
What is Outward Bound?
- Outward Bound Who we are / What is Outward Bound? An Outward Bound program is about bringing out the best of every individual. The power and intensity of learning and adventure in the outdoors creates positive experiences and memories that have a lasting impact.
What programs are offered through Outward Bound?
The most common program and course offerings from Outward Bound include: Each of the programs offered through this wilderness education center target a specific individual or group. Those who seek Outward Bound may be struggling with addiction or looking for ways to empower themselves and develop tools to deal with life’s challenges.
Are Outward Bound programs effective for treating addiction?
Many individuals prefer participating in an alternative rehab program rather than a traditional one. Outward Bound programs combine outdoor exploration and survival skills and turn it into a successful approach to treating addiction.
What is the history of Outward Bound school?
The first Outward Bound school was opened in Aberdovey, Wales in 1941 by Kurt Hahn and Lawrence Holt with the support of the Blue Funnel Line. Outward Bound grew out of Hahn's work in the development of the Gordonstoun school and what is now known as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

What does Outward Bound do?
Outward Bound, founded by educator Kurt Hahn, is a non-profit educational organization that serves people of all ages and backgrounds through challenging learning expeditions that inspire strength of character, leadership and service to others, both in and out of the classroom.
Is Outward Bound a good program?
Outward Bound is accredited with the American Gap Association and is the longest running program in this elite group dedicated to providing safe, meaningful and high-caliber educational experiences to students.
What age is Outward Bound for?
Applicants must be rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors aged 14-18.
Who goes to Outward Bound?
Outward Bound is proud to offer fully funded 5-7 day wilderness courses to veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Fully funded by generous donors, Outward Bound for Veterans helps thousands of returning service members and military veterans readjust to life at home through the healing power of the wilderness.
Is Outward Bound good for kids?
Sending your child on an Outward Bound course will build their self-confidence as they take on responsibility in the outdoors. They will return home with lifelong skills, friendships and memories that will set them up to succeed for years to come.
What is the difference between NOLS and Outward Bound?
At NOLS we do the student expedition. Students travel as a team for 3-5 days utilizing the leadership and wilderness skills they've developed. At Outward Bound wilderness they do the solo. Students spend time alone (in a controlled environment) to reflect on the experience they have had and prepare for transference.
Is Outward Bound a school?
Outward Bound is the leading provider of experiential and outdoor education programs for youth and adults. Regardless of who you are or where you are from, there is an Outward Bound course at an Outward Bound School that is right for you.
How long is Outward Bound?
Outward Bound expeditions range in length from one week to 12 weeks. Everyone should have access to life-changing Outward Bound wilderness experiences, and for that reason we accommodate a variety of schedules, skill levels and time commitments.
Is Outward Bound still a thing?
With 10 schools across the country, Outward Bound offers challenging learning expeditions in remote wilderness settings and shorter courses closer to home.
Is Outward Bound overnight?
Students can now resume overnight stays at Outward Bound Singapore camps. Secondary 3 students who sign up for Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) programmes can now stay the night at camps for the first time in two years.
What does NOLS stand for?
National Outdoor Leadership School1965. The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) is founded in Lander, Wyoming by legendary mountaineer Paul Petzoldt.
Is Outward Bound life changing?
An Outward Bound program is an immersive, life changing experience that is carefully designed to take participants out of their familiar comfort zones and into an area of growth.
Is Outward Bound still a thing?
With 10 schools across the country, Outward Bound offers challenging learning expeditions in remote wilderness settings and shorter courses closer to home.
Are NOLS courses worth it?
Taking the NOLS wilderness first aid class is one of the best investments you can make. It'll take a weekend of your time, and in return you'll learn how to potentially save lives in the wilderness. You can take the class at most REI locations.
How long is Outward Bound?
Outward Bound expeditions range in length from one week to 12 weeks. Everyone should have access to life-changing Outward Bound wilderness experiences, and for that reason we accommodate a variety of schedules, skill levels and time commitments.
Does Outward Bound still exist?
Since 1941, Outward Bound has served millions of international participants with authentic and challenging adventures in the outdoors.
What are outward bound courses?
