Community Testimonials
“Over the years, the one thing I have come to realise is the importance of community, connection and camaraderie, and that when people come together MAGIC happens.
I spent 5+ years building and fostering community in Canberra through my outdoor adventure business ATICA Wilderness Adventures, and there is not a day that goes by that I am not grateful for the ongoing friendships and all the experiences shared and the memories made.
I look forward to expanding my reach, and creating an even more expansive community and space here in Sydney for people to connect, feel loved and held and like they have somewhere they belong.
Here is a what a few of these incredible community members have to say. ”
— Candi May, Founder of The ĀTMAN Experience
“Finding ATICA quite simply changed my life. I was welcomed with open arms, the community Candi has created is filled with love, encouragement, trust and all the yumminess life has to offer. This is a testament to Candi. Without her ATICA wouldn’t be ATICA. Blessed to have found my tribe and to be doing remarkable things I never knew I was possible of doing 💕🫶🏻
~ Britt Ireland
“ATICA is all about being part of a community and connection, not only to each other but also nature. Hiking is incredibly bonding, and through various trips we have certainly done that! The ATICA community has helped me to establish life long friendships and made me a stronger person. I know I can cross that mountain, whatever it may be! Thanks Candi” 🥰♥️
~ Chanel
“For me ATICA is more than hiking adventures on country
It is an awakening, a reconnecting to life
It challenges my self limiting beliefs and fears
It inspires me and opens my mind to possibilities
It teaches me compassion, supports and accepts me
It brings lightness and wild, abandoned laughter and joy
It reminds me to breathe and be grateful.
It is a caring, encouraging and supportive community
It is Candi!
II am deeply grateful to you for reminding me to live and love life with a generous spirit and open heart. 🫶💕
~ Marion
“When I retired I wanted to take up hiking but was afraid of doing it on my own. In my search for a group to join I found ATICA. From my first hike with her Candi made me feel comfortable and capable of greater challenges. She has encouraged me to push myself and gave me the confidence to take on multi day hikes. ATICA has introduced me to wonderful people, amazing locations and incredible opportunities… Thankyou Candi. Sue A”
~ Sue A
“ATICA/Candi = adventure, connection, challenges -both physical & mental, friendships, teamwork & all in our beautiful big ‘backyard’. Thank you Candi. ”
~ Dons
“After a long battle with post infertility PTSD and severe postnatal depression/ anxiety I had truly hit rock bottom. Ontop of this I am also the primary caregiver to my severely autistic daughter-which recently saw me having to resign from my previous job of almost 14 years to adequately care for her. This broke my heart. I felt that I had nothing left for me, to help fill my cup or bring me joy. After hearing about ATICA (thanks Britt! 😆) I signed up for my first HikeFIT and well…. the rest is history. Candi has given my life meaning, a sense of community and a sense of belonging. After time with my ATICA group I feel calm, regulated and downright happy. I cannot recommend Candi and ATICA enough, there are no words for how grateful I am- thankyou! 💖”
~ Danielle
“One of the things I love most about Candi and the ATICA family is the friendships that have developed among us. We've shared countless laughs, conquered challenging trails together, and celebrated each other's achievements, both big and small. It's not just about hiking; it's about building connections, fostering personal growth, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.’’
~ 🥰🥰🥰 Anne
“ I discovered ATICA back in June 2020 with a hint of uncertainty, I was unsure if it was the right fit for me, but this uncertainty completely vanished after my first hike with Candi. I love how Candi welcomed me with open arms embracing me into the groups camaraderie. I’ve been amazed by the stunning hikes around Canberra, discovering hidden gems with Candi leading the way. I love how Atica has introduced me to some amazing people which I will cherish forever. I love how we have shared lots of belly laughs and we have created some wonderful memories along the trails. Thank you Candi and Atica for these unforgettable experiences - I absolutely love them!! ”
~ Renee 💋
“When I joined ATICA that Candi created, a safe friendly community I knew I had found my tribe! It has changed my life not just physical but mentally, Candi encouraged and challenged me to grow and get out of my comfort zone. I have grown and feel I can do anything. ATICA is a family and I’m so happy I’m part of it. ”
~ Penny ♥️
“ ATICA changed my outlook on the world, and my connection to it. Being a part of this group means knowing you can show up anytime and be welcomed, accepted for who you are, and receive encouragement no matter what you are facing. Candi has created a safe and healing environment for all women and I will be forever grateful. ”
~ Chiara ♥️
“When I first moved to Canberra, I was searching for a hiking group that would guide me on longer hikes that I was too afraid to attempt by myself. What I found in ATICA was so much more than that.
Candi and ATICA are more than a community they are family! The ATICA fam make you feel loved and supported and the friendship continues past the trails.
Candi makes you feel like you can accomplish anything! And I have certainly pushed past what I thought I was capable of and grown outside of my comfort zone.
Candis energy is one of a kind. Bringing everyone up around her. And there's no doubt we have more fun and belly laughs than anyone else hiking! ”
~ 🩷🩷🩷 Joanne