Over the past 50 years in the United States, Outward Bound has had more than 1 million students experience life-changing wilderness expeditions. While the number alone is impressive, the most meaningful reasons to spend your summer with Outward Bound come straight from our students. Those who have experienced the 8 mile backpacking day; the 3am alpine start; the crisp mountain air on top of a mountain; the midnight anchor watch; and the unbreakable bonds.
So, we posed the question to our alumni:
Why us? Why should someone spend their summer with Outward Bound?
Here is what they had to say:
1. “…to gain appreciation for the world around you.”
A student takes time to reflect in Joshua Tree. Photo by Rikki Dunn
“Outward Bound was one of the most beneficial experiences I’ve ever had in my life thus far. I learned to take my time, be patient, make connections in places I wouldn’t have before, lifelong friends, the importance of sustainability, and the sheer awesomeness of Mother Nature. I highly recommend any of these programs to anyone looking to enrich their lives. Upon completion of the program you will be entirely grateful for the life you live with a greater appreciation for the simple life.” -Valkyrie R.
2. “…to make lifelong friends.”
Students form bonds in the Boundary Waters. Photo by Kristin Adam
“I befriended the most incredible people I have ever encountered in my life while having a unique, cool experience unlike anyone else I know. My COBS summer 2015 experience gave me some of my best friends and people to continue outdoor adventures with in summer 2016. The absolute best decision I could have made for my summer plans.” -Colleen B.
3. “…to find out what you’re capable of.”
An empowered student starts atop Breathed Mountain. Photo by Emily Wetzel
“There’s no better way to learn the greatness that you are capable of!” -Michelle H.
“I would not be the person I am today had it not been for my Outward Bound experience. I went on a youth leadership expedition when I was 15. The experience showed me the value of teamwork, the meaning of leadership, that I needed far fewer things than I thought I did, and that I was capable of far more than I thought I was. The amount of responsibility and trust placed in me and the other participants was the most meaningful and unique aspect of the expedition. Such experiences are rare in the context of current prevalent norms on education.” -Yuki Y.
4. “…to face your fears.”
A student rappels down a canyon in the Southwest.
“[I] loved this experience so much. I faced some fears and did a few things I never thought I would do. I rappelled for the first time, slept under the stars and carried a pack bigger than me. It gave me so much appreciation for the things I do have, and it was refreshing and cleansing to spend so much time in nature traversing land I’d never in my life seen before. Definitely recommend to anyone who has a chance to go out on a great adventure!!!” –Ebony G.
5. “…to explore.”
A student backpacks through the High Sierras on course with Outward Bound.
“It gives you a sense of what’s out there for one to explore. In today’s society we revolve around social media [and] we don’t truly find who we really are. However [during] my experience with Outward Bound, I have found who I am and know what I can conquer in my path to success. Knowing that I could do this at the age of 15, I realized that, “when you start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; then suddenly you are doing the impossible.” -Julio S. Jr.
6. “…to test yourself.”
Students rappel during a Colorado Rockies Alpine Backpacking expedition. Photo by Mary Loomis
“Removes you from normal expectations and forces you to test and evaluate your own mind, body, and soul. It was worth BOTH trips, at 16 and 28 and it was life changing both times.” -Katie F.
7. “…to get out of your comfort zone.”
A group of students rafts down the Yampa River on a Southwest Rafting expedition. Photo by Katie Gregory
“COBS 2015 gave me an opportunity to be completely out of my comfort zone and have no saftey net- which allowed me to challenge myself in ways I never would have otherwise. I gathered a greater understanding of the importance of protecting and treating the environment with respect and met some of the greatest people I know!” -Christina G.
8. “…to have a story to tell.”
Students backpacking in the High Sierras. Photo by Rikki Dunn
“Because it’s still so much fun, 25 years later, to shock people who underestimate me by telling them I did a 21 day course in the Sierras!” -Taylor W.
9. “…to become empowered.”
Success at the top of the Appalachians.
“Surrounded by strangers, awed by breathtaking surroundings, humbled by my lack of ability, encouraged by my new friends, empowered by our insightful leaders…. It is hard to describe the bond that was created, the strength that was found, the empowerment of those 7 days – I wouldn’t trade one moment of it for anything.” -Tawnya B.
10. “…to learn.”
Students receive an outdoor lesson while on course with Outward Bound. Photo by Kelly Crandall
“I learned that I could love more than I had ever imagined, my self, my instructors, my crew, and nature. I had a ball.” -Shedrick S.
“Experience life to the fullest. Learn what it really means to live, to survive and discover your own capabilities. [Outward Bound] takes you to the next level of adventure, excitement, beauty and companionship. Outward Bound Colorado, 1995, took me beyond my wildest dreams. Nothing compares. In a word- Epic.” -Jill M.
11. “…to gain lifelong skills.”
Students learning to navigate on course.
“[I] did a Boundary Waters [course] in June of 1975. Hardest and best thing I’ve done. I still use what I learned in Outward Bound every single day.” -Cindi W.
“COBS 1969. 47 yrs ago, but remains the single most transformative experience of my life. Most everything I have achieved in my life can be traced back to the lessons I learned and the experiences I had during my course. Most especially, I learned that my reach almost always exceeds my grasp if I just believe in myself and try hard enough.” -David K.
12. “…to kickstart your future.”
A student takes in the view during a Semester Course with Outward Bound.
“I did an 83 day wilderness leadership course at age 20. During that trip I grew up. I learned to go for it, not just get by. I became responsible. Prior to the trip I was a C-D student. After, I was able to become an orthopedic surgeon. I did not realize it was happening, but Outward Bound made me become a man.” -S David J.
13. And finally, simply put:
“Everything in life is easier after you finish Outward Bound.” -Brandon T.
“Because it is the best single thing you can do at any stage in your life.” -Steve R.
There you have it- just a few reasons why you should spend your summer with Outward Bound from those who’ve experienced it firsthand. Ready to get on course and experience one of our wilderness programs for yourself? Visit: www.outwardbound.org/
Want to add your own reason why someone should experience an Outward Bound expedition? Leave it in the comments below!
