We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bryan Maasch a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Bryan, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The idea for our nonprofit organization, “Active Adventure,” emerged from a journey of overcoming addiction and finding solace in nature. Recognizing the transformative power of outdoor activities in the recovery process, my partner and I came together with a shared vision to provide opportunities for individuals in recovery to heal, grow, and thrive through outdoor adventures. Our inspiration came from our own experiences of how hiking, kayaking, swimming, and other outdoor activities played a pivotal role in our recovery journeys. We witnessed firsthand how immersing ourselves in nature not only offered a healthy outlet for stress and anxiety but also fostered a sense of community, connection, and purpose.

Through discussions, research, and collaboration with professionals in the addiction recovery field, we identified a significant need for accessible and supportive outdoor programs tailored specifically for individuals in recovery. We saw an opportunity to fill this gap and create a safe and inclusive space where people could explore the healing power of nature while receiving peer support and guidance from experienced facilitators.

Drawing upon our collective expertise in outdoor recreation, counseling, and nonprofit management, we developed a comprehensive plan for Active Adventure.

Our nonprofit’s mission is to empower individuals in recovery to discover new pathways to wellness through outdoor adventure, community support, and personal growth. By providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and mindfulness retreats, we aim to instill confidence, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose in our participants as they navigate their journey towards long-term recovery.

Ultimately, the driving force behind Active Adventure is our unwavering commitment to supporting individuals in their recovery journey and promoting holistic well-being through the transformative power of nature.

Bryan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My journey toward founding “Active Adventure” was born out of a transformative experience with addiction and illness. For years, I battled with alcohol and drug addiction, using it as a crutch to numb the pain and escape the challenges of everyday life. Little did I know that this destructive coping mechanism would lead me down a path of devastation, both physically and emotionally.

It wasn’t until I was diagnosed with alcoholic pancreatitis, a painful and life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas, that I was forced to confront the reality of my addiction. The excruciating pain and near death hospitalization served as a wake-up call, propelling me into a journey of self-reflection, healing, and recovery.

The road to recovery was anything but easy. It required immense courage, perseverance, and a willingness to confront the demons that had long haunted me. Through a long term treatment program I slowly began to unravel the grip of addiction and reclaim control of my life.

In the midst if this journey, I discovered a sense of solace and renewal in the great outdoors. Nature became my sanctuary, offering a refuge from the chaos of addiction and a canvas for healing and self-discovery. Whether it was hiking through majestic mountains, kayaking across tranquil waterways, or simply basking in the serenity of a forest, the natural world became a great ally in the fight against addiction.

It was during one of these outdoor adventures, surrounded by the beauty and majesty of nature, that the seed for “Active Adventure” was planted. As I reflected on my own journey of recovery and the impact that nature had on my healing process, I realized that I wanted to share this gift with others who were struggling.

Today, as I look back on my journey—from the depths of addiction and illness to the founding of “Active Adventure”—I am filled with gratitude for the healing power of nature and the unwavering support of my community. My hope is that through our programs and initiatives, we can inspire others to embark on their own journey of recovery, finding strength, resilience, and joy in the great outdoors.

Mission Statement: Our mission is to empower individuals in recovery to discover new pathways to wellness through outdoor adventure, community support, and personal growth.

Program Offerings:
Guided Outdoor Adventures: We organize a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, swimming, and wilderness retreats led by experienced facilitators.

Participant Eligibility: Our programs are open to individuals who are in all stages of substance abuse disorder. Participants must be committed to maintaining their sobriety and adhering to our code of conduct during activities.

Accessibility and Inclusivity: We strive to make our programs accessible to all individuals in recovery, regardless of their financial means, physical abilities, sexual orientation, age, or race.

Partnerships and Collaborations: We collaborate with local addiction treatment centers, outdoor outfitters, community groups, and other nonprofit organizations to expand our reach and resources. These partnerships help us enhance our program offerings and reach a wider audience.

Volunteer Opportunities: We welcome volunteers who are passionate about our mission to contribute their time and expertise in various capacities, including event planning, leading outdoor activities, fundraising, and outreach.

