MĀNUKA TRAIL

MĀNUKA TRAIL: An outdoor therapy programme for children who are inside ACC’s Sensitive Claims Service (SCS). This programme is a collaboration between Adventure Specialties Trust and Visser and Associates in Ōtautahi Christchurch, to offer a trauma-responsive outdoor therapy programme for children.

Download the brochure below or keep reading to find out more!

Brochure for parents and ACC Lead Providers (PDF)

Brochure for kids (PDF)

WHAT IS MĀNUKA TRAIL?

Mānuka Trail is a group of eight children (all of a similar age).

The group is led by two facilitators – a qualified mental health professional (ACC-approved) and a highly experienced outdoor instructor. [More details on the facilitators below]

The group meets every Wednesday for 8 weeks, and each meeting is a 2.5 hour morning session that takes place in the same outdoor location each week. Having the same location each time helps create a sense of safety, connection and familiarisation with the land.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE SESSION?

CONSISTENCY

A gentle rhythm and routine will be established, providing consistency and smooth transitions between activities, and consistency between time at home/school/with caregivers and time on the programme.

A WARM WELCOME

Each session begins with a warm welcome and activity options as children arrive and get comfortable in the space. We then open with karakia and a group check-in to connect with each other and see how everyone is feeling. A shared morning kai follows, leading into a story that introduces wellbeing and therapeutic concepts in a way children can relate to. Facilitators use this story throughout the session to support individual and group interactions.

CHILD-LED PLAY

Children then engage in child-led play and exploration, with optional activities provided to help them transition into play. These may include:

Physical activities (like hut building and fire lighting),

Sensory experiences (like making mud pies or insect hunting or swinging in a hammock), or

Creative tasks (like weaving or charcoal drawing).

PROGRESSION

As the weeks progress, children will become more familiar with the space and each other, and facilitators can encourage them to take the lead in choosing how they play. Facilitators can support children by helping them make choices, develop skills, express their feelings, and build trusting relationships.

REFLECTION

Towards the end of each session, we gather for a group game and activity, followed by journal time, where children reflect on their experiences by drawing or writing. The session ends with karakia before caregivers arrive to take them home.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

After each session, facilitators write a letter to each child, summarising the day’s activities and offering encouragement. These letters can be kept in their journals and then shared with protective adults or therapists, to strengthen connections. If concerns arise about a child, facilitators will check in with them and follow up with their safe adult or Lead Provider during the week.

SUPPORT FROM TRUSTED ADULTS

In the first and last sessions, a trusted adult is invited to join each child for part of the session, to support their transition and help the child share their transition and help the child share their experiences.

KAUPAPA/PURPOSE

CHILDREN WILL EXPERIENCE HEALING THROUGH PLAY

With the help of Nature, we aim to inspire curiosity, awe and wonder, to help children feel connected to something bigger than themselves. We aim to provide opportunities to experience joy and fun, through creative endeavours, imaginative play, and movement.

CHILDREN WILL CONNECT WITH OTHERS AND EXPERIENCE A SENSE OF BELONGING

They may support a friend with a tricky weaving project, or help shift a heavy rock, or build a bridge over a creek. They will laugh, play, sing and eat to gether. They might quietly explore together, getting to know each other without the pressure to talk. Each child will discover their own strengths.

CHILDREN WILL BUILD SELF-WORTH, DEVELOP A POSITIVE SENSE OF INDENTITY AND FEEL EMPOWERED

They will have our support to make choices, set boundaries, and mastering new skills such as fire lighting, crafting, or recognising healing plants.

CHILDREN WILL LEARN WAYS TO COPE WITH PTSD

We support children as they learn and practice ways to reduce the symptoms and challenges that come with PTSD. For example, strengthening emotional intelligence (including non-verbal ways, such as nature art, movement-based play). They will learn
and practice strategies such as sensory soothing and regulation, e.g. slow rhythmic activities like rocking in a hammock or wading through water.

WHY IS IT CALLED MĀNUKA TRAIL?

The name Mānuka Trail embodies the essence of the outdoor therapy group by symbolising healing, resilience and connection to the natural world.

The Mānuka tree is a native plant of Aotearoa and is renowned for its medicinal properties, reflecting the programme’s therapeutic aim of supporting children’s recovery from trauma.

The concept of a trail represents a journey – one of exploration, discovery and healing – where children move at their own pace, supported by attuned adults and the restorative power of nature.

Rooted in te ao Māori perspectives of wellbeing and connection to te whenua (the land), our Mānuka Trail programme reflects a holistic, strengths-based approach that integrates play, movement and social connection as key elements in trauma recovery.