2001 Outward Bound Alum

Current Profession: Director of Development, Sewickley Valley YMCA

Outward Bound Course Name and Location: Leadership Course in North Carolina

Year Course Was Taken: 2001

Why did you decide to take an Outward Bound Adult Expedition? Looking to gain new perspective, gain confidence and grow.

Prior to the course, what was your biggest reservation on going on an Outward Bound Expedition? Taking a semester off college, length of trip (45 days)

What was your biggest takeaway from the expedition? “You are given two hands in life- one for helping yourself and one for helping others.” (quote from Audrey Hepburn)

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about going on an Outward Bound Adult Expedition? Register and don’t look back. Outward Bound is the best investment that someone can make in themselves.

Wendel Bordelon

2009 Outward Bound Alum

Current Profession: Technical Instructor

Outward Bound Course Name and Location: Florida Ten Thousand Islands Sea Kayaking Adult Renewal

Year Course Was Taken: 2009

Why did you decide to take an Outward Bound Adult Expedition? I was at a point in my career where I needed to decide where to go next. Taking a trip that would get me away from the technology and out in the wilderness (or at least outside) would let me think. The renewal course was just the thing to help with that decision.

Prior to the course, what was your biggest reservation on going on an Outward Bound Expedition? Wondering if the other adults would be so much more into the outdoors that I would have to struggle to keep up. Or, the opposite, where I would always be having to carry the rest along. I am happy to say that it was a good group and at some point we each were the ones that needed the help or the ones with the strength to help others along.

What was your biggest takeaway from the expedition? I had time to think and the great people on the course that helped me find my direction for the next stage of my career. And, I got hooked on sea kayaking.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about going on an Outward Bound Adult Expedition? Consider how getting outside, literally and figuratively, can give you a different view of the world and your life. A week doing something that introduces you to new skills and people is amazing and empowering.

Kristi Casey

2008 Outward Bound Alum

Current Profession: Teacher

Outward Bound Course Name and Location: Yosemite Alpine Backpacking Adult Renewal in California

Year Course Was Taken: 2008

Why did you decide to take an Outward Bound Adult Expedition? [In the past] I had spent summers attending and then working at camp. After moving to NYC and the birth of my twin boys in 2005, I felt I had lost my connection to the outdoors and was losing my outdoor skills. I was going through a very difficult time and needed to regroup and refocus. I signed up to go to my favorite place – the Sierras – and do my favorite activity – backpacking – as a 30th birthday gift to myself.

Prior to the course, what was your biggest reservation on going on an Outward Bound Expedition? [The] Solo. I was absolutely terrified to sleep in a tent by myself away from everyone overnight…THEN to find out I didn’t even have a tent – that I’d just be using a tarp. I almost went home! I was petrified. Needlessly so. I did just fine. No problem at all.

What was your biggest takeaway from the expedition? Wow. It was such a huge challenge. If I could get through that challenging of a week in the wilderness, there was nothing I couldn’t face at home. It also reminded me that getting away and surrounding myself with God’s creation is so important. That alone time on solo – just as important. Being with like-minded people and networking was priceless. I still keep in touch with several of my teammates from that week. It was absolutely amazing – and I can’t wait to try another adventure for my 40th birthday!

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about going on an Outward Bound Adult Expedition? Do it. Prepare mentally and physically. But don’t let fear control you. Step out of the comfort zone and try it. It can truly change your life. It will definitely expand your horizons and give you a fresh perspective on things.

Hans van Naerssen

2015 Outward Bound Alum

Current Profession: Retired (professional)

Outward Bound Course Name and Location: Oregon Smith Rock Climbing & Yoga

Year Course Was Taken: 2015

Why did you decide to take an Outward Bound Adult Expedition? To learn how to rock climb.

Prior to the course, what was your biggest reservation on going on an Outward Bound Expedition? Would I be too old?

What was your biggest takeaway from the expedition? You are not too old!

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about going on an Outward Bound Adult Expedition? Do it, sooner rather than later.

Karen Rowe

2012 Outward Bound Alum

Current Profession: Art Educator

Outward Bound Course Name and Location: Idaho Salmon River Rafting

Year Course Was Taken: 2012

Why did you decide to take an Outward Bound Adult Expedition? [I] wanted to participate in a wilderness expedition involving white water rafting.

Prior to the course, what was your biggest reservation on going on an Outward Bound Expedition? I had no idea what I was really getting myself into. What would be expected of me. How I would succeed.

