Speech Pathology Tasmania

& Adventure Works

Bush Adventure Therapy Program 2024

After several successful programs across 2021 – 2023, Speech Pathology Tasmania and Adventure Works Australia are teaming up again to offer the Bush Adventure Therapy Program in 2024.

The Bush Adventure Therapy Program (BATP) involves a short series of outdoor activity days for young people aged 10-24, with social communication goals. The group is kept small with a maximum of 6 participants. Ideally the group members are of similar age.

The goal is to create opportunity for social engagement in a supported environment that serves each participant’s individual goals.

You can read more information about the program in our information booklet, here.

Who is it for?

The Bush Adventure Therapy Program is open to anyone seeking social communication therapy in a group setting for their young person aged 10-24 years.

The program is especially suitable for NDIS participants with social communication goals in their current NDIS plan.

About Adventure Works

Speech Pathology Tasmania is pleased to partner with Adventure Works for this program. Adventure Works is operated by a small group of passionate and highly skilled people. The organisation emerged from a shared desire to increase the range of high quality BAT programs on offer around Australia . The programs involve outdoor day trips and activities in nature that are facilitated to provide therapeutic outcomes. Activities include hiking, kayaking and climbing through the Tasmanian bush. You can read more about Adventure Works here.

The Facilitators

The program will be facilitated by Speech Pathology Tasmania therapists Helen Keen and Amber Haverstock, along with two of Adventure Works’ Bush Adventure Therapy Practitioners, Jennifer Andrew and Matt Conolan.

Jen and Matt are both experienced Outdoor Healthcare Practitioners who have been running Bush Adventure Therapy programs for several years and bring boundless experience, knowledge and care to this program. You can read more about Jen and Matt here.

Amber is a Speech & Language Pathologist with Speech Pathology Tasmania. Her experience includes working with young adults on functional life skill. Amber enjoys hiking and other outdoor activities. Helen is a Speech & Language Pathologist with Speech Pathology Tasmania. Her experience includes working with young people and adults experiencing communication difficulties. Helen and Amber both run Bush Adventure Therapy groups each year. You can read more about Amber & Helen on our Team page here.

Details of the upcoming program

When?

The program involves 3 or 4 Activity Days. Each activity day runs 9am-3pm.

Each participant will attend a 60min initial consultation and goal setting session before the first activity day.

Where?

Activity locations are usually within a 40 minute drive from Hobart, including Derwent river and estuary, kunyani, Conningham, and Longley.

Participants meet at a central location in Hobart and travel together in Adventure Works’ troop carrier to the activity location.

The initial consultation and goal-setting session will take place at Speech Pathology Tasmania’s clinic in Elizabeth St, Hobart.

Who?

For young people aged 10-24 with social communication goals.

Cost?

The total cost per participant is approximately $2600-2900. (This cost differs for new and returning participants). This includes:

• an initial consultation and goal setting session with a Speech Pathologist and a Bush Adventure Therapy Practitioner
• 3 activity days
• administration costs in running the program

NDIS funding can be used. Participants may also participate as private self-funded clients.

Registration

If you would like to be considered for this program please complete the Expressions of Interest Form on this page. Or you can email programs@spt.com.au or phone 6234 5717.

Expressions of Interest Form