Adventure Belongs to Everyone

Proud providers of Adaptive Outdoor Recreation and Adaptive Wilderness Expeditions.

Our Story

When the organization now known as Adaptive Adventures was founded in 2001, it started with a simple conviction: that the outdoors holds healing, community, and purpose for every person, regardless of ability. Our early days, under the banner of Community Recreational Initiatives Society (CRIS), focused on making local trails and lakes accessible for those facing physical, cognitive, intellectual or sensory challenges.

Over time, we recognized two distinct journeys emerging: the ones who want a meaningful, well‑supported recreational outing in the outdoors, and the ones whose dreams lie in the wild - emote, rugged, transformative. In response, we launched two specialized arms: Adaptive Outdoor Recreation (local, day‑based) and Adaptive Wilderness Expeditions (immersive, intense).

Today, Adaptive Adventures is the parent brand that holds both ensuring that one day on a trail can lead to one lifetime of possibilities.

Person in a wheelchair being helped into the water by two people at a lake, with mountains in the background.

  • To create an inclusive world free of barriers, where all people who face a barrier are able to experience the therapeutic benefits of outdoor recreation and sport.

  • To provide support to people with physical, cognitive, intellectual, and sensory challenges and disabilities by developing and implementing outdoor and wilderness recreation and sport programs in order to promote independence, assist with integration, reduce isolation and improve mental well-being of these individuals.

  • Organizational Goals

    • Fosters inclusion through participation

    • Promotes diversity

    • Promotes accessibility to outdoor activities in urban + wilderness parks + waterways.

    • Strengthens awareness of environmental protection and sustainability

    Goals for Clients

    • Increase self-confidence through improved physical and mental health.

    • Enhance personal growth and self-empowerment by overcoming perceived barriers or limitations.

    • Build self-esteem and self-respect through increased independence.

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Logo of the Central Okanagan Foundation with the tagline 'empowering generations to give.'
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British Columbia BC Parks logo with mountains and sun.

Our Board of Directors

  • A woman with curly black hair, wearing glasses, hoop earrings, multiple necklaces, and a white striped shirt, smiling.

    TROY BECKER, President

    Troy, founder of CRIS continues as our steadfast, level-headed leader and visionary. By observing what he does with his time you’ll soon see that Troy’s mountain man exterior is just camouflage for the big softy inside. His humanitarian nature shines through in his career as a Firefighter as well as in his volunteer roles. Once you experience a ‘Troy Hike’ that pushes your every limit, you may think that he is some sort of sadist… but when you conquer the mountain and witness the view from the summit, you will understand his motives and appreciate the grunt work that it takes to get there.

  • A man with curly dark hair, glasses, a beard and mustache, and a small nose ring, wearing a dark green sweater and a white shirt underneath, sitting indoors with a neutral background.

    CLAYTON MARCH, Vice President

    Clayton first came to us many years ago as a participant. Since then he has grown into a kind compassionate, well-spoken board member, advocate and young man. We are thankful to have him working with us and grateful that he is always willing and ready for ANY Adaptive Adventure. A true pioneer.

  • A woman with glasses and a purple jacket smiling while standing outdoors near a lake, holding a trekking stroller.

    KATIE JOHNSTON, Secretary

    Occupational Therapist, past Executive Director for Adaptive Adventures, past summer student and trip leader. Enjoys the outdoors and the impact on community programs. One of her favourite events SMA Camp.

  • A smiling man in a black puffy jacket standing outdoors near a lake, with mountains and trees in the background.

    RICK MILLER, General Board Member

    Bio to come.

  • ERIC RAMPONE , Vice President

    Auto Sales Associate. Past program coordinator, summer student, and trip leader. Adaptive Adventures was his launch into the wilderness. Eric’s most memorable experience was sleeping on his water bladder in a mountain tent on his first mountain expedition.

  • LYNDA BECKER , Treasurer

    Lynda has been a quiet and vital member since the inception of the organization. We are lucky enough to have this woman to make sure all things treasury related are dealt with in a timely and accurate fashion. On top of all of that she also assists on the adaptive winter activities.

  • JUSTIN STEWART, Secretary

    Born and raised in Kelowna, Justin is happiest when he’s outdoors. Whether that's camping under the stars, hiking new trails, fishing on the lake, or spending a day on the golf course.

    I also enjoy gardening and taking care of our outdoor spaces at home. I share life’s adventures with my partner Kristy, and our son, Calum.

Our Staff

  • A smiling woman with natural curly hair, wearing glasses, hoop earrings, and layered necklaces, dressed in a striped top, in an indoor setting.

