Message to Parents

"I am overwhelmed at the change in our daughter through her letters to us as she tackled and endured the course. It came at a unique point in her life and it was critical for her to realize who she is and how she can contribute to herself and others, her letters expressed this in many ways and showed us that she looked deep inside herself. It has truly been an experience for her and we are grateful that an organization such as yours exists and is able to instill in the youth of today true values and self-commitment to oneself and others."

When educator Kurt Hahn founded Outward Bound in 1941 to help young merchant sailors deal with the stresses of World War II, he attributed the success of the program to students' innate yearning to uncover latent physical, spiritual and moral strengths - strengths Hahn saw as central to survival not only in wartime but in all aspects of a complex modern society. More than 60 years later, Hahn’s educational philosophy and approach to experiential education is applicable to teenagers and young adults as they face the uncertainties and pressures of a rapidly changing political climate, increasing peer pressure and highly competitive academic programs.

Outward Bound, the nation’s leading adventure-education organization, provides teenagers and young adults experiences that strengthen their self-confidence; give them resources to confront life’s challenges; and help them tap into their potential as individuals, leaders and responsible members of society. This summer, teenagers can choose from more than two dozen one- to three-week-long wilderness courses with backpacking, rock climbing, sea kayaking, mountain biking or whitewater paddling.

Current Outward Bound courses incorporate the curriculum model Hahn developed during World War II when German U-boats were sinking British merchant ships and many sailors were dying as they waited to be rescued from the rough and frigid waters. Hahn set out to uncover the answer to this question: Why were the older, more seasoned sailors surviving at a rate much higher than the younger and presumably more fit sailors?

Hahn identified the problem as a lack of confidence rather than any shortage of skill or equipment. He recognized that the younger sailors had not yet developed an understanding of their own physical, emotional and psychological resources. The older men were able to draw on their life experiences and inner resources to survive the hardships presented to them.

To address this problem, Hahn provided students with a series of progressively challenging opportunities for success. Through achievement, they discovered that they possessed "far more then they knew."

Today, Outward Bound programs allow teenagers to challenge themselves in a safe environment while encouraging them to look inward for personal strength and to define their own personal perspectives. Through fun and challenging wilderness experiences, Outward Bound gives teens a chance to connect with themselves, with their crewmates and with nature while introducing them to 10 core principles.

At the beginning of an Outward Bound course, instructors teach students essential technical outdoor and first-aid skills. Through Outward Bound’s method of hands-on learning, students quickly learn to evaluate risk, communicate with each other and work as a team when making decisions. Group discussions are incorporated into the course schedule allowing students a chance to explore a variety of issues and topics relating to their daily lives and the world around them. Every course also includes a solo component, one to three days alone to reflect on accomplishments and setbacks as well as exploring personal goals and beliefs away from the regular distractions of cell phones, television, computers, etc.

"Outdoor adventure education programs make an immediate impact in the lives of participants," said Dr. Marni Goldenberg, a professor at Green Mountain College and an Outward Bound instructor who researched the outcomes of a wilderness experience in 2002 using surveys of Outward Bound participants.

"When asked what values they gained from their participation in an Outward Bound Course," Goldenberg said, "teenagers most often cited transference. The idea that they could take their new knowledge and use it outside of Outward Bound - whether that’s newfound fitness, leadership, teamwork or outdoor skills."

Alumna Ellen Stanley said even though several years have passed since her Outward Bound course she still draws from the experience to address life’s challenges.

"I would say that Outward Bound has helped me with the challenges I face by letting me use my leadership skills that I developed on the course and using the core values in my everyday life," Stanley said, noting that she tries to live with quality and compassion toward others as well as maintaining a commitment to service and physical fitness.

Eighteen-year-old Ashley Wells, a 2000 Outward Bound alumna, said her Outward Bound experience is helping her make decisions about what to do in the next phase of her life.

"Outward Bound helped me to recognize that dreams can be a reality and that if I live with the drive to make them come true, they will," Wells said. "My Outward Bound course was one of the first dreams I was able to grasp, and it absolutely has not been the last. It is hard for me to imagine what life would be like if I hadn't taken that course three years ago, but I would not be where I am now, and I know I wouldn’t be so happy."

Student safety is our number one priority. We train students in the skills, responsibilities and judgment necessary for safe wilderness travel. Instructors closely supervise students until they demonstrate the proficiency and confidence required for greater self-reliance. The process of students taking responsibility and learning to assess risk is an integral part of Outward Bound.

Every student is a full participant on an Outward Bound course and is integral to the overall experience and success of his/her group. Students are expected to demonstrate their commitment with their honest best effort throughout the course.

This begins with the application process. Each applicant must meet our standards for physical, emotional and medical guidelines. Willing participation and motivation are essential to success on an Outward Bound course. We have found that students who are coerced to attend rarely succeed in completing a course or in realizing its benefits.

Also, Outward Bound is not a survival school or a training ground to be on a reality-based tv show like "Survivor." The intention of Outward Bound is to provide a positive wilderness experience and is not a substitute for therapy or counseling.

A clear head and fast reactions are essential to safety and the success of each course. There will be no use of tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs on any course. Violation of this policy is grounds for immediate dismissal.

All students shall maintain a fundamental respect for the rights and dignity of others. Respect and courtesy will be emphasized at every opportunity.