SCHOOLS
We know the next generation of climbers, hikers, kayakers, and outdoor adventurers will help shape the future of the backcountry. That’s why we encourage outdoor enthusiasts to get stuck in early.
Youth Leader membership
There’s no better time to develop backcountry skills and confidence than when you’re young. To support this, FMC offers a special membership for schools and youth organisations involved in outdoor education.
If you’re actively training or teaching young people through a school or youth organisation as a teacher or volunteer, you can register as an FMC Youth Leader.
When you register as a youth leader, your school becomes an Associated member. With an FMC Youth Leader Membership, you’ll receive all the benefits of standard FMC membership, including:
-
An FMC discount card with 55+ outdoor deals – including 20% off a DOC Annual Hut Pass
- The opportunity for your school to apply for FMC Scholarships and Youth Award Grants
- Free entry for your school into our annual FMC Photo Competition, with great prizes up for grabs
- A print subscription to Backcountry – our quarterly magazine packed with inspiring stories, practical tips, and trip ideas. You can also request copies for your Outdoor Ed students and a copy for your school library.
FMC also regularly features Youth Award Grant adventures in our Backcountry magazine, Wilderlife, our monthly newsletter, and on our Facebook and Instagram pages. This is a great way for young outdoor enthusiasts to share their stories and start making a name for themselves in the outdoor community.
And maybe the best part?
You’ll be helping protect the wild places you love. FMC is standing up for the backcountry — for you, your friends, and your whānau.
Header image: Leksa Platts-Mills
What other schools had to say
“We are proud to be members of FMC and recommend it to all schools. Why? It is building community and strengthening our knowledge and mahi with our rangatahi in the outdoors. FMC brings to our attention what is happening in the outdoor recreation space within Aotearoa…This feeds into the information we share with our students, the experiences we design for them and the places we take them. In addition, we are hugely grateful to FMC for the scholarships and grants they offer to support young people in the outdoors.”
– Wellington East Girls College
Previous school Youth Award Grant trips
Otamatea High School students learn the importance of leadership, emotional regulation, and partnership during their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Expedition.
Fielding High School students hit the West Coast’s Paparoa Range for a four-day, 55-kilometre hike on their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Expedition. A journey of clag, sunrises, and plenty of cards.
OTNZ Waikato/Whakatane High Schoolers set out on a challenging adventure through Tongariro for their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Expedition.
FAQs