Outward Bound semester courses are the ideal alternative for college-age students looking for something beyond the traditional classroom environment and for those who want to learn by doing. No other Outward Bound experience is as in-depth, absorbing or comprehensive as our wilderness semester courses. Semester courses span the globe - across domestic and international locales including Colorado, Utah, California, Minnesota, Maine, North Carolina, Florida, Washington, Oregon, Canada, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Brazil, Patagonia and Guatemala. These 30-day to 85-day courses are unique opportunities to gain real wilderness skills and develop skills in decision making, problem solving, leadership and teamwork. With activities as varied as the world we inhabit, students raft, sail, rock climb, dog sled, kayak, hike and push forward with a team as they form bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime.
What is an outward bound professional?
Outward Bound Professional has adapted acclaimed wilderness teaching methods to serve corporate teams who are intentional about the culture they develop, exhibit, and reward. By tackling challenging scenarios that require problem solving, decision making, effective communication, and positive risk taking, colleagues develop trust and organizations learn to adapt, grow and succeed. Learn more about Outward Bound for the Professional.
How long is an outward bound expedition?
The impact of an Outward Bound experience—whether it’s a half-day program or a 30-day expedition—lasts a lifetime. A national network of Outward Bound Alumni are returning home empowered to create positive change in their communities, and lead lives of purpose and compassion. Join the Alumni community.
What is an outward bound family expedition?
On Classic Family expeditions, the main goal is to provide families (in parent/guardian and child pairs) with the opportunity to experience an Outward Bound expedition together as a unit. Family participants learn by doing. As the group works together to accomplish common, challenging goals, they learn about the natural and human history of the land, they acquire valuable outdoor and safety skills, and also learn much about themselves. Throughout the expedition, Instructors facilitate discussions about family dynamics, family values, traditions and priorities, and strategies to bring Outward Bound values and design principles into the home. Classic Family expeditions are also about fun. This is a unique opportunity – and a designated time and space – for families to enjoy each other and the wilderness around them.
What is an outdoor educator?
Outdoor Educator expeditions provide participants with the skills they will need to successfully and safely lead a group of students in a wilderness setting. Every phase of the expedition is focused on learning about wilderness education through direct experience and reflection. As participants strive to become a high-functioning group able to communicate effectively, make decisions and take on challenges, they also analyze teamwork and learn how to facilitate and foster it. Experienced Outward Bound Instructors conduct seminars and discussions about how to teach skills and manage a wilderness experience to achieve specific goals. In preparation to lead their own courses, participants earn their Wilderness First Responder certification and practice risk management, in a variety of settings and situations, throughout the expedition.
What is a classic expedition?
Classic Expeditions: Classic extended wilderness expeditions take students into pristine wilderness environments and help individuals discover strengths they didn’t know they had. An essential confidence-building experience, Classic courses are available year-round at locations across the country and for students of all ages. ...
What is an intercept expedition?
Intercept Expeditions are specifically designed for families with teens struggling at home or in school. This highly structured and facilitated program removes students from the pressures and influences of home and school, and instead presents them with the healthy risks and real challenges of the natural world. Intercept courses focus on communication, conflict resolution and decision making tools. Students learn to examine the decisions that they have been making in their lives, and practice new ways of setting goals and connecting decisions with consequences. A carefully designed curriculum prepares students to reunite with their families, reengage in their home lives in a meaningful way, and transfer their successes at Outward Bound to the challenges they will face in the future. The expedition culminates with a facilitated conversation between the students and their families, during which students share key takeaways and collaborate with their families to make a plan for the future.
What is the purpose of Outward Bound?
Its aim is to foster the personal growth and social skills of participants by using challenging expeditions in the outdoors.
What is an outward bound organization?
For other uses, see Outward Bound (disambiguation). Outward Bound ( OB) is an international network of outdoor education organizations that was founded in the United Kingdom by Lawrence Holt and Kurt Hahn in 1941.
How many people attended Outward Bound courses in 2010?
Over the course of a summer in 2010, 7–8,000 students attended courses at the Aberdyfi centre and more than a million young people have attended Outward Bound courses in the UK since 1941.
Why is Outward Bound important?
Since its founding in the middle of the last century, Outward Bound has encouraged individuals to test their physical and emotional limits in challenging outdoor adventure programs. The experiences are a means of building inner strength and a heightened awareness of human interdependence.
