So, you want to be an outings leader  …
Snowshoeing opened a whole new world for Mike, who now leads snowshoe walks of his own. Photo by Brian Slee

 Have you thought about leading an NPA bushwalk or other outing but feel you’re not really qualified to do so?

 It’s a natural  feeling, says NPA outings coordinator Mike Bremers, himself a walks and outings leader for nearly 20 years.

 ‘The thought of leading activities can be a bit daunting,’ Mike admits. ‘The key is to start out with easy walks and gain confidence.’

 But what if something goes wrong?

 ‘It rarely does,’ Mike said.

 ‘With modern technology such as GPS, emergency beacons and mobile phones, the chances of getting lost are slim. And if something does go wrong, it’s easy to call for help.

 ‘And remember, you’re  not alone. You can use the skills of the party and discuss what is the best approach to tackle any unexpected situation.’

 Bushwalks  and other outings have always been at the heart  of NPA ACT’s activities. Many members  are first attracted to join NPA for the bushwalking program and outings such as car camps, snowshoeing, kayaking and, more recently, mountain biking.

 The success of the program, however , depends on having enough people to lead walks – and this is the biggest challenge Mike is facing.

 Some of NPA’s older and more experienced walkers are not as agile as they once were and can no longer lead walks as frequently as they used to. Others have ‘retired’ altogether.

 ‘We have about 20 leaders at present, but only a small number of these lead walks regularly,’  Mike said . ‘It only takes one or two of them to be away or injured to create large gaps in the program.

 ‘That’s why it’s  important to continually get new leaders. The more  we have, the more flexibility we have if we have to fill gaps when a leader for a scheduled walk is unexpectedly unavailable.

 ‘New leaders can also bring new ideas and suggestions for new walks and outings.’

 NPA can provide training for new leaders and Bushwalking NSW has an online course. An experienced leader can accompany a new leader if they wish, whether it’s for a walk around a local nature reserve or one of the easier walks in Namadgi and Tidbinbilla.

 Mike himself has been leading walks and outings for NPA for many ears, initially building his confidence by joining day walks and pack walks led by experienced NPA walks leaders.

 About the same time, he started snowshoeing by joining day trips led by Brian Slee.

 ‘This opened a whole new world for me as I had no prior experience in the snow, and more recently I started leading trips to the snow too.’

 Mike also leads long-distance kayaking trips. His interest in kayaking was sparked in the early 1990s by reading Chris Bellamy's articles in the Bulletin about kayak trips that he was leading on the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers. Mike soon found himself joining some of Chris's trips, and was ‘hooked’

Mike also leads long-distance kayaking trips. Photo by Jodie, The Western Herald

 ‘It was a life changing moment for me,’ he said. ‘Thirty years later I still enjoy it and am happy to introduce others to the joys of kayaking and camping on our rivers.’

 ‘There’s great satisfaction in planning and leading a walk or outing and my advice is, give it a go.’

 ‘You’ll be contributing to, and continuing, a long NPA tradition of increasing awareness and appreciation of our unique landscapes and flora and fauna through our bushwalking and outings program. You will also be adding to the wellbeing of the participants that these outings provide.,

 If you are interested in becoming a walks or outings leader, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.