"I Feel Like I’ve Had My Whole Childhood in One Day" – Nurture with Nature: The Transformative Power of Outdoor Experiences for Young People
Description
At My Summit ABTS, we see firsthand how nature-based experiences can be life-changing for young people. Many of the young people we work with come from backgrounds of trauma, instability, or disconnection, and for some, their childhoods have been shaped by survival rather than play. Through adventure therapy, we provide opportunities for them to reconnect with themselves, others, and the natural world in ways that are both healing and empowering.
Session Outline
This presentation will explore how immersive outdoor experiences—camping, swimming in creeks, sunrise walks, jetty jumping, and simply sitting under the stars—offer more than just recreation. They create moments of freedom, joy, and belonging that many young people have never felt before. The statement, “I feel like I’ve had my whole childhood in one day,” was spoken by a young person on one of our day adventures and encapsulates the significant impact of these experiences.
We will share real stories, practical insights, and approaches that highlight how adventure therapy supports emotional regulation, social connection, resilience, and personal growth. By stepping outside of their daily struggles and into nature, young people experience something many take for granted—the right to just be a kid.
As a growing business in its second year, My Summit ABTS is continually evolving to meet the needs of the young people we support. This session will share not only the transformative impact of our work but also the journey of growing a small business in the adventure therapy space—balancing passion, purpose, and the practicalities of running a small but impactful organisation.
This session is for anyone who works with young people who wants to understand how outdoor experiences can be used therapeutically. It’s also for those interested in how small businesses can create meaningful change in the lives of young people while striving for growth and sustainability.
Rachel Robinson
she/her
Co-Founder of My Summit ABTS
Rachel is a Co- Founder of My Summit ABTS, and Adventure Therapy based business operation in South East Queensland. She is a Social Worker with over 28 years’ experience working directly with children and families. Rachel has held frontline and senior leadership roles in government and the not-for-profit sector. Rachel is passionate about seeing young peoples lives changed as they connect with nature and challenge themselves.
Rachel's skill set includes leadership, working within organisations to develop staff to be the best they can be, and working with young people across statutory and non-statutory services. Rachel values partnerships and loves connecting with different stakeholders and providers.
She has worked with young people to train and complete: Bridge to Brisbane, four Kokoda Challenges, two Brisbane to Gold Coast 100 km bike rides, many Adventure therapy camps, too many to count Mountain climbs, and close to a million forest walks with young people.