DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE + WELLBEING
+ PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
At Adventure Specialties Trust, all of our outdoor adventure programmes focus on hauora/wellbeing.
Our Development Programmes also focus on personal development and social development.
These programmes build resilience, confidence and interpersonal skills. Our Developmental programmes can be integrated into community programmes, social services, family camps, workplace wellbeing initiatives, school camps and Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC).
Growing People Through Experience
Our ‘Development’ programmes focus on the personal and social benefits that come from outdoor adventure. The goal here isn’t to master the techniques or kayaking or rock climbing or abseiling, but instead it is about what happens to people when they step out into nature, take on a challenge, work together and discover their strengths in the outdoors. The focus is on growth, challenge and connection, rather than on technical mastery.
Participants learn through challenge, teamwork and reflection. They are given an opportunity to build confidence, develop friendships, explore leadership and grow resilience.
These Development programmes might be included as part of a school camp, a community organisation initiative, Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC), an alternative education programme, or a workplace wellbeing programme. In these spaces, our staff take on the role of facilitator, guiding the activity, encouraging teamwork and creating opportunities for people to challenge themselves in a safe way.
We use Te Whare Tapa Whā as a guiding framework, so that our Development programmes support wellbeing and personal development. Read more about Te Whare Tapa Whā in the section below.
By intentionally creating experiences that stretch and support people, our Development programmes foster holistic growth that lasts well beyong the campfire.
Development programmes are ideal for:
- School camps and EOTC experiences
- Youth development programmes
- Alternative education initiatives
- Team-building for community groups
- Team-building for workplaces
- Family camps
- Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journeys
- William Pike Challenges
WELLBEING FRAMEWORK
A Focus on Wellbeing
At Adventure Specialties Trust, all of our programmes focus on hauora/wellbeing.
We define wellbeing as a holistic state where we can thrive physically, mentally, socially, spiritually and in relation to the land and the natural environment. It's about having the energy to engage full in life, with the mindset to navigate challenges and celebrate successes. We have strong connections with others, a clear sense of identity and purpose, and a deep relationship with nature.
Wellbeing is the foundation for living a meaningful and balanced life.
Wellbeing Framework
When we are designing our programmes, we use a wellbeing framework based on Te Whare Tapa Whā (the house with four walls).
Te Whare Tapa Whā is a Māori model of holistic health developed by Sir Mason Durie, a renowned psychiatrist, professor of Māori Studies and advocate of Māori hauora/wellbeing.
Each of the four walls of Te Whare Tapa Whā (described below) is an important part of hauora/wellbeing. At Adventure Specialties Trust, we weave these wellbeing 'walls' into our programmes in a variety of ways.
TE WHARE TAPA WHĀ
TAHA TINANA / Physical Wellbeing
Our Taha Tinana allows us to feel healthy, energetic, motivated, and physically capable of pursuing activities that bring joy, connection, and satisfaction to our days.
HOW THIS LOOKS IN THE OUTDOORS:
Outdoor activities challenge and strengthen our bodies, promoting fitness, resilience and confidence. Physical movement, especially outdoors in nature, supports overall health, wellbeing and energy levels.
TAHA WHĀNAU / Social Wellbeing
Taha Whānau is about feeling a sense of belonging, connection and confidence in our relationships with others. It includes a belief that people can be kind, trustworthy and safe, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with others.
HOW THIS LOOKS IN THE OUTDOORS:
Adventure builds teamwork, trust and belonging. Shared challenges strengthen relationships and provide a supportive space for growth, healing and connection.
TAHA HINENGARO / Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
Our Taha Hinengaro allows us to feel balanced, hopeful, and positive about the future, with the capacity to navigate life’s challenges and celebrate its joys while nurturing a sense of self-compassion and self-worth.
HOW THIS LOOKS IN THE OUTDOORS:
Time in nature reduces stress and enhances mental clarity, emotional resilience and self-awareness. Adventure activities encourage participants to challenge themselves which helps them develop courage and self-confidence.
TAHA WAIRUA / Spiritual Wellbeing
Taha Wairua is about feeling a strong sense of self, identity, and connection to our faith, beliefs, culture, values, and purpose. It provides a foundation of meaning and direction.
HOW THIS LOOKS IN THE OUTDOORS:
Being outdoors in nature fosters a sense of wonder, connection and purpose. Outdoor experiences deepen spiritual awareness, whether through faith, nature or personal reflection.
TE WHENUA / The Land
Te Whenua is the foundation of Te Whare Tapa Whā. Connection to Te Whenua is about a sense of belonging in te taiao, the natural world, and drawing on that connection to support our wellbeing. It includes experiencing awe and wonder in natural spaces, fostering a sense of responsibility to protect and care for the Earth.
Programme Outcomes
How do we know if we have had a positive impact on our participants?
At the end of our programmes, we ask participants to fill in an 'Outcomes Evaluation' form, so that we can measure the impact of our programme on their hauora/wellbeing. At the end of each year, we analyse the results to see where participants have experienced personal growth, and where we can improve our services to support them better.
Read our annual Impact reports to see the stats and read about the positive impact that our programmes have on the participants.
FIND OUT MORE
Interested in finding out more about our Developmental programmes?
Select one of the options below:
“Adventure Specialties Trust are a trusted provider for our school and Board of Trustees. We engage with them because we have developed a level of professional trust in their organisation and we hugely appreciate the level of support that they offer our staff and students. We would highly recommend them to any other organisation with similar needs.”
“One of the great ironies of life is this: The person who serves almost always benefits more than the person who is served.”
—GORDON B HINCKLEY