It has been 10 years since I created this group.
These are my key reflections from the past 10 years:
- I co-founded and ran an outdoor adventure based training company and experienced the many challenges facing a business owner in this industry.
- Somewhat surprisingly, I discovered I still very much enjoyed the thrill of being outdoors - even if it was for work, and in a place not exactly known for its vast natural environment.
- I never tired of seeing the thrill clients had when experiencing and accomplising a new adventure challenge - be it on a high ropes course, in an artificial cave, scrambling in a river or abseiling down a waterfall.
- When the opportunity allowed, I continued to offer my services as an Associate Lecturer at Republic Polytechnic's Diploma in Outdoor and Adventure Learning. I loved interacting with future practitioners, learning about their aspirations and fears as they prepared to exit the shelter of school life.
- I had the opportunity to serve in the newly-established Outdoor Learning and Adventure Education Association. It was a valuable learning experience interacting with fellow business owners and practitioners and was the first time I really felt that a voice was being created and could be heard.
- Several doors were opened to me in the immediate past 2+ years that made me immensely gratified that others had confidence and belief in my abilities as a practitioner.
As I read back on the origins of this group, I am painfully aware that much remains to be done for our industry. However, I know I am not a miracle worker, and I am but one person. Nonetheless, I take comfort that there have been positive developments.
I remember writing "...it took the Americans and Australians almost two decades to achieve [progress]"; it has been 10 years, who knows what can materialise in another decade?
Looking back, I choose not to think of regrets; rather, it was a chapter of my life that was filled with richness and brought into greater clarity what I believe is my reason for being on this planet.
As I commence a full-time career at Republic Polytechnic as Senior Lecturer, I continue to be guided by all I encounter in my ongoing journey to pursue and yes, deliver meaning in the coming years.
I ended the original Group description with:
One day, the words 'Vendor' or 'Service Provider' will disappear from our collective lexicon, to be replaced with pride by 'Practitioner' and all that it connotes.
Perhaps that day will come sooner than later.
Thanks for reading, I hope you will continue to support this Group!
Gene
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