Connect, empower, inspire - those are the keywords on the Journeys logo and the charitable trust that runs the group is looking for more volunteer instructors to do just that by helping connect girls with Central Otago’s wild places.

Board member Megan Longman co-founded the group with Kim Froggatt and Penny Smale  in 2019, and it was registered as a charitable trust the following year. 

All three women are volunteer instructors and Megan is also project manager for the group.

She said Journeys was based on the women’s own experiences in the outdoors while growing up, and the desire to help another generation have similar adventures and gain the skills that came with those experiences.

“I grew up on a sheep station and have always been exploring outdoors and I wanted to pass that on to our girls. It gives them confidence, resilience, connection with others and wellbeing.”

She hopes to see more women and girls exploring the natural wonders around Alexandra.

“When we first started up, we would see groups of boys socialising in the hills, but we would never see girls.”

That has changed with the groups of Journeys girls becoming a common sight, whether on mountain bikes in summer or adventuring on foot in the winter. The group runs two seasons a year, with about 60 girls per season, divided into smaller groups and heading out on different days.

“Part of the challenge that comes in the winter season is to get out when it’s still dark and cold, and taking care of ourselves to keep doing that,” Megan said. 

“We prioritise making a really safe and supportive environment.”

There is no cost to the girls, and there are some spare bikes and other equipment for those who may not have their own.

Maddy Mannix leads a group of Years 9-11 girls during a walk on Matangi Station.

Dunstan High School student Maddy Mannix (13) is enjoying her second winter season, having learned about Journeys shortly after moving to Alexandra last year.

“A couple of people from Journeys had come to school and showed a video and a few of my friends said, ‘That’s cool. I want to be part of that.’ The friends I joined with weren’t in my Journeys group,” Maddy said, but the group she was with had all become really good friends by the end of the season. 

Maddie Hiscock (foreground, from left), Maddy Mannix and instructor Megan Longman study a map during a walk on Matangi Station.

She said Journeys had brought her confidence (especially as a new girl in town), new friendships and new skills.

“I wasn’t even able to read a map before I started Journeys,” Maddy said. “Tonight, I’m going with my mum to do a night orienteering course.

“It’s just a really fun and cool organisation that’s great to be part of. Even girls in my class who would never have thought of going out at night and walking, we convinced them to come along and they loved it.”

The ideal volunteer instructors needn’t be amazing mountain bikers or skilled navigators but had to enjoy spending time with young people and have a passion for the outdoors, Megan said, and would gain themselves through volunteering.

“It contributes to my wellbeing because it allows me to be active in the outdoors, giving back to the community and passing on skills - the most important thing is developing the relationships with the girls and seeing them grow.”

If that sounds like something you would like to be involved in, you can find more details on the Journeys website.

PHOTOS: Lisa Hill Photography