I wanted to send a note of appreciation after our stay at Kibbutz Lotan. This expression of mere gratitude is quite inadequate when I reflect on the on the overall sense of personal enrichment my daughter and I experienced during our two week stay. So, where to begin? The Green Apprenticeship Program provided techniques and hands on experience which conveyed solutions to key issues facing the world in regard to sustainable solutions for food production and impacts on resources and environment but also connected us to knowledge that feels more rediscovered than learned; ideas and simplicity which marry the land with the stewards of the land. In this way students are not just inspired but also ‘re-connected’ with the earth. The lessons and hands-on experiences are not focused on dire warnings but instead employ a constructive, there is an answer, focus. It seems easy to take an academic shortcut and nurture the fieriness of youth without providing the well-rounded knowledge that is really needed to find real world solutions. The experts that imparted their skills constantly kept the discussions grounded on solutions that solve issues and are viable. “Show me the science” to claims about impending doom or demonized practices was a common occurrence. Point being, Kibbutz Lotan is about empowerment with skills and a methodology that allows graduates to “light a candle rather than curse the darkness”. My career spans building incredible once in a lifetime experiences with a travel company balanced with a decade within higher education focused on delivering learning outcomes. Kibbutz Lotan has created both a “wow” and an “I’m ready” program and again I thank them for allowing us to experience it. I’d recommend the Green Apprenticeship program to anyone who wants to immerse themselves into permaculture or actual environmental design practices. Students should be ready to leave with much more, including a sense of what it means to be part of the community and applying a methodology along with skills. All this occurs within the backdrop of the Israeli dessert, turned oasis, through a team of dedicated, passionate experts who walk the walk.