Gavin Bensemann, Douron Miedema and Stacey Hilditch, who between them have over 40 years experience in outdoor adventure pursuits, form the backbone of this company. All three are instructors for the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council and within this organisation they have gained the knowledge and experience to safely facilitate outdoor activities for all ages. The company employs only the best and most suitable people for the job - safety is the number one priority. It is Adventurous Mind’s belief that learning to face challenges is character forming and will give children great experiences that stay for life.
Douron (Doe) Miedema
Qualified as a Mountain Safety Instructor in Bush and Abseil, Doe has worked in the outdoors for 15 years with children both in the USA and here in NZ. The only rival for his passion with working in the outdoors would be fly fishing for trout (or attempting to, as Gav would say!). A keen back-country adventurer and still a kid at heart, Doe’s commitment to outdoor education - for all ages - is second to none. Doe founded Adventurous Minds NZ with the assistance of pal Gav, who you meet next….
Gavin (Gav) Bensemann
Gav has 15 years of outdoor experience, including running camps and creating chaos in both USA and NZ. Qualified in Bush and Abseil, Gav is known for his ability to “read” kids and can relate to all people at their level. While Gav draws a mean cartoon, his favourite past-time is also chasing fish, both surfcasting and trout fishing. His best catch so far (according to Gav) is Stacey …
Stacey (Stace) Hilditch 
Qualified in Environmental Science, Stacey dreams of one day saving the world – presently, one person at a time! Stacey is also an active bush instructor with Mountain Safety Council, with 10 years personal experience hiking and climbing in the outdoors. Stacey has spent much time on the road as a tour guide, and in doing so has acquired an intimate knowledge of New Zealand and how to get a group around it in one piece. Kids love her, probably because she is the same height, but we like to believe that it is her passion for the environment that draws kids like a magnet …
Pam (Camp Mum) Miedema 
As a teacher at Otumoetai Intermediate for 100 years, Pam has an affinity for children and recognizes the importance of education outside of the classroom. As our Education Officer, Pam is a pro when it comes to organizing and running camps, and enjoys making camp a home away from home. A week at camp with Pam will ensure a slightly larger, happier stomach and a mind stimulated with a multitude of facts about the wonderful world in which we live …
Saskia (Sis) Dean
As our Administration Officer, Saskia masterminds the organization of Adventurous Minds. When not teaching pre-schoolers the way of the world at St Mary’s Childcare Centre, Saskia assists us where needed – at camp or behind the scenes. Saskia is known fondly as “Nana” due to her enjoyment of knitting and taking wee “Nana-naps” in the afternoon. …
WANTED OUTDOOR INSTRUCTORS!!
Are you an ADVENTURER experienced in working with youth in the outdoors? Are you qualified in Outdoor First Aid and Risk Management? Passionate about the outdoors and experienced in group management?
We are looking for casual, part-time Outdoor Instructors, as well as a qualified and experienced Senior Instructor / Camp Director.
If this sounds interesting to you, please email us for further information;
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or send your CV and availability to PO Box 9420, Greerton 3142, Tauranga.
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