WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY

"The greatest experience of my life where I was able to find myself and appreciate who I am and what I can offer the world."  - Emma B.

"I have been on two Outward Bound courses. I wouldn't trade those experiences for anything. Through Outward Bound, I have discovered I am much stronger than I thought. My courses made me dig deep into myself to discover who I really am. Every activity pushed me to discover where the boundaries of my courage lie. Through Outward Bound, I have been able to accomplish so much, not just on my courses but in life as well. Outward Bound is an experience of a lifetime. I had so much fun while making lifelong friends. I credit part of who I am today to Outward Bound. Thank you OB!"  - Bryce O.

"Outward Bound is a passion for learning through experience. The inevitable happened. I caught the passion. Take a trip and you will too."  - Rachel H.

"OB gives you a chance to get out of your comfort zone while having tons of fun."  - Amy D.

"Unexplainable. I just got home yesterday from a 28-day course in the Everglades and it was the most incredible thing I’ve ever accomplished in my life. All of us learned more about ourselves than we could have ever imagined. We’re all also a family now. No one else will ever be able to understand what we went through to graduate from the course. It's a special bond the 7 of us will have forever."  - Viktoria L.

"OB taught me that I am stronger than I'd imagined I was, and that knowledge gives me courage, poise and ultimately success in facing hurdles big and small."  - Julie R.

"Went on a weeklong backpacking trip in Colorado with an excellent group of people and two phenomenal instructors. Had an amazing time, saw amazing things, laughed at deer and marmot and pika acrobatics, and topped out on my first thirteener. It's put me in the right frame of mind to be where I am now, in Canada, at mountaineering school. I am planning on pursuing an IFMGA certification eventually, and OB was the starting gun for me. Thanks guys, it was all it was supposed to be and more. :D"  - Jonathan B.

"A challenging, rewarding, educational, and memorable experience that everyone should get into at least once in their lifetime."  - Katie C.

"Amazing. Hard. Fun. Life affirming and altering. I did the all women's 11-day sailing course in Sept. 1988. Then I went back to teach."  - Aprille S.

"I finally went on the OB Northwest Wilderness Leader course this summer, after delaying and grappling with the decision to go for it, for over three years. I got more out of the program than I ever dreamed I would. I went into the course thinking it was just an opportunity to learn technical skills. While the skills are important, I got something even more important: I learned how to live with greater intention and integrity; to be honest and open about who I am. I learned and I am still learning how to lead myself, how to always keep the big picture in mind and much more. My instructors were some of the most reflective, kind and passionate people I have ever met. I still wake up wishing I were on course everyday. Outward Bound has not only influenced my life it has become a part of who I am."  - Catherine C.

"It's the education you won't find within the walls of a classroom. The kind of education that prepares you to confidently meet the expected and unexpected challenges of life."  - Jason S.

"OB. is an expedition, a journey ... not all physical, mental as well. You learn about others and the environment and you learn that you are stronger and more vulnerable than you ever imagined. You also learn you are so resilient; you never thought it was possible. At the end you will question why you did this to yourself. But secretly, you will be jonesing for another trip; a longer one and you'll be trying to fit it into your schedule." - Rachael G.

"I think the average person would be surprised at the amount of personal strength and mental fortitude developed after wiping your butt with a pinecone. Plus I came home physically built like a lumberjack, but as sensitive as a Paul Simon cover band."  - Jonathan P.

"When I am asked what the most life changing, hardest experience, or moment when I learned the most I always respond with my Outward Bound trip winter camping, dog-sledding, and cross country skiing trip in the Minnesota Boundary Waters. I am still great friends with everyone who went on my trip. The 24 hours completely alone I will never forget. Every person in my group was at least 1 mile away from each other and other than the people in my group there was no other person within 100 miles. I had to find, cut, and set up a fire pit and cook my own dinner in negative 40-degree weather. It showed me that I could accomplish anything on my own. In my normal city life I sometimes get caught up in the busy life of a student- that night when I was completely alone, finding a dry tree that allowed me to start a fire made me so happy and I was able to look at life and my priorities differently. The dogs were so nice and fun to be with. Sleeping under the stars was also an amazing experience. We could see so many shooting stars every night. The surroundings were breathtaking and the trip leaders were extremely knowledgeable. Every night my group had great conversations and everyday all of my group members were there for each other. Thank you Outward Bound for the best adventure I have ever been on!"  - Katie M.

"Simply put life changing!!!!!"  - Tracey K.

"I just went on a trip in July with PCOB - 22 days sea kayaking and mountaineering. AMAZING trip! I am a better person for having gone on this course. I saw beautiful sights, pushed myself past my limits, have learned lessons that can only be taught through experience. Thank you, OB!!"  - Hanna F.

