When Mimi Burke first heard about Outward Bound in the 80s, she was in high school, captivated by the stories of adventure and resilience shared by a teacher who had just returned from a course. Intrigued, she embarked on her own journey, spending a month trekking across four states in the Appalachian Mountains with the North Carolina Outward Bound School. Years later, her daughter Burke followed in her footsteps in 2023, tackling the rugged terrain of the Colorado Rockies with the Colorado Outward Bound School. Their shared experiences across generations highlight the transformative power of Outward Bound, especially for women seeking confidence, independence, and leadership skills.
The Courage to Step into the Unknown
Mimi’s Outward Bound journey was a leap into the unfamiliar—co-ed camping, no tents, and no home base for showers. “It was a culture shock for me,” she admits, having come from an all-girls Catholic high school. But the experience shaped her in ways she never expected. “It was a fantastic experience, really life-changing. It is something I’ll always remember and something I always told my kids about.”
Burke, having grown up hearing these stories from her mom, felt compelled to take on her own Outward Bound challenge. “I wanted to be part of that,” she said. “To connect with my mom in that way and to push myself beyond what I thought I could do.” Her defining moment came while summiting Mount Elbert, the highest peak in Colorado. “They gave us a prompt to dedicate the climb to someone in our lives, and I immediately thought of my mom. I felt like I was quite literally walking in her footsteps. That gave me a lot of comfort and motivation throughout the rest of my trip.”
Mimi echoed this sentiment. “I always thought that if Burke went on Outward Bound, she would feel that her prospects were endless. If you can get through Outward Bound—when you’re telling yourself the whole time, ‘I can’t do this’—it’s a remarkable feat. You don’t think you can climb a mountain with a heavy backpack, but then you do. And once you’ve done that, you realize anything is possible. The world is your oyster, and there are no limits. That’s what I really wanted her to take away from the experience, because that’s what I got from mine. And that lesson carries through life.”
A Lesson in Strength and Leadership
Outward Bound does far more than teach wilderness skills—it instills confidence and leadership, particularly in young women. Burke, who had already been engaged in leadership programs like Girls Up and Girl Up, found that Outward Bound took her growth to another level. “Imposter syndrome is so prevalent in young girls. I was always second-guessing myself, afraid to make mistakes. Outward Bound forced me to make decisions and trust myself. That self-assurance has stayed with me ever since; my confidence today is absolutely informed from my experience.”
For Mimi, the small moments had the greatest impact. “I think one of the most powerful parts of my Outward Bound experience were the fire pit circle-ups, where we shared our thoughts about each other’s strengths and challenges. It was so important and incredibly revealing because it was honest in a way I had never experienced before,” she explained. “At the time, it was revolutionary to sit together and openly discuss each other’s strengths and areas for growth. I really took it to heart and made changes I might not have considered otherwise.” The other pivotal experience was the solo, being alone in the wilderness for 3 days. “I grew up in a big family; I had never been alone like that before. It was daunting, but it gave me incredible inner strength. After that, I knew I could travel alone, face challenges alone, and stand strong on my own.”
Burke then emphasized the importance of unplugging in today’s world. “Unplugging is challenging in a time where constant distractions and instant gratification are the norm; I felt that because I grew up in that generation. Once I disconnected, it became one of the most refreshing and rewarding experiences. While I didn’t have a 3-day solo like my mom, my own solo trip was incredibly impactful and definitely a highlight of my journey. It’s a unique experience, especially with Outward Bound, and something I couldn’t replicate anywhere else.”
A Legacy of Empowerment
One of the most unique aspects of Outward Bound is its ability to meet participants where they are. “It’s designed so that different challenges will be difficult for different people,” Mimi reflects. “For some, it’s rock climbing; for others, it’s carrying a heavy pack for miles. But no matter the challenge, everyone experiences that moment of achievement.”
Burke was particularly impacted by the program’s emphasis on self-reflection and teamwork. “We had accountability circles where we would ask, ‘What can I do better for my team? Who really had our backs today?’ That level of introspection sets Outward Bound apart. It’s not just about technical skills; it’s about personal and group growth.”
A Message to Future Adventurers
For anyone—especially young women—considering an Outward Bound course, Mimi and Burke have a simple message: Go for it.
“This experience helps tackle and dismantle self-doubt, imposter syndrome, building your sense of mental fortitude and sense of self,” Burke says. “It’s about proving to yourself that you can do hard things.” Mimi adds, “You don’t have to love the outdoors to love Outward Bound. It’s about teamwork, challenge, and realizing that when you succeed, your team succeeds, and that’s a feeling unlike any other. It’s a great life lesson.”
From one generation to the next, Mimi and Burke’s Outward Bound journeys stand as a testament to the power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Through shared experiences in the wild, they have discovered strength, leadership, and an unbreakable bond—one forged in the mountains, carried through life, and passed down for generations to come.
