“VTO Training weekend - May 8th 2010”
On 8th & 9th May I attended a Mountaineering Ireland VTO (voluntary training officer) course in Wicklow. The course was sponsored and supported by Foyle Hillwalking and Rambling club.
Mountaineering Ireland has over 130 clubs, containing over 9,500 members. A priority requirement that has emerged from discussions with many clubs is that all their members are trained in the necessary hill skills to safely enjoy their days in the mountains.
In response MI are working towards having Volunteer Training Offices (VTO's) in all affiliated clubs.
This will enable the club to offer members training, safety advice and access to information on how to progress their skills either informally within the club or more formally via the Mountaineering Ireland training structure via Bord Oiliuint Sleibhe (BOS) and the Mountain Leader Training Northern Ireland
Foyle Hillwalking and Rambling club have developed a skills base within the club ranging from ML (Mountain Leader certification), MS1 & MS2 (Mountain Skills 1 & 2), Navigation and First Aid together with many years of practical hill walking experience held by members who will happily share their knowledge either informally or within a more structured environment if requested by club members.
