What is this year’s AABAT Forum all about?

This year’s Australian Association for Bush Adventure Therapy (AABAT) National Forum 2022 ‘Venturing Out, Journeying Within’, is a theme that challenges us to practice what we preach about the practical application of outdoor, nature-based experiences for the purpose of healing and enhancing our health and well-being.

The Baptist Care SA Mylor Adventure Camp in the beautiful Adelaide Hills will be the home of this year’s forum which will focus on sharing the myriad of therapeutic experiences that can be delivered through outdoor experiential journeys and nature-based health practices. When we venture out, we also journey within, often unconsciously exploring and transforming our inner terrain where mind, body, heart and soul often interact to either hinder our journey in life or heal and enhance our quality of life and wellbeing.

In these uncertain and challenging times, nature based therapeutic practices are needed more than ever, and their value is of paramount importance to wellbeing right now. We hope you can join us in coming together to share and learn from each other at this year’s forum.

It’s not only the brilliant speakers, activities and workshops you have to look forward to at the 2021 AABAT Forum. With planned nightly campfires, music, optional morning program, social activities, and with an abundance of chill out areas on the property with the Onkaparinga River as a beautiful backdrop it means there’s something for everyone at this year’s forum!

Presenters

We are in the process of confirming our preliminary line up of facilitators and presenters, and are excited by the depth, quality and diversity we will be offering at this year’s forum! See the sneak peek below, and keep your eye on the developing program for updates.

Diana Barnett – Wayapa Wuurrk, Connecting You To Earth And Self.

Graham Pringle and Will Dobud – The Great Debate: Is Bush Adventure Therapy just talk therapy outdoors?

Kaya Lyons – Playing for Wellness: Shifting body, mind & spirit through play and exploration – reconnecting to the curious self.

Wayne Enright – Designing and facilitating metaphorical journeys in nature to prepare for ‘New World Chaos’.

Dom Courtney – President of the Outdoor Council of Australia, will provide an update on outcomes from the 2021 National Summit and discuss what has been done since, and possible future developments.

Kit Kline – Nature-based mindfulness and journaling practices.

Louise Flaherty and Cath Norman – Resilient Girls: Preparing for Rites of Passage.

Kalindi Brennan and Anthi Emmanouil-Playne – Bite-sized BAT Experiences.

Nick Atkin – Ropes & Challenge Courses: A metaphor for setting life goals in the face of fear, doubt & adversity.

Uncle Ken Jones and Friends – Cultural Walk and Talk

…and many more to be added!

Venue

Mylor Adventure Camp
32 Wingrove Road
Mylor, South Australia
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