From June 19th to 22nd, the 4th Gathering for Adventure Therapy in Europe (GATE) took place in Sigulda, bringing together adventure and nature therapy experts from around the world. With representatives from 23 countries across four continents and nearly 200 participants, this was the largest conference in the field held in Europe in recent years.

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Over four days, 70 experts from Europe, Canada, Australia, and the USA presented research findings, programs, best practices, and methods through lectures and hands-on workshops. They shared their expertise on working with patients and clients in natural settings.

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The European Adventure Therapy Conference occurs biennially in a different European country. For Latvia, it was a great honor to host experts from the field and promote the development of adventure therapy while introducing evidence-based mental health promotion approaches to Latvia.

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The event was organized by the Association "Adventure Therapy Latvia" (the official representative of adventure and nature therapy in Latvia) in collaboration with "Adventure Therapy Europe."

The smooth running of the conference was supported by a team of volunteers, to whom we extend our heartfelt thanks for their contributions.

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We are also grateful to the Sigulda Municipality for their support during both the planning and execution stages of the event, including their advice, presence, and warm hospitality.

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Travel arrangements for honored guests and the pre-conference program were supported by the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, and the European Regional Development Fund.

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A special thanks to our creative, material, and friendly supporters: the store "Ceļotājs," the guesthouse "Kalna Griezes," the adrenaline-pumping adventure creators "Sigulda Adventures," designer Annija from "Dizaina Brīvzona," artist Laura @lauracmyk, nurse Zane, and photographers Ernest Dinks, Austra Priļepiševa, and video specialist Mārtiņš @whitebalancecreative.

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We also appreciate the unusually delicious and beautifully presented catering provided by "Kungu rija" and the vegetarian shawarma and side dish experts at "Nata Cafe."

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Rihards Saule and his band ensured a cohesive experience for guests with rock 'n' roll music, while folk musicians Aiga Auziņa, Santa Ruģēna, and youth from BJDK "Vizbulīte" led the GATE participants in traditional Latvian dances. Our thanks to the artists for their fantastic performances and for sharing their talents with us!

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Thank you to everyone who believed in and supported us to make this event a success in Latvia!

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​The event's website will remain available until the end of the year, after which it's time to start preparing for the 5th GATE, which will take place in Belgium from May 19th to 22nd, 2026.