The Recre8 Adventure Therapy Program

Our Recre8 team of Psychologists and Therapeutic Outdoor Practitioners host safe, fun and challenging adventure journeys for up to ten young people. The group makes a spectacular ten-day trip through local National Parks, rainforests, across mountains, creeks and rivers on foot, bike and canoe. The journey offers not only a physical challenge but also one of personal discovery.

The Recre8 program is for young people aged 14-19 year old in the Northern Rivers area who are from disadvantaged backgrounds, with a wide range of complex needs, including problems with alcohol and other drugs. The program incorporates a detailed assessment, and follow-up processes.

What can young people expect to gain from Recre8?

Ultimately the achievement of the young people will be to travel from Uki to Lismore across the Nightcap Ranges “under their own steam”.  There is a deeper therapeutic value to the journey, however, and they will be guided and supported to reflect on their lives, come to know themselves more deeply, and develop goals and strategies for creating a fulfilling future.

The experience itself is a chance to re-write one's life story, and this process is facilitated within a Narrative Therapy framework. When challenges are overcome, inner strengths are discovered. There are many and varied opportunities for intensive individual and group counselling, as well as times for quiet introspective through guided processes. Life skills are developed through meal preparation, camping, fitness, team work, communication, planning, canoeing, abseiling, psycho-education, orienteering and journaling.

The expedition's unique combination of activities and counselling provides a non-threatening context which promotes self-esteem, independence, maturity, resilience, team spirit, friendship, grounding in country, and optimism. Preliminary outcomes from recent programs confirmed research findings and show significant improvements in participants’ levels of motivation, school performance, social confidence and a reduction in drug and alcohol use and risk behaviours.

Program Cost

At present we require $2,000 per participant to cover costs of the program.  This amount, whilst significant, is actually subsidised by the contribution of the time of the Team Leader and the therapists by sponsoring organisations and volunteering of time.  The cost includes all food, gear and program logistics.  We are currently running programs by sourcing funds for participants on a case by case basis, but are also actively seeking funding for the whole program.

Program Structure

Prior to the hike and outdoor element, all potential participants will be interviewed by the team to assess suitability and appropriate fitness levels, and provide more information to the young person.  Carers and supporting agencies will be consulted as appropriate.

An overnight two-day 'pre-camp', several weeks prior to the expedition, gives participants a chance to meet the team, and each other, and prepares them for the for the expedition.  It also gives the Recre8 team the opportunity to further assess individuals, and the groups’ make up.

The ten-day expedition departs from Mebbin Springs and finishes in Lismore.  During the expedition, food and gear is ‘topped up’ every three days, ensuring that packs are manageable and fresh food is available.  Canoes and bicycles are dropped off and collected by the support team.

After the expedition follow-up liaison with carers and community organisations occurs and further individual counselling sessions are offered, as required, for up to six months. Approximately four weeks after the expedition a single day event is held to re-engage the participants, as a group, and review and reinforce individual goals and treatment outcomes.

Who are we?

The Recre8 Program is delivered by a counselling team consisting of at least three members:

1. Team Leader – registered psychologist with outdoor recreation skills
2. Counsellor – therapist with outdoor training and experience
3. Adventure Facilitator – registered outdoor guide with youth work experience

We ensure a mixed-gender team to facilitate mixed-gender groups.  We frequently have volunteer staff who bring additional skills and experience to the team.

The Recre8 Program has been collaboratively developed by a coalition of organisations and individuals and now operates as a partnership between Evolve and INTRA Youth Service (the drug and alcohol outreach service of The Buttery www.intra.org.au).

When is the next intake & how do we apply?

The next Recre8 program commences on March 12, 2012. Applications can be made by phone or email to

Andy Hamilton (andyh@evolve.org.au or 0438 323 510) and close on February 20.

Download the Application Form here.