As millions of people focus on expressions of love and appreciation, Outward Bound dipped into its universe of devotees to see what people love about their Outward Bound experiences. Having sent over 1 million students on wilderness expeditions, several of them responded to our query about what they love most about Outward Bound. Below are a few of our favorite excerpts about how some of our students feel about Outward Bound:
I Love the Skills I Learned and the Confidence I Found
“In the 31 days of sailing, rock climbing, hiking and white water canoeing I expected to learn some survival basics, navigation and wilderness skills. I didn’t expect to learn how to be a leader, how to stand on my own and how to have confidence and faith in myself. I found my spirit.” – Michail
“Outward Bound was something I will never forget or regret. The week long experience forced me out of my comfort zone both physically and emotionally. I connected with perfect strangers in a way that you only read about in books. I had amazing guides who really dug in and brought our whole group through. I had never even eaten alone or gone to a movie alone before my Outward Bound experience. But, I hopped a plane and joined a group of women who taught me to dig deep and believe in myself. I only wish I had taken more pictures to document my amazing experience.. but if you’ve done a hiking journey you know you carry as little weight as possible! Lol!#Bigbendnationalpark #2005″ – Natasha
Natasha on her Outward Bound expedition.
“My trip to Patagonia with Outward Bound taught me that there was so much beyond my hometown bubble. Shortly after I got home, I enlisted in the Air Force. Thank you Outward Bound for building my confidence and self-reliance.” – Allyson
“I love Outward Bound because it helped me realize that self reliance is a beacon in a world full of things that will let you fall.” – Meredith
I Love the Beauty I Discovered
“Outward Bound made me realize the kind of person I want to be, and gave me the tools to know how to become it. When I think back on both my Outward Bound courses, I’m filled with such gratitude because both trips were at a time in my life when I needed to be reminded that there is so much beauty in the world, not only in nature, but in people. It instilled in me a passion for protecting nature, and I wish every person could have the opportunity to have the same experience.” – Ella
“Two weeks sailing in Maine was such a pivotal moment in my life. I had my 17th birthday on the first night of my solo with the Perseid meteor shower on full display above. Sounds so corny, but I found my true North. The values and lessons learned in those two weeks have guided me since stepping off Pulling Boat 14. I just found my photo album from my course and thoroughly enjoyed sharing my stories with my husband and young children.” – Breelan
Sailing off the coast of Maine.
“I went on my first Outward Bound expedition in North Carolina–my mom signed me up because she said I needed to ‘get my hands dirty'”. I was furious, but I went and I loved it. I later did two more Outward Bound courses in Montana and Colorado. I learned a lot about myself on those trips–I discovered my love for the outdoors and realized that there was so much to discover and see. I also learned the importance of teamwork and hard work. There were days where the hiking never stopped and my pack felt like it was 100 LBS but when we came to the top of a peak or to a beautiful mountain lake it was all worth it. Outward Bound taught me that I am a strong and determined person and the importance of enjoying the moment and the magic of nature. Outward Bound is an amazing experience.” – Claire
I Love the Person Outward Bound Helped Me Become
“Everything that I do today is because I went to Outward Bound. I learned what it was like to have grit, I gained more confidence in myself, and I have made life long friendships with the people I spent those 50 days with. I have never laughed so hard with strangers who would become my best friends. They are everything to me and I would go back into the Boundary Waters with them if I could. Even though this trip was far from calm, peaceful, and easy, I have never felt more at peace than I did when I was out in the woods. It was the hardest thing I have ever done but also the easiest in some way. I think about what my life would be like if I hadn’t gone on this journey with Outward Bound and it does not end well. I would recommend Outward Bound to all teenagers who need a reality check. It changed my life for the better, and I am extremely grateful.” – Lily
“I went on a 21 day sailing/rock climbing course when I was 16, and it was greatly inspiring. I’d always doubted myself, but when I learned to toss my own oar, or rappel 500 ft., I knew I was capable of anything. I can’t thank Outward Bound enough.” – Chelsea
“The Outward Bound expedition I attended allowed me to discover a self confidence and focus that propelled me to success through my high school years and into adulthood. I am grateful that my parents gave me the opportunity to attend Outward Bound and pushed me beyond my comfort zone, as it positively shaped me in a far greater way than anything at home ever could have.” – Jacob
“It changed my life forever for the better. It gave me courage and confidence in my abilities that I never had before and a renewed and strengthened sense of responsibility and appreciation for our world and environment. When I returned as a Sophomore in high school my grades went from very poor to very good and I was a stronger and more confident person. The experience made me who I am today! That’s me standing on the left at the summit. I think it was Sugarloaf Mountain somewhere in the Sierras, Pacific Northwest Outward Bound.” – Cort
Cort and his crew on Sugarloaf Mountain.
We are forever grateful for those alumni who openly share their Outward Bound stories, as we are for those who smile inwardly at the memories that their expedition unlocks. We look forward to serving the next million students who love Outward Bound in their own ways!
