Using the funding it has received from Sport NI, UFRC has given a high priority to training under its Reboot Your Club project. In Spring 2022 we ran three courses on Leading Walks, which 57 members attended from 24 clubs these courses were held at the Tollymore National Outdoor Centre near Newcastle. These were popular with club members from a wide range of clubs and the feedback was very positive.
A comment from one participant; I found the day covered the important aspects of leading groups in the hills/mountain. It was well paced and I enjoyed being out in the mountain doing navigational skills while we walked. The teaching was excellent, and good to have such an experienced trainer. Great facilities at Tollymore also.
Another comment; I found all elements of the training, both indoor and outdoor most beneficial and enjoyable. Group sessions and time out in the hills. Outdoor activity with leader.
During the Autumn we will be running six more courses at
the Tollymore Centre on three topics which were proposed by participants of the first round of courses:
- Introduction to walk leadership
- Navigation and compass work including night navigation
- Advanced leadership skills using map and compass
We expect that around 60 members from our affiliated clubs will be joining these courses and benefiting from the training. Our aim has been to help clubs increase the skills levels of their walk leaders – which in turn will help clubs to offer more challenging and rewarding walks.
If you have other suggestions for training that will benefit clubs please let us know.