Testimonies

Here is what Exodus clients have to say…

 

November 2009

To Whom it May Concern,

Earlier this year I had the pleasure of working with Glen “Dingo� Camps. We were planning a 4 day white water canoeing trip down the Nymboida River between Buccurumbi and Jackadgery for a group of 12 of our Yr 11 students. Dingo was recommended to us (by the Nymboida Canoe Centre) as a local guide that would be good to work with. We found this to be the case in the lead up to camp.

Once camp started however, Dingo’s true talents shone through. Not only did Dingo prove himself to be very knowledgeable and experienced in terms of the section of river we were paddling, but he was also very willing to adapt his leadership style to suit the needs of our program. This can be quite challenging for some staff as we like to hand responsibility for aspects of the camp over to our students.

Dingo got on very well with our students and staff, he efficiently organised portaging of our boats around the Grade 4 sections, and he provided lots of interesting local information about the river, as well as interesting and challenging opportunities for our students when they weren’t negotiating rapids. He also competently demonstrated his rescue skills when 2 of our students managed to wrap their canoe around a rock in a rapid called “Tombstone�.

In summary, I enjoyed my time on the river with Dingo. I feel he did a great job of guiding our students down the river and even managed to find some time to help me work on my kayaking skills. I would have no hesitation in recommending him for similar work, and am happy to discuss any of these details further if required.

Kind regards,

Simon Roberts

 

Outdoor Education Teacher

Hillbrook Anglican School

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May 2008

To Whom It May Concern:

It is with great privilege that I write to you in recommendation of Exodus programs. I have known and worked along side Exodus‚s staff members for 2 years. During this time, Exodus has demonstrated its dedication and determination in working with young people at risk through wilderness adventure therapy programs.

As a teacher and school counsellor at Blue Hills College in Lismore, Exodus was employed to assist in the colleges attempt to stop bullying issues within the school environment. Exodus staff were able to work along side Blue Hills College staff in dealing with bullying through the use of adventure therapy.

The program used was specifically developed and tailored by Exodus in order to address identified bullying and underlying issues associated with bullying as outlined by the college. The program consisted of a three-day camp, which included therapeutic workbooks in conjunction with recreational activities.

At the conclusion of the camp it was evident that the program delivered by Exodus was very successful. Blue Hills College received positive feedback from both parents and teachers. This was also evident in individual counselling sessions with certain students that some had gained in self-confidence and self-awareness, while others had a better understanding in victim empathy and consequential thinking.

Exodus has my highest recommendation, and I am happy to furnish more details if you would like additional information.

Sincerely,

David Hobson, Principle

Robyn Brown, English / Visual Arts Teacher and School Counsellor

Blue Hills College

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May 2008

To Whom It May Concern:

I first became aware of the Exodus program through an acquaintance who organised a canoeing weekend on the Nymboida River.

From the outset I was impressed with both Glen and Renaes extremely friendly dispositions as they interacted with a range of different personalities and age groups, albeit within a small group of 12 people.

Over the course of the weekend I was even more impressed by some of the initiatives they spoke about that they had organised and were involved with, mainly their work with socially underprivileged children. Their aim in this respect was not only to promote an awareness and appreciation of nature but also to nurture other life skills such as positive social interaction, team building and survival skills.

In their dealings with my group they behaved in a very professional manner, constantly assessing each person‚s ability to cope with a particular situation, offering assistance and tuition, whilst observing safety as the number one priority.

As a consequence I found the weekend to be highly enjoyable, equating to a great opportunity to work as a team under their expertise.

I feel that Exodus is a highly worthwhile organisation that merits financial support, not only to sustain its current work but also to expand this remit.

Furthermore I would like to wish Glen and Renae well in their future undertakings and hope that their enthusiasm and dedication is recognised and supported financially to the ultimate benefit of the community and the environment.

In the event of further queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards

Libby O’Loughlin, Pharmacist

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June, 2008

To Whom It May Concern,

I take great pleasure in writing to you to recommend the organisation Exodus for the fantastic work that they carry out.

Over the past four years I have had the opportunity to cross paths with various members of the Exodus organisation, and at each occasion I have been impressed by their passion and dedication in providing safe, life-changing experiences in the out-doors. These people are committed to ensuring that every individual is given the opportunity to be challenged to achieve their best. Their programs put young people into positions where they are not distracted by all the electronics of today’s environment. It is here that young people are given the opportunity to be challenged to grow and develop; given the opportunity to re-assess where they are at; and be given the option to move forward making positive decisions.

On a number of occasions our Club has had the privilege to be taken on various activities by the Exodus Team. On every occasion young peoples lives have been changed for the good.

As a fairly large club safety is always a primary concern. Whilst we endeavour to stretch our young charges views on life it is always done in a safe environment. As a Club we have no hesitation in entrusting the Exodus Team with providing our young people with these challenges. We have always found them to be stringent with safety.

They are constantly revising and modifying their programs to ensure that the best safety measures are in place. They take their work seriously. Even though some of the Team have been involved with running these activities for many, many years they are still expected to ensure that they are qualified to operate their various activities.

Without the Exodus Team providing the services that they do – our Club would suffer enormously. We certainly wouldn’t be able to provide some of the exciting challenges that we currently do.

One of the great benefits of the work that Exodus does is that it has challenged a number of our Club to get involved in the organisation so that their work can not only carry on – but be expanded.

From the above you can see that I can only highly recommend the Exodus Team, their programs and their ministries.

Yours Sincerely

Dwane Hedges

Director

Murwillumbah Pathfinder Club