Free outdoor education programme for Central girls ‘Journeys’ is launching a new 16 to 24 year olds’ group after founders jumped in to support an Alexandra teenager’s idea. 

Dunstan High School’s (DHS) Isla Nelson has been a part of Journeys since the first pilot in 2019 when she was in Year 8. 

Over the past six years she’s progressed to be a leader and now she is an instructor for this winter season.

Last year, while swimming under Shakey Bridge, she had the idea to offer a water-based programme in summer with stand-up-paddleboarding (SUP) and open water swimming for older girls.

Isla said she loved how open minded the Journeys team are to allow new ideas and ensure they get executed.

Journeys co-founder Megan Longman helped Isla by applying to Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa fund, managed by Sport Otago. 

This funding prioritises reaching groups who are more at risk of missing out or being less active, including girls and young women, disabled people and those living in higher deprivation communities.

The application was successful and ‘Inspire; Adventures for young women’ is about to have its first trial on June 18.

The winter season of Inspire includes night time walks, learning outdoor survival skills and navigation, and opportunities to give rock climbing, kayaking and tramping a go.

Megan said they would love to have 20 participants and all the young women needed to do was register via an online form and come to the first session.

“No prior experience is needed, no gear and there is nothing to pay.

“It could be older high school girls, young professionals . . . or those new to the area keen to meet people.”

With the orange and blue backpack on, Isla is the tail end charlie on a walk at Matangi Station during a Journey’s winter adventure. PHOTO: Supplied

Megan said Journeys was stronger than ever with 80 girls registered for the winter (on foot) season, 14 volunteer instructors and nine teen leaders.

“Year seven and eight are full, but there is still some capacity for girls in year nine and ten.”

She said part of the appeal was that unlike other traditional team winter sports there is no consequence if you don’t end up attending a Journeys’ session.

“If you don't make it, you’re not letting anyone down . . . it’s quite an individual thing.”

Journey’s leader Isla enjoys the winter views and sunsets with a group of Journeys kōhine. PHOTO: Supplied 

Journeys was registered as a charitable trust in 2020 and founded by Megan, Kim Froggatt and Penny Smale, based on their own outdoor experiences while they were growing up.

In the summer months groups of girls adventure on their mountain bikes in Central’s wild places, and from summer 2024/25 thanks to Inspire they’ll have a water-based programme offering kōhine more opportunities to have fun and build their skills.  

Megan, Kim, Isla and others feature on a short film about Journeys as a part of Sport New Zealand’s #itsmymove campaign recorded and promoted across New Zealand in 2022.

Isla said her role at Journeys has helped her develop new skills, including leading a team, team building, youth wellbeing, communication and future planning.

“[It] has taught me that through leadership we can get people involved, share knowledge, demonstrate important values and most importantly, inspire others.”

Find more details on the Journeys website or email [email protected].