Outdoor Training and Leadership Matters More Now Than Ever Before
Eco-tourism, adventure and nature-based travel have grown in popularity for several years, and there is no sign of that changing anytime soon. Alongside realisations of the importance of nature to personal wellbeing and concerns about environmental pressure, there is growing demand for outdoor training and leadership that can meet the needs and interests of people looking for adventure and nature-based experiences.
Who Is Mendip Outdoor Instructor Training?
Mendip Outdoor Instructor Training was launched in 2021 by leading outdoor activity provider Mendip Adventure. Based on decades of experience, Mendip has run instructor training in various forms since 1995. They deliver training in line with National Governing Body frameworks and utilise outdoor adventure destinations all over England and Wales.
Located in the beautiful Mendip Hills in Somerset, Mendip Outdoor Instructor Training fills the gap in the market for accelerated - or fast-track - programs offering training for multiple outdoor National Governing Body qualifications. They deliver high-quality outdoor education with professionalism and passion, inspiring everyone, everywhere, to make time for adventure. Alongside individual skills development courses, their flagship training course is the Accelerated Outdoor Instructor Training (AOIT) course, offering training in 20 qualifications over 18 weeks.
Adventure is a Gateway
As the number of people pursuing outdoor activities grows, it's important to fulfil the demand for qualified instructors. They need to be able to welcome new adventurers and equip them with the right skills to maximise their enjoyment and safety.
This is why Mendip produces passionate professionals who can open the door to adventure and nature-based experiences by meeting people where they are, respecting their attitudes towards risk while gently encouraging participants to push their boundaries. They aim to make the outdoors an inclusive space, highlighting the importance of nature to health and wellbeing. Finally, they encourage environmental stewardship through exposure to some of the UK's top outdoor adventure destinations and unique activities.
Build Experience, Build Leadership
Experiential learning is tremendously important throughout the outdoor industry, including the 18-week fast-track training course at Mendip. Many aspects of outdoor leadership and instruction are best perfected by doing, so participants get plenty of hands-on practise while closely supervised by qualified trainers. The training involves shadowing opportunities with all types of groups and activities, which allows trainee instructors to see technical skills in action and how lead instructors deploy their soft skills to help clients progress. Tim, a recent participant, said, "The AOIT and the Mendip team give you insights into life as an instructor; you get to see it firsthand. That made a real difference."
Mendip encourages trainee instructors to practise as much as possible, and the Accelerated Outdoor Instructor Training course offers dedicated opportunities for climbing, caving, kayaking, skiing and more, plus chances to learn about onsite sustainability projects. Tim highlighted how he "felt connected to the outdoor sector and made friendships that have grown and [allowed] me the opportunity to have adventures and spend time with people who think like me." AOIT participants also go on several trips to national parks, plus a European ski trip, as they are great opportunities to exercise adaptability and apply skills in different environments.
The Real-World Impact of Training and Leadership
"It was a really fun, challenging, social four months where I met some of the best people. I would highly recommend the course to anyone...wanting to get into the outdoors." - Charlotte, AOIT participant
The impact of quality outdoor training and leadership is far-reaching. Mendip is proud to say that they have helped produce numerous excellent outdoor instructors who have gone on to work around the UK and abroad. Sasha, a recent AOIT participant, said, "it gives you so much knowledge and a real base for being an instructor...it's really worth it for the skills and qualifications that you need to get in the industry".
Past participants have started businesses and become valued members of the educational and environmental communities. Sasha highlighted how it was a fantastic opportunity to "make the most of getting to work with, and be trained by, all of these professionals who have been in the industry for a really long time." Closer to home, through Mendip's sustainability work and assisted by their onsite ecologist, instructors play a massive part in educating the public while providing transformative outdoor adventures.
Influencing Outdoor Training and Leadership
When we look at the industry's future, there are a few key areas influencing outdoor leadership and development training.
Diversity and Inclusion
From the government to the community level, efforts have increased to bring the outdoors to a wider range of people and make adventure approachable. It's generally accepted that natural spaces are significant to wellbeing, so an inclusive approach to training and leadership development helps more people feel confident accessing nature and outdoor activities. Sasha experienced this first-hand - growing up in Bristol meant her experience of the outdoors was mostly camping, but she found her path to adventure and said "it was cool that I could come into it and get all these skills and do the course."
Hybrid Skill Sets
Alongside the practical and safety skills needed for outdoor activities, hard and soft skills that support education and sustainability efforts are increasingly important. With more people accessing natural spaces, outdoor leaders are in a key position to educate people and help them realise their place within it. As experiential learning is further incorporated into formal educational settings, outdoor instructors are on the front lines, connecting future environmental leaders to nature.
Youth Empowerment and Mentorship
Modern technology has reshaped how everyone interacts with the world, and young people have been the ones most impacted. This has led to disconnection in several ways, but perhaps most significantly is how young people think about themselves and the future. Many report low confidence and boredom, and with fewer outdoor spaces for them to spend time in, they have lost a connection with the outdoors and its benefits. Outdoor leaders are perfectly placed to help young people develop confidence in their abilities, cultivating self-awareness, resilience and the ability to take risks. Craig's inspiration for joining the AOIT was his daughter's thoughts on her future career: "I was trying to encourage her to follow her dreams. [Pursue] her passion, make her have a drive in her life. And as an inspiration to that, I decided I need to follow my dreams and be an example to her."
Step Into the Future of Outdoor Training and Leadership
As outdoor adventure becomes more popular, strong leadership is important for the industry and the natural environment. Good leaders contribute to industry sustainability because they are safe and professional, can connect with clients, and understand the intersection of outdoor adventure, eco-tourism and education. Mendip Outdoor Instructor Training is proud to support the development of future leaders through high-quality training in a great location with diverse landscapes right on the doorstep.
Mendip Outdoor Instructor Training Courses
Take personal skills development courses for disciplines like Rock Climbing and Paddle Sports, or individual Instructor Training Awards underpinned by National Governing Bodies. Alternatively, maximise time with the 18-week Accelerated Outdoor Instructor Training course (AOIT), which covers 20 outdoor activity qualifications - plus all catering and accommodation is included.