What was your biggest takeaway from the expedition? [It was an] amazing experience. Beautiful country. Navigating the rapids on the Salmon River, the Blue Canyon, sleeping on white sandy beaches under the stars. Fantastic professional guides. The collaboration among the guides and participants.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about going on an Outward Bound Adult Expedition? Do it!

Dr. Stephen Pick

2015 Outward Bound Alum

Current Profession: Management Consultant

Outward Bound Course Name and Location: Florida Keys Sailing

Year Course Was Taken: 2015

Why did you decide to take an Outward Bound Adult Expedition? I love Outward Bound and wanted to have another adventure. I was waiting to start a new job and luckily there was one course with space available that fit my schedule.

Prior to the course, what was your biggest reservation on going on an Outward Bound Expedition? This was my fourth Outward Bound trip. I was concerned about living in such close quarters with other members. Living on a 30-foot open sailboat with eight other crew members (six students and two instructors) forced us to collaborate and partner with each other in ways that would not be possible if we weren’t living in such tight proximity. The intimacy that the boat created for us was my single favorite part of this experience.

What was your biggest takeaway from the expedition? I loved, loved, loved the trip. It was my favorite of my four Outward Bound adventures. Each team member relied on everyone else for survival and success. True teamwork is rare, wonderful and something each of us should experience.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about going on an Outward Bound Adult Expedition? GO.

Eve Lee

2001 Outward Bound Alum

Outward Bound Course Name and Location: Joshua Tree Backpacking in California

Year Course Was Taken: 2001

Why did you decide to take an Outward Bound Adult Expedition? I’d heard about it for years—in fact, I’d been interested in it since I was about 15—but thought it was only for kids who were in trouble with the law. By the time I realized that wasn’t the case and it was also open to adults, I decided to go for it.

Prior to the course, what was your biggest reservation on going on an Outward Bound Expedition? Going to the bathroom outside. Seriously. But in the end, it was no big deal. Even getting Joshua Tree ‘stickies’ in the small of my back was just a minor inconvenience. Life taught me that there is so much worse out there than going without running water for a week or two.

What was your biggest takeaway from the expedition? We are so very connected. Six months after my expedition, 9/11 happened. I wondered about other Outward Bound students who were in the Mojave Desert like we were and came back to the news. Who would tell them? Would the so-called civilized world feel different? And, as the details unfolded, I wondered whether the desert would feel more hostile, more unknown, more ‘other.’ As an Arab American, I felt especially conflicted…but in those six months between my exit at Twentynine Palms and that clear blue Tuesday morning, I decided to do the ultimate life-affirming thing in an uncertain world—to have a child. And six years full of heartache later, rooted by my figurative and literal season in the desert, I succeeded. My daughter cannot believe I made that expedition. In a way, I can’t either.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about going on an Outward Bound Adult Expedition? Do it! And dress accordingly. There was a lady on my course who was a breast cancer survivor. She was in her fifties and this expedition was her personal triumph.  She kept up pretty well except for her choice of wearing all black—not the best color for the desert. But we all pitched in and helped her carry her load (mostly water)—to serve, to strive and not to yield. Not to yield to fear, then or now. You will never be the same.

Khevin Watterson

2013 Outward Bound Alum

Current Profession: Policeman

Outward Bound Course Name and Location: Washington Mountaineering

Year Course Was Taken: 2013

Why did you decide to take an Outward Bound Adult Expedition? I wanted to backpack but no one else I knew did. So I took Outward Bound courses- seven to be exact! The courses have included two Southwest Canyon Backpacking trips, Colorado Rockies Backpacking and Rock Climbing, North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains Backpacking and Rock Climbing, Idaho Salmon River Rafting, Mt Rainier Mountaineering, and a Southwest Canyoneering trip!

Prior to the course, what was your biggest reservation on going on an Outward Bound Expedition? Meeting nice people on the trip.

What was your biggest takeaway from the expedition? That I could be self-sufficient in the wilderness.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about going on an Outward Bound Adult Expedition? DO IT!!! Then do it again.

Ready to Join Them?

Are you ready to join the thousands of adults who have stepped out of their comfort zones and get on course? Visit www.outwardbound.org to start exploring the rich variety of Outward Bound adult course activities and locales. With expeditions year round, you’re certain to find a course that fits your schedule.