    TIM ROPCHAN, Executive Director

    Tim brings a experience and passion to Adaptive Adventures. With an Honours Bachelor in Human Kinetics and leadership experience across non‑profits focused on health, wellness and inclusion, his career reflects one constant: helping people access what others assume they cannot. He’s served as Executive Director locally, and previously managed recreation and support programs across Canada and Australia. A competitive athlete and ultra‑runner, Tim knows firsthand that the limits we see are often the ones we set, and are the ones worth challenging.

    As Executive Director of Adaptive Adventures, he’s committed to advancing both our local, wellness‑centred Outdoor Recreation programs and our bold Wilderness Expeditions. When he’s not planning gear, trails or strategy, you’ll find him on the path with a race bib on back, wilderness ahead.

  • A man with curly dark hair, glasses, and a beard. He is wearing a black sweater and looking slightly to the side with a thoughtful expression. There is a blurred plant and a light-colored wall in the background.

    DANIELLE STALENHOEF, Director of Operations

    Danielle leads our operations with the precision of an athlete and the empathy of a coach. A former National Team field‑hockey player and kinesiology graduate, she now applies that high‑performance mindset to designing and refining programs, training guides and volunteers, and boosting inclusion across our offerings.

    When she isn’t orchestrating trails and gear, you’ll find her running, skiing or hiking with her son on her back.

  • A woman with glasses and wavy brown hair smiling outdoors in front of a lake and mountains, wearing an orange jacket and holding a portable radio.

    TINE FRADETTE, Outdoor Rec Manager

    Tine brings her global perspective and grassroots energy to our community programs. Raised in Germany and educated in Environmental Sciences. She has hiked, skied and climbed all over Europe. Since joining the team in 2022, she’s become the engine behind coordinating trips, building community and crafting memorable experiences.

    Off‑duty you’ll find Tine baking treats for the team, climbing rocks, kayaking lakes or tackling her next DIY project.

  • A woman smiling with a dog in a grassy field near a lake with mountains in the background.

    LAURA MCEWAN, Adaptive Wilderness Expeditions Manager

    Laura dreams big for everyone. A Recreation Therapist and outdoor enthusiast, she spent over 15 years in BC, carrying her small-town Ontario roots into wilderness dreams. With experience in health care and person-centred therapy, she turns “what if” into real climbs, paddles, and remote adventures.

    When she’s not planning our next AWEsome expedition, you’ll find her hiking, biking, skiing, or camping with her husband, two kids, and her dog Luna - the team’s honorary member.

  • A man smiling and working on a piece of equipment outdoors near a lake with mountains in the background, using tools from a blue toolbox.

    ROB BRAUN , Equipment & Maintenance Coordinator

    Rob is the silent force behind every safe outing. With a toolkit for adaptive gear and a knack for problem‑solving, he ensures every trail‑rider, sit‑ski and adaptive paddle works without worry. He also trains new staff, shares on‑the‑trail wisdom and keeps the mood high.

    Rob is as committed to the journey as any participant, and his energy makes sure we’re all ready when we hit “go.”

  • A smiling young woman in outdoor gear holding a camera stands near a body of water with mountains and pine trees in the background.

    BRYN WALSH, Social Media & Marketing

    Bryn brings creativity and connection to Adaptive Adventure’s stories as our Social Media and Marketing lead. A former varsity pole vaulter and sprinter for the University of Toronto, she grew up in Nelson, BC, surrounded by mountains that inspired a lifelong love of skiing, hiking, and climbing.

    With a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology and Physical Education and current studies in Clinical Counselling Psychology, she’s passionate about storytelling that captures inspiring moments and makes the outdoors accessible for everyone. You’ll find her behind the camera, sharing stories online, and out leading trips in the wild places she loves most.

  • NICOLE CHIRKOFF, Resource Development Coordinator

    Meet Nicole Chirkoff, our Resource Development Coordinator with a flair for adventure and a heart rooted in the Okanagan Valley. Her love for the outdoors started as a teen in an outdoor education class, where she experienced the BC backcountry for the first time. Discovering rock climbing, glacier travel, and ocean kayaking were incredibly exhilarating experiences, ones that set her on a mission to ensure everyone has the opportunity to bask in the glory of the Canadian backcountry. Armed with a degree in International Relations and Immigration Law, Nicole blends her knack for navigating complex systems with an infectious passion for nature. She’s all about breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for unforgettable outdoor experiences.

    Nicole is learning to sail, dreaming of charting a course for the perfect backcountry ski spots.

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