Mission & Vision

Last year, we leaned into teamwork, connection, service to others and above all, compassion, to create a world that was Resilient Together.

OUTWARD BOUND IS RESILIENT BECAUSE OF...

» INNOVATION » COMMUNITY » SERVICE » YOUR SUPPORT

INNOVATION IN PROGRAM DELIVERY

Five regional Outward Bound Schools launched The Thriving Classroom— virtual experiential learning programs for educators and youth—in response to the unique educational needs of 2020 made urgent by the pandemic.

SERVED MORE THAN 10,000 STUDENTS NATIONWIDE

“It’s been inspiring to watch our staff lean into a new method of program delivery; to watch them stretch their comfort zones and find success. They’ve approached virtual [learning] with true open-mindedness and curiosity.”

— SARAH GOLDMAN,

Virtual Program Director at NCOBS

COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION

Northwest Outward Bound School (NWOBS) launched a 7-week pilot program with Hacienda Community Development Corp, to safely re-build the community after a year of pandemic-related distance and disconnection.

“It’s been a very tough year of isolation for all of us. We’ve seen that helping students find commonality and humor while building community through peer connection—seeing that we are all alike in a lot of ways, as we are different—has been incredibly powerful for them in the given circumstances.”

—MAYRA CHAVEZ,

INSTRUCTOR AT NWOBS

SERVICE TO ONE ANOTHER

Driven by a fierce desire to be of service to one’s self, family, community, and crew, regional School staff across the country came together to do just that. Being resilient together asked each of us to give when we felt able, accept when we should focus inward, and show each other compassion, above all else. ƒ Philadelphia Outward Bound School supplied masks for volunteers at local food distribution sites and delivered meals to their recreation center

ƒ Thompson Island Outward Bound

School provided supply boxes of food, hygiene kits, books and laptops to Boston public school students ƒ Outward Bound California delivered groceries weekly to individuals and families through local food banks

YOUR SUPPORT THROUGH ADVERSITY

OBUSA’s Resilient Together Fund raised $2.8M from individual donors, alumni, friends, family members, corporate sponsors, corporate partners and foundations. This outpouring of support sustained Outward Bound during the long gap of in-person programs and prepared the national network to resume programming with students when conditions allowed.

ƒ Supported the delivery of a virtual Wilderness Risk

Management Conference. ƒ Transformed its annual benefit gala into a Virtual

Benefit Gathering on November 18, 2020. This special event raised more than $250,000 to support OBUSA and the national network of regional Schools. ƒ Provided equity, inclusion, and diversity. Instructors redoubled their efforts to ensure all programs foster a culture of belonging. Several regional Schools developed equity plans that include financial commitments for equity audits and new positions to support the work.

OBUSA’s staff and Board of Directors participated in equity training led by Justice Outside consultants.

CHALLENGE & DISCOVERY IN UNPRECEDENTED TIMES

Social distancing and stay-at-home orders created an urgent need for youth and families to seek connection in the outdoors.

The Outward Bound network developed a system of robust safety practices to mitigate Covid-19 on wilderness courses. Colorado Outward Bound School and Voyageur Outward Bound School led long-course expeditions for 110 young adults suffering from isolation and disconnection due to college and university closures.

ƒ 13 life-changing

wilderness expeditions

run nationwide ƒ At least 77% of these

students expressed a positive change in skills

such as perseverance, self-regulation, group relationships, teamwork, and self-awareness from the start to the end of their course experience. “I think that going on an Outward Bound course during a pandemic was one of the best decisions I made. As quarantine continued, I realized I didn’t know how else I could push myself in everyday life to get to the point where I want to be, so I feel fully prepared for college and whatever else.” — Pathfinder Student, Voyageur Outward Bound

BRINGING OUTWARD BOUND TO ALL STUDENTS, EVERYWHERE

Through close partnerships with public and charter schools and youth-serving organizations, Outward Bound Schools like Omaha teach students valuable life skills that are often left unaddressed in the typical classroom setting.

Omaha Outward Bound School and its community partner, the NorthStar Foundation, delivers a 9-week leadership development curriculum to secondary school students. While Outward Bound has incorporated mindfulness practice into its programming for decades, last year it was needed more than ever. Omaha brought its mindfulness program to high school students to help them build resilience and emotional regulation in times of challenge. Todd Mercural-Chapman, Director of Operations, Omaha Outward Bound School, says: “We use mindfulness practices to teach students to respond rather than react to the world they’re living in, to develop compassion for self and others, and become self-reflective. Just as we use skills and equipment to explore forests, rivers and rock climbing sites, we use mindfulness to explore the wilderness of our minds and daily lives, become more grounded in the present, and equipped to navigate the future.” “I’ve gained a new passion for surpassing obstacles. Whenever I come across an obstacle I think is too hard, I think back on my nine-day expedition and take a moment to think through the steps I needed to take to succeed. Going to college next year, I really hope to have an experience that pushes me outside of my comfort zone because I’ve found that I enjoy it.” — Andra Williams, Omaha Outward Bound student