WHO IS THIS FOR?

This programme is open to any young woman (aged 15-18 years old) who is wanting to get outdoors and feel a bit better about life!

Maybe you are struggling with anxiety or depression, or feeling overwhelmed or uncertain. Maybe a bit stressed about school or other things, or just generally wanting to improve your wellbeing.

Our Adventure Therapy programmes focus on building health, wellbeing, confidence and connection.

DATES

Friday 7th – Wednesday 12th July 2023

(During the Term 2 school holidays)

Six days, five nights of adventure!

TIMETABLE

 Day 1: Travel to Marlborough Sounds, get to know the rest of the group

Day 2: Bush walk up Mt Stokes

Day 3: Sea kayak and overnight trip

Day 4: Sea kayak and return to camp

Day 5: Mountain biking

Day 6: Reflection and travel back to Christchurch

IMPORTANT!

If any of those activities sound intimidating, please don’t worry.

It is really important to us that you choose your level of challenge. For some, this will mean not going very high on a climb, or very hard on the surf kayaking and would rather enjoy the nature. That is ok, and we will make practicable efforts to allow as much choice in this as possible. We always try to make choices available and make it really clear where choices are not practically possible.

Read more about this under “Our Approach” below.

LOCATION:

We will be departing from Christchurch and heading to Queen Charlotte Sound for the week!

ACCOMMODATION:

TBC

COST

The programme costs $2,100 per person.

 This cost covers the following items:

• 6 days and 5 nights of adventure!
• Our caring, highly experienced staff
• Transport from Christchurch (or you can meet us there)
• Food
• Accommodation
• Any outdoor adventure equipment that is required (technical clothing, tents (if applicable), cooking equipment, mountain bikes, kayaks and life jackets, etc.)

NEED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?

Financial assistance may be available. Please contact Amy to apply.

office@adventurespecialties.co.nz (attention: Amy)

You will be in safe hands with our wonderful crew of caring, highly experienced staff.

The programme will be staffed by:

• A highly qualified, experienced outdoor instructor
• A mental health professional

We offer a maximum staffing ratio of 1:4

WE FOCUS ON YOUR STRENGTHS

Our conversations and facilitated discussion in our Adventure Therapy programmes are guided by the ‘Solution Focussed’ and ‘Strengths Based’ model of therapy. Contrary to what the name suggests, this is not about the facilitators offering ‘solutions’. It is more about a model of thinking that is more forward focussed – on where you want to go and the skills and strengths you have to get you there.

We don’t go delving into people’s deep personal past or analysing problems. We focus on movement towards your goals, whatever those might be.

It is important for us to acknowledge that any person knows their self, their situations and their challenges the better than anyone else. We honour that and so we facilitate (or guide) conversations and opportunities, rather than telling people what to do. We do not presume to be experts or have the answers to any problems. We are not there to assess, diagnose or prescribe solutions. We are simply there to facilitate an experience where you can connect with nature, with yourself and others, reflect on your life and experiences with the goals of moving towards your own goals.

CHALLENGE BY CHOICE

Challenge is definitely a part of our programme, and each activity or environment will challenge everyone in a different way. Challenge can be good for us! Though the same challenge is not for everyone, at all times.

It is really important to us that you choose your level of challenge. For some, this will mean not going very high on a climb, or very hard on the surf kayaking and would rather enjoy the nature. That is ok, and we will make practicable efforts to allow as much choice in this as possible. We always try to make choices available and make it really clear where choices are not practically possible.

CONNECTION TO NATURE

This programme is an opportunity to take more time in the day to connect with nature rather than just move through it. Every day, we will go to a different environment and do an activity there. Most of the time this will be an adventurous activity (sea kayaking, bush walking, mountain biking, etc.). However we may also do some activities specifically to connect with nature – maybe a mindfulness walk, or doing some art pieces/ sculptures with nature, or any other ways of connecting in a relationship with nature.

SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT

First and foremost, it is a priority that that this group is a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

Obviously in outdoor activities the physical safety is important! We have qualified instructors and a rigorous safety management system that is audited and registered with Worksafe NZ. It is crucial that everyone in the group follows our safety rules.

‘Safe’ also means emotional safety – this means we take time to build a culture where sharing is ok and encouraged by others. Where respect is really important and intentionally built upon on the group. It is also safety to be yourself no matter which culture, gender, sexuality, profession, age or personality you have. We aim to build a group environment where everyone is safe and supported on their journey of wellbeing.

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions about any part of our approach, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Amy, the programme co-ordinator (office@adventurespecialties.co.nz, attention: Amy)

Develop better strategies to navigate through difficult times and better resilience (the ability to bounce back after a setback).

Develop more confidence in asking for help and support.

Develop a greater sense of manaakitanga (a Maori concept that means kindness, empathy, generosity and a desire to uplift others).

Improve your social skills and your relationships, so you can feel a greater sense of belonging and connection.

Develop a greater hope for your future. Things will improve and you have a central role in making this happen.

Discover the energy and motivation to work towards your personal goals and find a way around obstacles.

Develop a better understanding of your own cultural identity as well as an appreciation of the diversity and bicultural foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Reflect on your own spiritual identity (wairuatanga) and how this adds to your health and wellbeing.

Develop a stronger connection to your own place (turangawaewae), to the land, to nature, to the environment.