Rooted Life Adventures is paving the way for the new industry of Therapeutic Gap Year programs.

“We are working to provide adventure travel abroad for the students who might need more support than gap year but less support than adventure therapy,” says Founder and Executive Director Austin Rogers. “The ‘in-between’ students are getting lost and currently, there is very little programming available for them. This is also true of students coming out of treatment looking for a stepping stone program that provides a sober and supportive environment but allows a bit more independence.”

The students live in a jungle retreat together and learn life skills such as grocery shopping, cooking, household cleaning, and how to be good roommates. Then the students head out on adventures and expand their global perspective in a nurturing and wellness environment. A therapeutic coach lives on-site with the students 24/7 to coach the group through daily challenges and deliver weekly psychoeducational curriculum and wellness skills workshops.

The first-ever program will run this summer from June 28- August 5th, taking a small group of girls ages 15-17 to Costa Rica. The program incorporates a few aspects that could be added to a student resume such as volunteer service learning, Spanish language immersion, and an internship at a local animal rescue center. Students also have a blast taking on a range of epic adventures such as waterfall rappelling, white water rafting, surf lessons,  kayaking, flying trapeze, and jungle hikes. Rooted Life Adventures is officially accepting applications for this incredible adventure of a lifetime.

About Rooted Life Adventures:

Founded in 2022, Rooted Life Adventures is a New Zealand-based company offering Therapeutic Gap Year Programs for adolescents and young adults in New Zealand, Costa Rica, and Hawaii. Rooted Life Adventures combines the best aspects of gap year, therapeutic coaching, and holistic wellness. Students from all backgrounds take on volunteer service learning, cultural immersion, and adventure excursions while living in a house and learning life skills abroad in small groups of up to 12 students to ultimately develop a strong sense of self, belonging, capability, and purpose. 

Rooted Life Adventures does not offer any clinical services, only psychoeducational development and therapeutic coaching. Students are able to meet virtually with a known clinician from home and maintain a pre-existing relationship if one exists and our Wellness Director can send weekly updates to the known clinician if the family wishes. Parent coaching is provided as well as weekly group updates about their adventures.