FIELD NOTES RESOURCES
March 29, 2022
When we learn new ways to care for ourselves, develop relationships with like-minded individuals, and feel motivated each day, it is far easier to create lasting change. This is how we find healing—in the ongoing community striving towards the same goal of adventure: wilderness outpatient. It’s the joy we experience outside, together, that keeps us coming back. Life is meant to be joyful. It is challenging, but also fun.
Feb. 8, 2022
Time in the field, one-on-one, for multiple days and nights, allows us to deeply connect with the client, their goals, their challenges, and their dreams. In addition, adventure immersions allow us to unplug, re-set, slow down, and adopt a natural pace in harmony with the environment. Immersive experiences help us to reflect on what is and what is not working in our lives and what shifts we may need to make. It also allows the crew of guides to hold space for themselves, along with the client, to demonstrate and model the ongoing need for deepening our connections to the skills we teach. Ultimately, when we are on expedition, the powerful lessons of the natural world create a perfect, backdrop for inspiration and transformation.
Nov 16, 2019; Updated May 20, 2025
The nature prescription changes lives. Now, more than ever, natural spaces are the place to be. Research is revealing that time immersed outside can boost our immune system, alter mental states, and increase our overall health. What’s more, outside we are able to find perspective and connect with a sense of awe, creating space for more experiential-based feelings, quieting the thinking mind.
Oct. 29, 2021
Happy hormones contribute to many different aspects of one’s health and wellness including decreasing stress levels and increasing feelings of belonging and purpose. The word hormone is a slight misnomer here in some instances but for the sake of discussion, these neurotransmitters can directly influence mood and mental health outcomes. Here’s a look at how we make the most of these natural mood-boosters.
June 1, 2021
The world is full of teachers, and many of them are not human. Rivers, forests, mountains, trees — they are the ancient teachers with keys to locked parts inside of us all. And when we allow a teacher to lead the way, we learn how to navigate the internal and external wilderness with skillfulness and ease. We need the guidance of someone who walks the path to help us find which specific key fits our specific lock. And I’m deeply grateful, every day, that I became willing to accept true connection.
Jan. 22, 2021
It is through communication, shared experiences, and camaraderie that we really find ourselves. When we explore nature, learn new skills, and engage in adventures together, we are brought to the immediate, into the moment and we grow. Furthermore, the willingness found in being open to learning new skills and tools puts us in a positive position for mental health and resilience. The flexible mind is a healthy mind. When we are teachable, we cultivate this flexibility. And in the dynamic of peer support, all parties reap the benefit.
Nov. 1, 2020
Adventure Recovery is thrilled to bring a new offering to our amazing community of compassionate, thoughtful mental health and recovery advocates: Adventure Recovery Coaching. We know, now more than ever, is that we all need ongoing, consistent time in nature for our health and well-being. Activities outdoors are increasingly vital for our health and when we share these experiences with others, we increase our sense of connection and belonging—both vital components for our mental health.
April 28, 2020
Healing in nature can be a regular practice. It may be climbing, surfing, trail running, whitewater paddling, or a mindful walk in the woods. However we do it, for so many of us, nature is our church. But now, we’re limited in the ways in which we can experience the magic of the outdoors.
Jan. 16, 2020
Our work continues to provide, not only profound moments of connection, but deeply cathartic experiences that inspire our clients, our team, and our mission to go further. This past year allowed us to expand the AR offering, working with more individuals and groups on overnights and multi-day trips. Time in the field is something we savor deeply because it’s where we see the real magic happen. As we shake off the day-to-day stresses, take some deep breaths, and come to the present moment, we generate space for healing and growth. It’s an honor to witness the transformation.
Aug. 5, 2019
Through personal adventures and coaching, we learn not only about the wonder and beauty of nature, but we come home to ourselves. We grow comfortable and confident in our own skin. This approach to recovery coaching is a complement to more traditional paraprofessional support systems like sponsorship, recovery coaches, case managers, or other sober support. We work directly with clinicians and case managers, psychiatrists, and treatment providers to ensure the addiction support and continuing care is comprehensive and fulfilling. What we offer is a way of life.
July 22, 2019
Everyone faces times and situations in life when a problem (often something from the past) rears its head from out of nowhere and throws a thunderbolt of havoc into the seeming serene present day. This can happen in our personal or professional life, and both carry their unique set of terrifying consequences as we play scenarios out in our heads of what the future might bring. It can create a level of anxiety that shakes us to our core. What do we do? How do we handle this? Will we get through it? It is in times like these that I turn to the tools (both physical and emotional) of the fire ceremony, in gratitude. Get outside.
March 24, 2014
Very early in my recovery, someone challenged me with this statement: "Face your fears and live your dreams." For whatever reason, that statement became a driving force in my recovery and my life as a whole. Today is my 22nd anniversary in recovery. I could think of no better way to celebrate this milestone than by facing many of my fears and manifesting a 20 year old dream- Adventure Recovery!