Funding and Sustainability: We rely on donations, grants, sponsorships, and fundraising events to support our operations and ensure the sustainability of our organization. We are committed to financial transparency and responsible stewardship of resources.

Governance and Leadership: Our organization is governed by a board of directors composed of individuals with expertise in nonprofit management, outdoor education, and recovery advocacy. We adhere to best practices in governance, accountability, and ethical conduct.

Future Vision: As we continue to grow, our vision is to expand our reach to serve more individuals in recovery across different regions, develop partnerships with national organizations, and advocate for the integration of outdoor-based interventions in mainstream addiction treatment and recovery support services.

These details provide an overview of “Active Adventure” and its commitment to supporting individuals in their recovery journey through the transformative power of outdoor adventure and community support.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

The story of how Millie Jones, my co-founder and girlfriend, and I met is a testament to the transformative power of connection in unexpected places.

When I moved out of long term treatment, little did I know that my life was about to take a remarkable turn. Millie exuded warmth and kindness from the moment we crossed paths. As we got to know each other, we discovered a shared journey of recovery from addiction. Our conversations flowed effortlessly, fueled by a mutual understanding of the challenges we faced and the determination to overcome them. In Millie, I found not only a kindred spirit but also a source of inspiration and support.

As our relationship grew, it became evident that our shared experiences could be channeled into something meaningful—a beacon of hope for others walking a similar path. Millie, with her educational background and keen organizational skills, saw the potential to turn our shared vision into reality through the creation of a nonprofit organization.

Driven by our shared passion for helping others and complemented by our individual strengths, we embarked on the journey of establishing “Active Adventure.” While I brought my expertise in outdoor activities and experiential therapy, Millie’s legal insight and attention to detail were instrumental in navigating the complexities of nonprofit regulations and certifications. Together, we poured our hearts and souls into building our organization from the ground up.

Today, as co-founders of “Active Adventure,” Millie and I stand united in our mission to empower individuals in recovery to reclaim their lives through outdoor adventure and community support. Our story, intertwined with the founding of our nonprofit, is a testament to the transformative power of connection and the boundless possibilities that emerge when two souls align in purpose and passion.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

A defining moment in my journey of resilience came unexpectedly, in the form of a severe back injury that threatened to shatter the progress I had made in my recovery journey. It was a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life’s challenges.

As someone who found solace in outdoor activities and weightlifting, the news of my back injury felt like a cruel twist of fate. Suddenly, the freedom I found in nature and exercise was replaced by excruciating pain and immobility.

In the months that followed, I was repeatedly faced with a choice—to give up or to persevere through the darkest of times. Drawing upon the lessons learned from overcoming addiction and the unwavering support of my loved ones, I chose the latter.

With a strong determination and a refusal to let adversity define me, I embarked on a journey of rehabilitation and recovery. It was a journey filled with setbacks and challenges, but with each hurdle I faced, I discovered a reservoir of inner strength I never knew existed.

Through physical therapy, perseverance, and a relentless commitment to my well-being, I slowly began to reclaim control of my body and my life. It was a process filled with pain and frustration, but with each small victory—, a reduction in pain—I felt a glimmer of hope reignite within me.

As I navigated the ups and downs of my recovery, I found solace in the simple joys of life—the warmth of the sun on my face, the laughter of loved ones, and the beauty of nature that surrounded me. Even in the midst of adversity, I discovered moments of grace and gratitude that sustained me through the darkest of days.

In the end, my journey of resilience was not defined by the absence of challenges, but by my ability to rise above them with courage and determination. My back injury became not a hindrance, but a catalyst for growth and transformation—a testament to the unbeatable spirit that resides within each of us.

Today, as I reflect on my journey, I am grateful for the resilience that carried me through the darkest of times and the unwavering belief that no obstacle is insurmountable. My back injury may have tested my limits, but it ultimately strengthened my resolve to embrace life’s challenges with courage, resilience,

Contact Info:

• Instagram: activeadventure_est.2023
• Facebook: Active Adventure
• Other: https://www.canva.com/design/DAF1MUc8pRA/tHyxi2zgq7XCGr23wOTHlQ/view?utm_content=DAF1MUc8pRA&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor