One of the most rewarding parts of this job is reading the feedback from participants, after they have finished one of our programmes.

These quotes are from several different programmes over the last few months (Feb-May 2023). They are Level 2 Outcomes, which means the programmes are longer than a day (either a series of day programmes or a longer 10-day or 21-day programme). The activities ranged from surfing to rock climbing, hiking, camping, and more.

Find out more about our Adventure With Purpose programmes on our website: https://www.adventurespecialties.co.nz/adventure-with-purpose/ or pop in to our Auckland or Christchurch offices to have a chat and a cuppa!

The post “I learnt the everyone, I mean everyone, deserves respect” and more quotes appeared first on Adventure Specialties Trust.

Boost your mental health!

Win a spot on our ‘Inspire’ Adventure Therapy wellbeing programme in Auckland (valued at $1975).*

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Comment on this post or tag a friend
2. Like/follow Adventure Specialties Trust (@adventurespecialtiestrust) on Facebook or Insta
3. Like/follow Julia Grace (@juliagracenz ) on Facebook or Instagram
By 1st May and go in the draw to win!

WHAT IS ADVENTURE THERAPY?

Adventure Therapy combines easy and fun outdoor adventure activities (like kayaking, rock climbing, biking and coasteering) with group therapy tools like facilitated group discussions, space for personal reflection, and simply spending time in nature with its proven therapeutic benefits.

‘INSPIRE’ ADVENTURE THERAPY PROGRAMME

The ‘Inspire’ programme is run by Adventure Specialties Trust for Auckland-based adults who might be struggling with mental health challenges, like anxiety, stress, depression or burnout. It is facilitated by a qualified mental health professional and an experienced outdoor instructor with the goal of building your health, wellbeing, confidence and connection.

The programme starts on 10th May 2023 and runs every Wednesday (9am – 3:30pm) for 8 weeks. Read more about the programme: www.adventurespecialties.co.nz > Programmes > Inspire

JULIA GRACE

Julia Grace is a New Zealand professional speaker and award-winning singer and songwriter.

In 2022, she won “Breakthrough Speaker of the Year” and “Educator of the Year” at the Professional Speakers Association NZ awards. She shares her journey with depression and anxiety to encourage people to care for their mental health, with the motto “Be Kind to Your Mind”.

Julia Grace says, “I love the incredible work of Adventure Specialties Trust. Getting outdoors + therapy = positive mental health!”

*Terms and Conditions apply. Winner must have an average level of fitness and be physically capable of taking part in the programme. Winner must be able to attend the programme in Auckland on the dates specified (see above). Winner must also meet with our mental health professional (can be online) to make sure the programme is suitable for them. Prize can only be redeemed if programme goes ahead (i.e. sufficient numbers). Prize cannot be exchanged for cash. Please contact Adventure Specialties Trust for more information (office@adventurespecialties.co.nz).

The post Win a spot on our Inspire programme appeared first on Adventure Specialties Trust.

Thank you to Patricia from Mahitahi Trust who left some lovely feedback about one of our Adventure Therapy programmes with Mahitahi, working with adults going through drug and alcohol rehab last year.

“The outcomes seen within our rōpū [group] are:

• Stronger connections to peers and facilitators,
• Increased confidence,
• Increased self-worth,
• Increased motivation to achieve dreams and aspirations,
• Mana-enhancing.”

Find out more about Mahitahi and the amazing work they do within the Tamaki-makaurau Auckland community on their website: www.mahitahi.co.nz

The post Feedback from Mahitahi appeared first on Adventure Specialties Trust.

Have you ever been #coasteering? It’s a fun way to make your way from one point to another, along a coastline, by a mix of walking, climbing, scrambling, jumping, swimming and laughing!

This group of ladies was part of an INSPIRE programme, which is a small group of adults (18+) meeting up one day a week (normally Wednesdays 9am-3pm ish) for 6-8 weeks and heading out together on a local adventure. The group tried coasteering, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, high ropes, and tree planting.

Find out more about our Auckland INSPIRE and Christchurch INSPIRE programmes!

The post Have you ever been coasteering? appeared first on Adventure Specialties Trust.

“I am feeling so much better than I was before I started this course. A lot less anxious.”

PARTICIPANTS’ FEEDBACK

At the end of all our outdoor adventure programmes, we ask participants to give feedback about the programme answering questions like “Has this programme helped you work better with other?” and “Has this programme inspired you to do some more outdoor activities on your own?” and “Has this programme help you develop (or better understand) your internal strengths?”

Here are some of the answers from last year’s participants …

“Being in nature and not having any devices made me really think about how I have been treating others and how I can treat them better. I have learnt the line between being sarcastic and slightly bullying. I have realised that it is a really positive thing to uplift others as I love being uplifted by others myself.”

“I learnt that all people are different and that other people are running their own races.”

“Kayaking was gangsta as, hiking is mad cool, and I would like to do a lot more of both.”

“I wasn’t really familiar with outdoor activities and all the benefits that come with it but now I really enjoy being out at reserves and doing bush walks. Enjoying the fresh air and listening to the wilderness really helps me to think clearer and clears my mind from negative thoughts.”

“I see people having difficulties in lives in this difficult time. I picked up my hope after this programme. I made friends, I helped others and they helped me. I was encouraged all the way. This is an awesome programme.”

“I’ve learnt so many new things, like communication with new people, teamwork, and being nice.”

COME JOIN US ON AN ADVENTURE!

If you would like to find out more about our programmes, feel free to browse our website or contact us directly (office@adventurespecialties.co.nz or phone numbers at the bottom of the page).

We have two types of programmes: Adventure With Purpose and Adventure Therapy. Both are all about outdoor adventure, but with a deeper purpose, exploring the important parts of life and working on personal growth. Read more about these programme types by clicking on the links above.

Check out our recent adventures on Facebook (Adventure Specialties Trust), Instagram (@adventurespecialtiestrust), Linkedin (Adventure Specialties Trust), or our YouTube channel (Adventure Specialties Trust).

And, just for fun, here is a video from a recent outdoor adventure programme:

The post Feedback from participants appeared first on Adventure Specialties Trust.

“This is an awesome programme, just right to get out of my comfort zone. It is very diverse, challenging people in different ways.”

Our Christchurch branch has been running an Adventure Therapy “Inspire” programme for adults, one day a week over 8 weeks, each school term during the year.

The programme has been a phenomenal success so far, with participants commenting on how much they enjoyed the activities and valued the connections they made within the group.

If you are interested in coming along on an upcoming Inspire course, get in touch!

The post INSPIRE: an Adventure Therapy programme for Adults appeared first on Adventure Specialties Trust.

What is an “Inspire” adventure therapy programme?

“Inspire” is a series of day trips using outdoor adventure activities to build health, wellbeing, confidence and connection.

You meet up every Wednesday for a day of adventure, every week for six weeks.

One week might be mountain biking, then next kayaking or rock climbing or hiking or surfing! Never done those activities before? No worries! All skill levels welcome, as long as you have a moderate level of fitness and a willingness to give it a go!

This upcoming programme (Term 1) starts 16th February 2022, every Wednesday until 6th April.

(Check out the PDF below for more details)

Want to apply?

Just get in touch with our lovely programme manager, Anneke, on 027-397-3057 or anneke@adventurespecialties.co.nz. She will have a quick chat with you, about what you’re looking for, plus fees for the programme, then you go from there!

What is Adventure Therapy?

Check out our post here about adventure therapy, but it is basically like seeing a therapist … just waaaaaay more fun!!!

More info:

The post Apply now for our Christchurch adult “Inspire” adventure therapy programme appeared first on Adventure Specialties Trust.

“We have a full course, this time around, and ongoing interest in next year’s ones. We are seeing a lot of courage with people trying new activities, or getting to greater heights, or sharing their stories and experiences and wisdom with the group. We are seeing new connections and friendships being made. And people keep coming back each week!”⠀

– Anneke, our Adventure Therapy clinician, on the adult “Inspire” programme that she is running in Christchurch.

The Inspire programme is 6 weeks long, one day each week, with activities like sea kayaking, rock climbing, high ropes, hiking and more!

The post Rock climbing with the adult ‘Inspire’ programme appeared first on Adventure Specialties Trust.

What is coasteering?

When I first started working at Adventure Specialties, I had no idea what it was!

I wasn’t even sure what the instructors were saying at first.

Co-steering? Whaaaaa?!?

Anyway, after asking around, looking at photos from our programmes, and watching this staff video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InsOe3LoDwo&t=37s), and (of course) asking Wikipedia, I slowly figured it out …

Firstly, it’s combination of the words “coast” (surprise!) and “mountaineering” (the activity of climbing a snow-covered mountain).

Coasteering is an outdoor adventure activity where you make your way around a section of coast, on foot and by water.

