About us
About The Summit
A multi-award-winning 50 acre outdoor adventure park and camp in Gippsland, Victoria.
Our vision
Inspiring, life-changing experiences that build self-worth and character.
The Summit is a multi-award-winning, 50 acre outdoor adventure park and camp in Gippsland, Victoria. The Summit has a primary focus on providing inspiring and life-changing experiences through a combination of meaningful programs and powerful activities that build self-worth, character, success and happiness.
Our mission
Impact 300,000 students by 2035.
At The Summit, our purpose is clear, to help people discover what they are truly capable of. Our goal is to impact 300,000 students by 2035, and we're well on our way. Through powerful school camps, transformational youth programs and corporate camps that build real teams, we are changing lives one challenge, one breakthrough, one person at a time.
We believe that inside every individual is a leader, a dreamer, a doer. Our programs are designed to unlock that potential by pushing comfort zones, building resilience and igniting self-belief. From students to CEOs, guests leave stronger, braver and more connected than when they arrived.
This is more than just a camp.
It's grown into something bigger than a campsite.
Join us as we work toward 300,000 students impacted by 2035, one camp at a time.
Our story
From a broken neck to a life's purpose.
In 2003, Ryan Doughty was in a terrible gym accident that left his neck broken and his body paralysed. Determined to avoid a dangerous surgical procedure, Ryan went against the advice of his surgeons. Instead he lay completely flat for a period of 3 months, with a sandbag placed on each side of his head to prevent movement. The hope was that his neck would heal naturally. He lay perfectly still without sitting up or rolling over for these challenging months. Ryan slowly learnt to walk again. It was through this extraordinary experience and deep reflection that he discovered his purpose and passion to help others unleash their greatness.
In July 2008, Ryan and Melissa, with their 5 children, purchased a rundown camp venue in Gippsland. Armed with massive passion and a few great people who believed in his vision, Ryan began to create a place that would ultimately exceed his expectations. To date, The Summit has impacted over 160 000+ students and leaders. The Summit Adventure Park and Camp has gone on to win a string of awards including Tourism and Attractions, Business of the Year and in 2017 Business of the Decade.
This journey led to the development of one of Victoria's most loved obstacle races, Summit Survivor, 40 epic obstacles over 5km. In 2016, Ryan and his team built a charity focused on personal development for youth: The Impact Project. They donated more than $200,000 and changed the lives of over 400 young people.
The Summit now employs approximately 45 highly trained staff who are the backbone of the organisation, and who equally share in our vision to help others unleash their greatness.
Watch Ryan's story
Our promise to you