There are lots of gifts you can give people. As a teacher I think one of the greatest gifts you ever get is to see students excel as a consequence of something you helped orchestrate. I want to take a moment to do two things.

First I wish to congratulate the group for what were and remain, an outstanding set of blogs. I have a busy job, but you guys sucked me right in! It was fun reading all you posted. I didn’t comment on all, simply from lack of time, but every single post impacted upon me. You made me think, hard sometimes! You made me smile, often. Sometimes you made my eyes moist. Mostly, you showed yourselves to be excellent ambassadors for the university, Australia and outdoor education. You were prepared to think about possibilities. You showed how a changed context, in this case a different country and openness to experiences, can elicit deep thinking, clear visions and profound dreams; and that’s real learning. Well done team.

Second, I’d like to raise one simple point. This changed context was itself very well planned. Heather and Geoff have committed phenomenal creativity, professionalism, energy and time to this project extending from the first conception of the grant application so many months ago. By now you are probably all completely exhausted, but pause just for a bit and join me in saying a heartfelt thank-you to two of the best and most committed outdoor educators you can work with. The Singapore trip isn’t conventional OE! That meant everything had to be developed from the ground up.

You have all demonstrated how great education happens when good people come together with shared passion and openness to learn. Great stuff team, I’m proud to be associated with you.

Finally, the hardest part remains – keeping your integrity and tolerance in that long return home while you are tired. Keep smiling.