So it can involve walking, climbing, scrambling, swimming (normally with wetsuits and life jackets), jumping off rocks or waterfalls, climbing up rocks, diving, the occasional back flip … anything to get you from one spot on a coast to another, with maximum fun!

The appeal of it comes from travelling through the “impact zone.” The area where the tidal ocean meets the land, a high energy zone.

Both our Auckland and Christchurch branches include coasteering in our outdoor adventure programmes. I haven’t had the chance to try #coasteering for myself yet, but I’m definitely keen to tag along at the next available opportunity!

Have you tried coasteering? Or anything similar? What is it like?

– Bex

The post What is coasteering? appeared first on Adventure Specialties Trust.

“I see people having difficulties in life, in this difficult time. My hope picked up, during in this programme. I made friends, I helped others and was helped in return. I felt encouraged on the way.”

“This programme increased my patience and my understanding because I see people having weakness and strengths in different areas.”

“I’ve always known I had strengths, but this has helped me to tap into them when they were locked away.”

“I loved the experience of the outdoor activities, I learned knowledge of the environment, and I loved the spiritual/wellbeing conversation too.”

“I feel a lot calmer around water, and I feel more confident.”

“[I loved] being outdoors with nature.”

“[I learned] to talk more and ask for help. This will be useful in all aspects of life.”

“[I learned] you don’t know it all. You learn something new every day.”

“I’ve learned I can work with others and I don’t need to be alone.”

“[I enjoyed] helping others achieve things they otherwise wouldn’t.”

“[I enjoyed] the mindfulness, being in the moment.”

“I’ve learnt I have internal strengths that I didn’t know I had.”

“I discovered my ability to persevere even when I’m not entirely confident.”

“The programme gave me more confidence that I am capable and determined.”

“I enjoyed] being outdoors in all weather. I want to encourage my family to spend more time outdoors in nature.”

“When I see people having a hard time, it increases my empathy towards them.”

“This programme has encouraged me to encourage others.”

“I learned to respect the choices of others to do new or unusual things.”

“I didn’t think I would be able to finish anything. Start as a team, end as a team.”

“I learned to keep going when things get tough.”

“We enjoyed everything! It’s encouraged me to be more active.”

“All the different activities were new or uncommon to me and I want to try more of them.”

“I learned the importance of being active and being responsible for your own wellbeing. Making better choices for yourself.”

Anneke, our Adventure Therapy clinician, explains what this programme is all about …

“Our INSPIRE Adventure Therapy Programme for adults, run from our Christchurch branch, involves two of our staff working with a group of 6-8 adults (eighteen and older).

“We meet together to go on a different adventurous activity each Wednesday over a series of eight weeks. This includes sea kayaking, rock climbing, walking, mountain biking and high ropes all around the greater Christchurch area.

“This programme supports people in a journey of wellbeing; we do this by connecting with nature, with each other, and by taking part in these adventurous activities together.

“Along the way, in this safe and supportive environment, we discuss, wonder about, reflect on, and share with each other about what it means to be well, and the many dimensions of this.

“We have been looking at Rose Pere’s Te Wheke model of wellbeing. It is based on the eight tentacles of the octopus and each tentacle of the octopus represents aspects of a person’s life that need to be supported in order to sustain balance and wholeness.  The tentacles are:

• te whānau (the family),
• waiora (total wellbeing for the individual and family),
• wairuatanga (spirituality),
• hinengaro (the mind),
• taha tinana (physical wellbeing),
• whanaungatanga (extended family),
• mauri (life force in people and objects),
• mana ake (unique identity of individuals and family),
• hā a koro ma, a kui ma (breath of life from forbearers),
• whatumanawa (the open and healthy expression of emotion).

[More info: https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/populations/maori-health/maori-health-models/maori-health-models-te-wheke]

“Our staff work together to provide the two sides of the programme: the outdoor adventure technical skills and the therapeutic skills to support participants.

“Participants have told us that as a result of coming on this programme, they feel more hopeful and positive. That they feel calmer and that this helps them with all their relationships. That they can better articulate their strengths and gifts. That they have more confidence and self-worth. That they feel better equipped with strategies to get through challenging times. That they have new ideas to maintain their emotional, social, cultural and physical wellbeing. That they feel more connected and are leaving with new friendships.”

The Christchurch team are running this INSPIRE programme on a regular basis, so please contact Anneke (anneke@adventurespecialties.co.nz) if you would like more info about the programme or if you would like to register for an upcoming programme!

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