safe asking those questions and didn't make me feel like ‘that's a ridiculous question how dont you know that…’ and made it feel really normalized to have those questions and they encouraged it.”
— Shifting Gears Participant