Ben Hopkins the Manager of Adventure Services and began his involvement with the program as a volunteer in the late 1990’s. Ben’s passion for the outdoors led him to complete a Certificate IV qualification in Outdoor Recreation in 2005.
Shortly afterwards he took up a part-time position as an Outdoor Adventure Recreation Leader with Adventure Services (1-day a week), and continued to pursue his other interest - working as a hydrogeologist to address problems of rising salinity in the River Murray. In 2007 Ben took up a full-time role with BC(SA) Adventure Camping, based at the Mylor Campsite in the Adelaide Hills.
Ben is a husband, and dad of two children. Ben’s firm belief in the power of the wilderness to create opportunities for learning and change, combined with his strong commitment to the preciousness of all people, underpin his involvement with Adventure Services. Ben loves listening to young people’s stories, bearing witness to their struggles and supporting their commitment to self-discovery and change.
Rowan Jordan
Ring the bell, Rowan Jordan has joined the Adventure Services team as our new Outdoor Adventure Recreation Leader! Rowie is a graduate of TAFE SA and has a keen interest in rock climbing, paddling and motorbikes. His laid-back manner and commitment to maintaining high professional standards are qualities that make him a great leader on outdoor programs – where Rowie is, good times are never far away! His key roles include delivery of the expedition components of the Tumbelin program and on-going development of contract programs.
Rowie is married to Linda, who also works with Baptist Care (SA) as a member of the Research and Business Development Unit.
Heidi Veal
It’s with great sadness that we farewelled Heidi in July 2008. Heidi was an Outdoor Recreation Adventure Leader with Adventure Services for a little over 12 months. Her list of outdoor qualifications and experiences is extremely long and incredibly diverse.
Heidi arrived at a time when Adventure Services was experiencing significant change. In her determined, positive and enthusiastic way, she grabbed hold of a wide range of opportunities and brought all her great qualities to bear - imagination, lateral thinking, problem solving, humour, passion and, above all, an unconditional acceptance of and commitment to the young and older female clients.
We're so grateful for everything she's contributed to Adventure Services and the Mylor Campsite and, while we'll miss her terribly, she leaves to pursue her own adventure with all our love, support, prayers and best wishes. Thanks Heids (and Cooper)!