In an era of constant digital noise and growing disconnection – from nature, from others, and from ourselves – Outward Bound offers something increasingly rare: the opportunity to pause, reflect, and truly reconnect. 

That’s the heart of our work. Whether on remote mountain trails or in the classrooms of urban cityscapes, we’re committed to showing up in spaces where people are wrestling with big questions—about equity, access, the future of the outdoors, and what it means to belong.

We are, too.  

This commitment brought us to Outside Festival in Denver earlier this summer, not simply to make an appearance, but to listen, engage, and stand alongside others who are reimagining the outdoors as a more accessible and human-centered space. 

Creating Space for What Matters

For over 60 years, Outward Bound has taken young people into the wilderness and given them tools for life. But the conversations at Outside Festival reminded us that the why behind our work has never been more important. 

These days, young people are up against a lot: constant screen time, rising anxiety, and a real sense of disconnection. Outward Bound offers a different path. We trade the noise for nature, distractions for challenge, and scrolling for real connection. 

As our CEO Ginger Naylor shared during a panel on emotional resilience, this isn’t just about getting outside. It’s about helping young people tune back in, to themselves, to others, and to the world around them. And we find the outdoors is the perfect place to do just that.

This generation is seeking grounding, purpose, and real connection. Our role is to help them find that by getting outside, and going inward.

Centering Equity with Authenticity and Sustainability

That spirit shaped the Equity in the Outdoors Gathering, co-hosted by Outward Bound USA, Kenji Consults, and the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Office during this year’s Outside Festival. It wasn’t about panels or polished branding. It was about real connection, community care, and showing up as our full selves. 

Our Director of Equity and Inclusion, Elyse Rylander, helped shape the gathering and reminded us: equity isn’t a checklist. It’s a relationship. One that takes time, trust, and action. 

This is where Outward Bound is living into its values: not through perfect statements or campaigns, but by supporting real spaces where transformation can happen in community. Events like Outside Fest are crucial because they give us the rare chance to gather across sectors, identities, and geographies. When done with care, they become containers for creativity, alignment, and momentum.

We left with a clear reminder: the people doing this work don’t need more talk. They need long-term support, shared power, and spaces that center authenticity. This is the kind of work that’s shaping the future of the outdoors. And we’re proud to be part of it.

Scaling with Integrity 

Our commitment to equity is built into the structure of what we do. As we grow, we’re working intentionally to ensure our programs are not just bigger, but deeper. 

That means: 

• Expanding scholarships and reducing cost barriers 

• Partnering with organizations that serve youth historically excluded from outdoor spaces 

• Hiring and training staff who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve 

• Continually evolving our curriculum to be more inclusive and responsive 

We engage diverse voices—students, alumni, staff, and community partners—especially those from historically marginalized backgrounds, to co-create solutions that reflect their needs and lived experiences,” said Theresa Salus, Director of Program Innovation. “We also use data to identify disparities in access, outcomes, and experience, and we measure success not just by how many students we reach, but by how deeply we serve them. Innovation means creating programs that are not only more effective, but more inclusive, relevant, and just.

This equity-driven approach to innovation reflects our belief that true impact doesn’t come from reaching the most people; it comes from honoring people’s voices and centering their experiences in meaningful ways. 

Reconnecting to the Why, Our Why 

Events like Outside Festival aren’t about promotion—they’re about purpose. They remind us that our work is part of a larger movement: one that centers connection, access, and presence in the outdoors. 

As Kelsey Maxwell, Communications & Marketing Manager at the Colorado Outward Bound School put it: 

Outward Bound is an organization rooted in building community connections. Everything we do is all about connection – with the land, with your crew mates, and with yourself. The story of our impact is best told, and felt, in real life, at events like this.

Some of the most powerful moments from the festival didn’t happen on stage. They happened in conversations with people who shared how time outdoors helped them feel more grounded, hopeful, and courageous in everyday life. 

By fostering lasting relationships with communities, organizations, and individuals who believe in the transformative power of outdoor education, we can grow our ability to create positive change together,” shared Kristina Stockburger, Outward bound usa’s Account Manager. “Events like Outside Festival remind me how vibrant and collaborative the outdoor community is, and I’m inspired by the possibilities ahead.

This Is Our Work. This Is Our Moment.

Outward Bound is more than an outdoor education organization. We’re part of a broader effort to reimagine how people—especially young people—connect with themselves, each other, and the world. 

We’ll continue to show up where it matters. Not just to share what we’ve learned, but to listen, grow, and build together. Because this work of access, belonging, resilience, and connection isn’t just an add on. It’s the mission.  

Huge thanks to Outside, Inc. for having us—we had a blast!
And a special thank you for the incredible photos: Outside, Inc. / Sophia Castro, Timothy Blake Wright, JP Quindara.