For over 30 years, ADL – formerly known as Adventure Development Limited – has been a driving force in bringing positive change to the lives of young people in the Central Lakes Trust region. ADL's commitment to adventure therapy, utilising outdoor activities to support young people facing various challenges, has been a cornerstone of its success.

“We believe outdoor activity has a powerfully positive impact”

“We believe outdoor activity with groups of young people who are experiencing low mood, anxiety, impulsivity, substance misuse, or neurodiversity issues has a powerfully positive impact when used in a structured and carefully planned way,” says Clive McArthur, Chief Executive of ADL. “The need for our services has been steadily growing, with referrals into the Central Lakes Team increasing by 50% from 2019 to 2023.”

To meet this growing demand, the number of staff in the CLT region has grown significantly over the past few years, going from a team of three in 2018 to a dedicated team of 11 professionals today. ADL has recently invested in key roles, including a Journey and Activities Leader and Outdoor Activities Specialist, to further increase their capacity.

ADL's impact is truly transformative, underscored by the positive feedback received. A notable 89% of clients report a direct improvement in their wellbeing, attesting to the tangible positive change facilitated by ADL. Furthermore, an impressive 97% of whānau rate ADL’s services as good to excellent. This high praise highlights the organisation's effectiveness in making a meaningful and substantial difference in the lives of the youth and their broader support networks.

Central Lakes Trust supports ADL with operational funding to help sustain their services in the region.

We are incredibly grateful to the CLT for their donation, which is going straight towards supporting the operational costs of running the team in the region,” says Clive. “For example, we have experienced an increase in rental space costs of over 200% since 2021. The CLT donation will also support the Central Lakes Team’s increasing vehicle costs. ADL is committed to reducing barriers to young people throughout the region, and our team travels throughout the region daily.”

This high praise highlights the organisation's effectiveness in making a meaningful and substantial difference in the lives of the youth and their broader support networks.

ADL welcomes donations and support from the community to continue their important work. Currently, the organisation is fundraising for stand-up paddleboards and kayaks to expand its repertoire of activities. Clive McArthur encourages those interested in supporting ADL's mission to reach out to funding@adlnz.org.nz for more information