Ben grew up in central Ohio where rolling fields of corn and soybeans met creeks and ponds nestled amongst tall stands of hardwood trees. A place where all four seasons staked their claim offering their delights and challenges. While hunting and fishing, attending summer camp and playing soccer, he has always felt the most at home with the earth directly underfoot. Ben first attended summer camp at the age of seven and has been involved with a camp program in one fashion or another ever since. The friendships made over the years at summer camp have evolved into family to him. That is especially true in one case specifically, as Ben met his wife Linsey when they were summer camp counselors together at Camp Nuhop over a decade ago.
While completing an A.S. in Ecotourism and Adventure travel at Hocking College and a B.A in Environmental Education at Prescott College, Ben discovered two of his greatest passions; locally grown food and facilitating meaningful outdoor experiences for others. This self actualization was the launch pad for a career working a myriad of jobs across the country as an environmental education instructor, whitewater rafting guide, high ropes instructor. ski instructor, farmer, and camp director.
Ben was drawn to Hidden Villa by their commitment to sustainability and implementation of regenerative farming practices while simultaneously providing unforgettable and meaningful experiences for visitors, participants, students and campers. Spending some time visiting with the animals each day is favorite routine and hearing the valley filled with laughter and excitement of children makes him feel like he is right where he belongs. Ben is looking forward to setting roots with his family and seeing them grow alongside all the other living things here on the farm! A few good reads are Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv and The Good Good Pig by Cy Montgomery.