What is the OB logo?
Outward Bound Compass Rose Logo. Outward Bound ( OB) is an international network of outdoor education organizations that was founded in the United Kingdom by Lawrence Holt and Kurt Hahn in 1941. Today there are organizations, called schools, in over 35 countries which are attended by more than 150,000 people each year.
What is the Outward Bound Trust?
The Outward Bound Trust is an educational charity established in 1946 to operate the schools in the United Kingdom. Separate organizations operate the schools in each of the other countries in which Outward Bound operates. Outward Bound helped to shape the U.S. Peace Corps and numerous other outdoor adventure programs.
Where was the first outward bound school?
The first Outward Bound school was opened in Aberdyfi, Wales in 1941 by Lawrence Holt and Kurt Hahn with financial support from the Blue Funnel Line shipping company. The name Outward Bound was derived from the nautical term for a ship leaving safe harbour for the open sea. Outward Bound grew out of Hahn's work in the development of the Gordonstoun school and what is now known as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Outward Bound's founding mission was to improve the survival chances of young seamen after their ships were torpedoed in the mid-Atlantic.
What is Outward Bound curriculum?
Outward Bound’s internationally acclaimed curriculum approaches teambuilding and leadership development through experiential learning and for over 70 years, we have inspired character and group development through wilderness learning expeditions.
Why is Outward Bound Professional important?
Whether your organization is facing specific challenges, looking to create and deepen relationships, or is simply ready to improve its performance, Outward Bound Professional helps individuals see and achieve their potential as a team.
What is outward bound school?
Outward Bound is an international, non-profit outdoor education program that assists students in learning outdoor skills to achieve personal growth. The first school opened in 1941 in England (Kurt Hahn and Lawrence Holt) and now has 40 different “Schools” around the world. The 15 U.S. programs run independently but collaborate on admissions ...
What does it mean when a student cannot operate in a group?
Students who cannot operate in a group have difficulty gaining the skills and perspective we hope for them to achieve. This makes sense. There are wilderness therapy programs or specific groups within with therapy programs that specialize with students on the spectrum or limited social skills.
Can you do an outward bound course?
Almost anyone can complete a classic Outward Bound course, of any length. It helps if individuals are more fit and have the right expectations going into it. Train the body and train the mind, and you’re good to go! Still, most teenagers and young adults don’t train. Classic courses have no specific requirements.
Is outward bound a one on one therapy?
We can admit them and work with them to the best of our ability, but Outward Bound is, by necessity, a group experience. It’s not one-on-one therapy. The quality of the time here is directly proportionate to the group’s failure and ultimate success. Students who cannot operate in a group have difficulty gaining the skills and perspective we hope for them to achieve.
Is Voyageur Outward Bound School wilderness therapy?
While offering courses to families, veterans, teens and young adults, Voyageur Outward Bound School also offers a program called Intercept Expeditions that can be an intervention for the right kiddo, 14-17, who is struggling. It is not a wilderness therapy program. This interview will help to clarify what type of student Outward Bound accepts ...
What is outward bound education?
Outward Bound is a company which developed an alternative experience program based on outdoor education. It teaches a range of courses focused on survival skills, outdoor education, and life lessons.
What Is Outward Bound?
Outward Bound is a company which developed an alternative experience program based on outdoor education. It teaches a range of courses focused on survival skills, outdoor education, and life lessons.
Who Will Benefit From Wilderness Therapy?
Each individual’s substance abuse issues and recovery needs are different. For this reason, some people respond to alternative treatments, such as wilderness therapy, better than more traditional rehab approaches.
What is addiction resource?
Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.
What is the best way to make sure the potential participant’s needs match the program that they sign up for?
Speaking with a program coordinator is the best way to make sure the potential participant’s needs match the program that they sign up for.
Is addiction resource content medically reviewed?
All Addiction Resource content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
Can you pay for addiction treatment through outward bound?
Fortunately, there are options for individuals and their family members to pay for addiction treatment through alternative programs like Outward Bound with financial assistance or scholarships.
What does "outward bound" mean?
The phrase “Outward Bound” derives from the nautical term that described a ship that was soon to depart the comfort of home port, bound for the uncertainty of the open sea. It was a signal to the sailors that it was time to return to ship.
