STEP OUT is an adventure therapy program that allows individuals to access Operation Flinders' core program in the northern Flinders Ranges. The core program of Operation Flinders involves a 100km trek over eight days in the northern Flinders Ranges, at Yankaninna Station. This is a challenging week, both physically and mentally, and places young people out of their comfort zones.

Previously, this program was only available to school groups, but now individuals are able to access the same program through the Step Out program.

STEP OUT allows individuals to access Operation Flinders' core program, an 8-day trek in the northern Flinders Ranges.

Step Out is for young people from a range of diverse backgrounds. This is a challenging program and requires voluntary commitment from the young person. This is an opportunity to thrive in a unique setting and discover new strengths.

Step Out is an extension of Operation Flinders’ 8-day trek, and includes a few weeks’ lead up for the team to get to know each other and their adult support staff. The team engages in adventure activities and will be supported by experienced youth workers and adventure therapists, who facilitate a positive and safe space within the Step Out teams.

The program builds optimism, belonging, hope and social and emotional wellbeing through a focus on connection, resilience and purpose.

WHO CAN GET INVOLVED?

The STEP OUT program accepts young people aged between 13-18 who are physically prepared to undertake a challenging 8-day trek, and voluntarily committed to participating in the full STEP OUT program.

Operation Flinders' programs are made for young people who face difficult challenges in life. Some examples may include:

Social and/or economic disadvantage
Low self-esteem
Withdrawn and isolated from life
Family dysfunction
Alcohol or drug misuse
Childhood trauma
Association with anti-social peers
Disengaged from school, training or employment
Anti-social behaviour (including community offending)

However, it may not be the right program for those who are experiencing the following:

Active psychosis or severe mental health diagnoses requiring frequent hospitalisations and medication
Those who require continuous supervision or more than one carer at all times
Those seeking individual or 1-1 based programs
Are substance dependent and require a medically supervised 'detox'
Are suicidal or actively self-harming
Are being forced to attend by caregivers, school agreements or courts orders
Require temporary housing/accommodation options
Do not have a fixed address and the support of a carer/parent/guardian
Do not live within the Greater Adelaide Region

If you believe one or more of these factors will affect your participation in the program, please reach out as we may still be able to help. If you would like to talk to us about getting yourself, or someone you know involved in the program, please fill in an enquiry form.

STEP OUT enquiry form

WHAT TO EXPECT

OVERVIEW

In the 4-5 weeks leading up to the 8-day hike in the Flinders Ranges, Step Out participants will be engaged in adventurous activities around Adelaide. These weeks include an orientation session, and different adventurous activities including rock climbing, kayaking, bushwalking, navigation and leadership training, and overnight camping. The program concludes with a reflection and graduation day, and participants will be invited to a catch up day 2-3 months after the completion of the program.

PROGRAM SUITABILITY

Step Out is a challenging outdoor group program. This program may not be suitable for all young people, and staff will be working to identify if the program or group is not a suitable fit for all young people enrolled in the program. For those who the program is unsuitable for, alternative pathways will be offered for 1-1 work within the program, or to re-engage with the program at a later date. This will be discussed and planned on a case-by-case basis.

Please contact Operation Flinders’ staff either through contact details below or by submitting an enquiry form, so we can discuss your current situation and how Operation Flinders might be able to fit in.

PROGRAM FEE & SCHOLARSHIPS

The full fee for Step Out is $7500. We recognise this is a barrier for many people to engage with the program and have a thorough scholarship application process which can significantly reduce the fee of the program.

Scholarships are for those who cannot otherwise access the program, and who do not have financial support to pay the full fee of the program. To be eligible for a scholarship caregivers must provide evidence of one of the following: school card approval, low-income status, or a letter of endorsement from a third party (more information provided). There will be a second part of the application process, whereby more material will be provided to support the application. More information will be provided when the young person has been selected for a team.

If you are concerned about the fee, please still enquire about the program. A young person has never been turned away due to financial barriers.

2025 DATES

Download our Step Out information pack

WHY PARTICIPATE

Operation Flinders presents a unique opportunity to young people, unlike any other program in Australia. It is an opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and into a space of learning, to discover new strengths to apply in all of life’s challenges.

Upon completion of the program participants receive:

20 Stage-1 SACE Credits
Enrolment in Duke of Edinburgh Awards with Operation Flinders (Bronze award can be completed in Step Out) (Total 40 SACE points available, please ask for more information)
Eligibility to join Operation Flinders’ Next Step program (until the end of the year you turn 19)
Enter a new community of young people and adults
Take on more opportunities to challenge yourself, get outdoors, learn new skills, step into leadership positions, gain education qualifications.

GOALS AND OUTCOMES

The outcomes from participating in the STEP OUT program will differ from person to person. Some of the goals and outcomes the program will address are as follows:

Improved self esteem
Improved emotional regulation
Improved stress management skills
Improved connection with community and peers
Discover new strengths
Develop a new sense of gratitude
Feel more confident to make positive, lasting change in life
More confident to overcome challenges
Improved relationships and communication
Improved social skills

WHAT DO PAST PARTICIPANTS SAY?

“This experience has helped me get clarity on my goals.
No matter what life throws at me I can always achieve my goals as long as I persevere”

“I learned that I am a decent leader, a good navigator and I learned that I can rise to the occasion when shit hits the fan.
I also learned that I am too hard on myself”

“I learned I can get through anything and I’m a good, strong person”

“It is challenging but it is so worth it”

“It's great, do it if you get the chance, you learn a lot”.

INCLUSIONS

INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM

All meals provided throughout program (including breakfast and lunch on single activity days) are included

All gear provided (to borrow from Foundation):

Hiking pack
Sleeping mat and hutchie set up
Cutlery and bowl
Raincoat
Sunscreen, hand sanitiser, all medical needs
Personal wipes
Sock protectors
Warm clothing can be borrowed if needed

Gear to keep includes (Kept by the young person):

Hiking boots
Sleeping bag
Hiking socks
Head torch
Operation Flinders hat

6-week adventure therapy program – all inclusive of gear, activity cost, food and staff

4 full day activities
1 overnight camp activity
8-day trek experience
1 full day catch-up activity

Also included

Transport to activities from Operation Flinders Warehouse at Edwardstown + transport support where possible
Duke of Edinburgh enrolment (free of charge)
Nomination for Next Step program (free of charge; enrolled until end of year in which you turn 19)
Liaising with school contacts / care teams to ensure consistency of support
1-1 support pathways if program is unsuitable
Further follow-up and referrals when appropriate

APPLICATION PROCESS

If you would like to refer a young person to Step Out, please complete the enquiry form below.

We will be in contact as soon as possible with more information and to discuss the next steps.

We aim to place young people in teams that are age- and gender- appropriate. It can take 6 months or more to have an appropriate team. Please ensure you have completed an enquiry form if you wish to be considered for future programs.

STEP OUT enquiry form

Please note: Operation Flinders is not a crisis support service. We specialise in Adventure Based Therapy with our focus area being prevention. If the young person you are referring needs more immediate support, please email lbutler@operationflinders.org and we can provide you with a list of external referral options.

If you would like to speak to someone directly please contact:

Lauren Butler
Step Out Program Coordinator
P: 0459 358 911
E: lbutler@operationflinders.org

General Inquiries
P: 08 8245 2666
E: admin@operationflinders.org