Active Adventure was born out of Bryan Maasch and Millie Jones’ shared experiences in recovery. They realized how powerful nature and outdoor activities had been in their personal healing processes and wanted to create a space for others to experience the same transformative connection. Says Bryan: “We saw the need for a program where people in recovery could challenge themselves, build community, and grow in a safe and supportive environment.”
Deciding to combine their love for the outdoors with their commitment to supporting others on a recovery journey, Bryan and Millie co-founded Active Adventure.
Read on as Bryan expands on finding connection — in many forms.
Eno River State Park. Contributed photo.
What is Active Adventure?
Active Adventure is a nonprofit organization that provides outdoor excursions and activities specifically designed for individuals in all stages of substance use disorder recovery. Our program consists of large group events that include hiking, camping, kayaking, and other nature-based activities. We aim to help people build strength, resilience, and confidence while developing deeper connections with themselves, others, and the natural world. We create a safe and supportive space for participants to push boundaries, practice mindfulness, and celebrate their recovery journey. A large portion of participants in our events are low-income individuals from local no-cost, long-term addiction treatment programs.
Why nature therapy?
Nature therapy is the practice of using nature-based activities to promote emotional, mental, and physical well-being. It’s based on the belief that spending time in natural settings can help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall health. For those in recovery, nature therapy can offer a grounding experience, providing a sense of peace and connection that can be vital in the healing process. Nature offers an environment that encourages reflection, fosters resilience, and provides a sense of renewal.
What are your core values?
Fellowship, nature, and fitness are key components of our program because they support recovery in different but complementary ways. Fellowship creates a sense of community, reminding participants that they are not alone in their journey. Nature offers a peaceful and grounding space for reflection and healing. And fitness helps build physical strength, which is often neglected in recovery but can have a profound impact on mental health. Together, these values create a holistic approach that promotes overall well-being and helps individuals in recovery build a healthier, balanced life.
Why a peer-led model?
A peer-led model is crucial because it creates an environment of shared experience and mutual understanding. When someone in recovery leads or guides another, there’s an inherent trust that comes from having walked the same path. Our participants feel understood and supported by people who truly know what they’re going through, which makes the experience more meaningful. Peer leaders bring a level of authenticity that can’t be matched, which helps participants feel safe and inspired to take the next steps in their journey.
Do other similar programs exist locally?
We are currently the only program in Wake County that combines outdoor adventure with peer support specifically for those in recovery. We believe we’re filling an important gap by offering a unique nature-based approach that encourages physical and emotional healing in a supportive, community-driven setting. If a program like Active Adventure had existed earlier in our recovery journeys, it would have been invaluable. The combination of physical activity, connection with others, and time spent in nature could have accelerated our own healing and helped us stay focused on our recovery.
Eno River State Park. Contributed photo
Can you share more about your excursions?
We’ve had the privilege of guiding many memorable excursions, including hikes in the mountains, kayaking on local rivers, and camping trips where participants connected, reflected, and unplugged from their daily lives. One of the most impactful excursions was a weekend camping trip where participants not only embraced the challenges of the outdoors but also supported one another through vulnerable conversations and shared experiences. Watching those connections blossom into lasting friendships is truly special.
Please tell us about your participants.
We work closely with participants from Healing Transitions of Wake County. Both of us, and many of our volunteers, started recovery journeys through this program. It’s meaningful for us to give back to the community that supported us in our own recovery journeys. Through this partnership, we’re able to offer participants opportunities to engage in our activities while also strengthening their connection to the local recovery community. It’s our way of continuing the cycle of support and helping others who are in the same place we once were.
Hanging Rock State Park. Contributed photo
Many of our participants outside of treatment programs find us through word of mouth or social media. We’re proud that many return for multiple excursions because they find the experience so enriching. The relationships that form within our community are important; often, these connections extend beyond our activities. Participants find strength in the friendships they make, and we’ve seen many continue to support each other long after trips have ended.
Can you share more about your involvement in Active Adventure?
Both of us have found that our involvement with Active Adventure has deepened our own recovery journeys. It’s a reminder that we are not just leaders but part of a supportive community. The act of helping others and witnessing their growth has been fulfilling and reinforced our commitment to our own well-being. Active Adventure has given us both a renewed sense of purpose and connection, which is invaluable in sustaining long-term recovery.
How can people support you?
Spreading the word about our mission is hugely impactful. Donations help fund our programs, allowing us to offer excursions at no cost to participants. We are also always looking for new partnerships to help expand our reach and ensure more people can benefit from our services.
Please share your long-term vision for Active Adventure.
Our long-term vision is to expand Active Adventure to reach even more people in recovery across the region and beyond. We aim to create a robust network and build a sustainable model that allows us to continue providing these life-changing experiences for years to come. We also hope to build strong partnerships with other recovery organizations to broaden the scope of the services we offer.
What’s next for Active Adventure?
We are currently working on expanding our offerings to include additional adventure-based activities, such as river tubing, snow tubing, and more extensive wilderness retreats. We’re excited to continue growing and finding new ways to support people in recovery.
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