"I did the eight day Dog Sledding & Skiing Course.... I did this way back in 2006 and I was just sixteen years old. I can honestly say that trip went far and beyond what I every expected I learned so much about myself like my strengths and weaknesses. This was truly a life memory."  - Mikaela W.

"Alumni of 8 life changing and exceptionally challenging expeditions with Baltimore Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound; Instructing for Mid-Atlantic Outward Bound 14 years later."  - Jeff H.

"The single most life-changing thing I've ever done, and I had no idea my life needed altering till I did it!"  - Dorothy S.

"I have always been adventurous. Particularly fascinated with cold-weather survival, I have read dozens of books on mountaineering and alpine travel. In February 2009, at the age of 59 and still desiring a first-hand experience, I signed up for the adult renewal Dog Sledding & Skiing course. For eight days the group of us – 6 students and 2 leaders – came together and lived on the ice. It was an incredible journey! We learned how to care for the dogs, to drive (and hopefully stay on!) the sleds; how to stay warm even in subzero temps; how to set up camp in thigh-deep snow each night and then pack up camp each morning, leaving no trace except footprints. The bond we developed was remarkable, and total strangers soon became trusting friends. I was so moved by my Outward Bound experience that in our closing ceremony I committed to the group – and to myself – that I would do another course within the next 2 years. And I have! But my beginnings with Outward Bound gave me incredible respect and gratitude for the organization, and tremendous personal pride at having accomplished so much. It's very empowering to have the chance to challenge ourselves and then succeed. And being outdoors is just plain fun. Go for it!"  - Susan S.

"In January of '08 I participated in my first Outward Bound trip in the boundary waters of Minnesota. I loved it. When I first stepped outside the airport I was shocked at the (what they called) "normal" temperature...I soon got used to this frigid weather. The first night when we did a camping trial outside the lodge on the lake I couldn't sleep at all. Not because of the negative temperatures, but because of the excitement. I couldn't believe I was sleeping on a frozen lake where below me was a foot or so of constantly cracking and re-freezing ice and beneath that was a lake of close-to freezing water. I soon fell in love and embraced the unfamiliar Minnesotan snowy outdoors and my fellow human and canine companions. After experiencing a week of "highs" of 25 degrees and lows of -27 degrees the sauna contrasted by the freezing river was MUCH deserved. I really had a blast (often a freezing one) in Minnesota and can never come close to conveying the experience I had over any story. Overall an amazing experience. Thanks."  - Patrick T.

"I went to OB in Oregon (2001 or 2002, can't remember off the top of my head) for a month of whitewater rafting and mountain climbing. It was easily one of the best things I have ever done in my life. I got to meet awesome people and do things I would have normally never considered doing."  - John R.

I was 15 when my parents and I were looking for a "sailing camp" to spend my summer at, when we came across Outward Bound in Maine. Throughout my 23-day sailing trip, I was constantly pushed both physically and mentally to, if nothing less, know my limits and surpass them. The instructors and students alike were supportive and knew just how to make you think that you can't go on any more, and then watch you overtake those unrealistic limits of where most people stop themselves. Now, 15 years later, I find myself working for Outward Bound, and I am constantly amazed at the dedication to provide valuable advice and guidance to students all over the country. From open enrollment sailing courses in Maine, to At-Risk Youth in the Everglades, to school classes using the city of Denver as their home, Outward Bound is always opening the eyes of young people, aiding them in their quest to challenge themselves and challenge their world."  - Matt K.

"As a teenager I needed an epic adventure. I needed to see the world/earth from a larger perspective, to gain true survival skills mental and physical in order to have the confidence to navigate my small world at home. Outward Bound did that for me."  - Doug G.

"It started as an idea: 'Wouldn't it be great to be outside in amazing places doing cool things with fun people' Make it happen for yourself, begin your journey and tap into your own potential. Outward Bound has a challenge for each of us and the first step is deciding to accept the invitation."  - Steve A.

"It's so hard to convey to someone who hasn't gone, but, in short, it's the best thing I've ever done! 27 years later, and it's "magic" is still with me every day, and if ever I stray, the memories are always there to bring me back to where I need to be. Thanks, Outward Bound! I am forever grateful..."  - Larry S.

"As a 5 time Outward Bound alum, I can guarantee a few things. You will learn, laugh, and push yourself beyond all of your self-limitations. I learned a lot of leadership skills on course that were transferable in day-to-day life. The best 5 summers of my life were spent in the world’s most beautiful classrooms. Step out of your comfort zone and become Outward Bound."  - Eggers R.