Why Nature Works: The Science Behind Adventure Therapy

At My Summit ABTS, we see this every day — the impact that nature has on young people. Everyone responds in different ways, some young people don’t love parts of nature, the mozzies, too much sand, drop toilets, but one thing we always notice is the positive impact nature has over time.

Nature has a way of meeting young people where they’re at. For some young people who have grown up with trauma, instability, or constant stress, being outdoors offers something powerful — a space that doesn’t judge, rush, or overwhelm.

The Nervous System Reset

When we step outside, our senses tune in differently. The sound of wind through the trees, the feeling of sand under your feet, or the rhythm of walking all send calming signals to the body.

Research shows that being in nature helps regulate the autonomic nervous system — lowering heart rate and cortisol levels and increasing feelings of safety and calm.

For young people whose bodies are often in a state of alert or survival, this gentle downshift is essential. It’s the first step in emotional regulation — feeling calm enough to connect and think clearly.

Movement that Heals

Adventure therapy is active — walking, paddling, climbing, swimming, or simply balancing on a log. These experiences help young people process emotions that can be hard to put into words.

When we move, our brains release endorphins and dopamine, chemicals that help lift mood and build motivation. Movement also activates both sides of the brain, improving emotional integration and problem-solving.

For many of the young people we support, this movement-based therapy helps them re-learn that it’s safe to feel — to be in their body, to trust their strength, and to take up space in the world.

The Power of Freedom and Choice

A core principle of our work is helping young people experience agency — the sense that they have choices and control. In nature, this happens naturally. Whether it’s choosing which path to take on a walk, deciding to put their feet into the water, or collecting a shell that feels special, every small choice helps rebuild a sense of self-trust.

These moments might look simple, but for children who have lived with chaos or powerlessness, they’re deeply therapeutic.

Connection that Can’t Be Forced

Outdoors, connection feels different. Eye contact can happen side-by-side rather than face-to-face. Words flow more easily while walking or skipping stones in the ocean, or in a river. The pressure of an office or therapy room disappears.

Adventure therapy provides a natural setting for authentic relationship-building — between young people and practitioners, and between peers. Laughter, teamwork, and shared challenges create bonds that support social learning and belonging.

Why It Works

Nature offers what many young people have been missing — a space where they can breathe, explore, and just be kids. Through adventure therapy, they rediscover calm, connection, mastery and confidence. These are not abstract ideas — they’re lived, physical experiences:

· The warmth of the sun on skin.

· The feeling of flying when you jump from the jetty

· The sound of laughter over a lake.

· The freedom of climbing a mountain and looking out at something bigger than yourself.

About My Summit ABTS

My Summit ABTS provides adventure therapy, walk-and-talk sessions, and therapeutic camps across South East Queensland. Our trauma-informed team supports young people to build emotional regulation, resilience, and connection through outdoor experiences that nurture both body and mind.