Baptist Care SA’s ‘Roo’ Symon wins Outdoor SA Recreation Industry Professional of the Year!

Roo Symon receives 2018 SA Recreation Industry Professional of the Year, (pictured with Tumbelin AoD program Team Leader Lou Flaherty and Adventure Services Manager, Benno Hopkins)

Baptist Care SA employee Rurik ‘Roo’ Symon has been awarded South Australian Recreation Industry Professional of the Year for his contribution to the recreation industry.

Roo has worked for Baptist Care SA for almost nine years as an Outdoor Instructor at the Mylor Adventure Campsite and as an Adventure Therapy Case Manager in the Adelaide Hills and Murray Mallee regions.

He has a gift for building positive relationships with people from all walks of life, and has a particular passion for working with at-risk youth.

Through our Tumbelin Drug and Alcohol harm minimisation program, Roo inspires young people to challenge themselves in the great outdoors.

“I love it,” says Roo, “The activities help young people learn about honesty and vulnerability, and create the conditions required for them to grow and discover a sense of self.

When young people don’t have a sense of purpose or worth, that’s when there can be problems…but if they know who they are and can make and maintain meaningful and positive relationships in their life, then they’re at less risk. They have community around them and relationships to lean on in the tough times.”

Each year, Roo also mentors and trains other outdoor instructors to lead and facilitate outdoor recreation activities across remote South Australia and Victoria.

Baptist Care SA is currently looking for talented outdoor professionals to join Roo in our Adventure team. If you’re interested in learning more about these opportunities contact Ben Hopkins, M: 0412 036 667, bhopkins@baptistcaresa.org.au