Rooted Life Adventures

My daughter just finished her 6 week gap year program in Australia with Rooted Life Adventures, and I am just so filled with gratitude! When we found the program, she was not in a good place. She had decided to take a break from college, and was depressed and withdrawn. She knew she needed support, but felt strongly that she didn't want (or need) an intensive therapy program. We both knew that she needed to get away in order to re-set, but it wasn't at all clear what was out there that could give her the skills and confidence that she desperately needed. Rooted Life Adventures is an incredibly thoughtful and intentional program that honestly seemed tailor-made for my daughter. It offers a balance of activities and experiences that promote creativity (pottery), independence (e.g., cooking, cleaning, budgeting), being in nature (amazing hikes, snorkeling, surfing), volunteering, and social experiences that come up naturally by virtue of living with a group. And perhaps the most impactful part of the program was the presence of four amazing mentors/leaders, each of whom comes with her history and life experience, and who offered incredibly loving support and guidance throughout the program (and after!). One of the women is a trained mental health professional, and she had so many interesting and engaging exercises that got everyone doing deep self-reflection without it feeling like "therapy." It was clear that this is not just a job for these women, but rather a mission to support young people who are feeling lost, and to help them unlock their potential and dare to dream. I know that some of the credit goes to my daughter, who totally leaned in and engaged fully. It was important that she said "yes" to the program, and that she didn't feel forced by us (her parents). But luckily she did say yes, and the structure of the program was truly the perfect fit for her needs. She returns home with a plan to travel and work, feeling so much more confident and excited about her future, wherever it takes her.

Halfway thru college, our daughter, who struggles with anxiety, ADD and social awareness, was feeling lost and lacking purpose. We started our search seeking a program w/ mental health support. All of the programs we found were too strict (no phones/no contact with home), too rustic (camping/roughing it), too therapeutic (students were there against their will or not interested in working on themselves). This program nothing less than perfect for our situation - a young adult who was eager to find her passions, her purpose and her people.

This experience was a once in a lifetime experience! I loved getting close with the girls, learning new things, and learning more about myself! It was very tiring and hard but so worth it in the long run. I pushed myself to do things I don’t think i would’ve done back home to help my career and get me in a better position for when I am older. I overall would recommend this experience to someone in a space like I was when I found this program. It helped me out and I think it can help out another individual!

On this program I grew exponentially in my mental state and my confidence. I gained a home away from home with friends from all over. This helped launch me into my next phase of life, helping me make a plan for success and begin to carry out that plan. Coming out of this program… I am now leaving to travel the east coast of Australia with another girl from the program (Shoutout Viv), and staying in hostels along the way which I never thought I would be brave enough to do. I’m so thankful for this experience.

For any young woman who is struggling to find her journey, unsure of what the next steps to take and feeling lost, this is the perfect place to grow. I have improved my self-confidence, my relationships with the community around me, and found a place where I feel love from everyone. This community is not temporary, as I consider the other girls around me sisters. This is a place where I feel I truly belong and am seen for who I am. The staff is full of life-changing mentors, there for every step of your personal discovery. From nights in the kitchen dancing and singing, or going on hikes to waterfalls with each other. The entire staff creates a place where you can play, have fun, and be silly, but also gives space to encourage vulnerability and promote connection, healing and growth. Each bond I have with every person is sacred here, and the amount of love created in this place is so pure. This is a place to reset, find community, build confidence, and create pathways for new opportunities. I am forever grateful that I have had the opportunity to go on this program, and I would not have changed it for the world. Thank you, Rooted Life Adventures, for changing my life.