What is the future of outward bound?
The future of Outward Bound internationally looks very promising. New schools opening in developing countries create new challenges for fulfilling the mission of Outward Bound in different cultures. Each country is learning how to adapt the practices and philosophy of Outward Bound to their local needs.
What are the four pillars of the Moray badge?
The four key elements to achieving the County Badge have been embraced by Outward Bound and are referred to as the “Four Pillars”. These Pillars are physical fitness; an expedition that provides challenge and adventure; a project that develops self-reliance and self-discipline; and finally a sense of compassion through service.
Why was the school called Outward Bound?
The school, later named Outward Bound, was ready in time and would serve the needs of merchant marine cadets and be open to the youth of a nation at war. Holt clearly saw the value of character training and its utility to his untested young merchant mariners. He knew that the small boat handling skills these young men would acquire could one day mean the difference between life and death in survival situations at sea. He also understood that Britain was at a crossroads, and that her youth needed to be better prepared for an uncertain future. Kurt Hahn credited Holt with choosing “Outward Bound” as the name of the new school. The phrase “Outward Bound” derives from the nautical term that described a ship that was soon to depart the comfort of home port, bound for the uncertainty of the open sea. It was a signal to the sailors that it was time to return to ship.
What are some of the adaptations of Outward Bound?
The result is a larger tapestry of ideas and course types that seek to fulfill the core values of Outward Bound and adapt for the times. Art, theater, contemporary adventure activities, language skills courses, and courses for young children are just some of the adaptations that Outward Bound has been developing internationally.
When did Outward Bound start?
The birth of today’s Outward Bound began humbly with the opening of Gordonstoun school in Scotland in the 1930’s with only two students.
Who was the founder of the 28 day course?
He often said that Laurence Holt was the founder. Hahn will, and should, be better remembered as the “moving spirit”.
What is an outward bound program?
Outward Bound programs combine outdoor exploration and survival skills and turn it into a successful approach to treating addiction.
Is Outward Bound geared for drug treatment?
Though Outward Bound is not geared specifically for drug treatment, courses can provide a healing, accepting environment that many people need in recovering from adverse situations. People who are experiencing overwhelming grief may benefit from a course which lets them experience the outdoors in an adventurous way, be active, and build self-confidence. Similarly, people who have experienced substance abuse, or who are even in danger of heading in that direction, may benefit wholly from alternatives or positive accompaniments to treatment.
Do you have to undergo a detox before enrolling in Outward Bound?
If a person has a severe concern of addiction, they may have to undergo a medical detox prior to enrolling, as Outward Bound may be best geared to serve those who are presently concerned with more minor forms of substance abuse and are looking to instill preventive measures.

Overview
History
The first Outward Bound school was opened in Aberdyfi, Wales in 1941 by Lawrence Holt and Kurt Hahn with financial support from the Blue Funnel Line shipping company. The name Outward Bound was derived from the nautical term for a ship leaving safe harbour for the open sea. Outward Bound grew out of Hahn's work in the development of the Gordonstoun school and what is now known as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Outward Bound's founding mission was to impr…
Blue Peter nautical flag
The name Outward Bound derives from a nautical expression that refers to the moment a ship leaves the harbour. This is signified by Outward Bound's use of the nautical flag, the Blue Peter (a white square inside a blue square). JF Fuller adapted the Outward Bound motto, "To Serve, To Strive and not To Yield," from the poem "Ulysses" by Alfred Lord Tennyson:
Current
Since its founding in the middle of the last century, Outward Bound has encouraged individuals to test their physical and emotional limits in challenging outdoor adventure programs. The experiences are a means of building inner strength and a heightened awareness of human interdependence. Outward Bound operates more than 35 schools in various countries and reports serving over 250,000 students each year. Outward Bound's compass rose emblem serves as the l…
Course specifics
Outward Bound courses follow a kind of recipe or formula, termed the Outward Bound Process Model which is well described by Walsh and Golins (1976) as:
1. Taking a ready, motivated learner
2. into a prescribed, unfamiliar physical environment,
See also
• Adventure education
• Experiential education
• Experiential learning
• Lack of physical education
• Outward Bound Australia
External links
• The Outward Bound Trust, official website for the United Kingdom
• Official website , Outward Bound International