OUTWARD BOUND INTERNATIONAL
GENERATING A GLOBAL SOCIAL RETURN ON INVESTMENT
Developed with Accenture Development Partnerships Philadelphia Outward Bound School
WHO WE ARE
Outward Bound inspires resilient individuals prepared for life’s challenges.
WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO
• Discover & develop inner potential, through adventure and challenges in the natural world
• Develop skills for life, learning to overcome obstacles & be empowered for new opportunities
• Serve the community & world, as active citizens leading with respect & compassion
For the last 83 years, Outward Bound has served over a million individuals with the core belief that “we are all better than we know.”
Outward Bound in the U.S. is made up of a network of 9 Schools.
Outward Bound California, Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School, Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School, Colorado
Outward Bound School, Hurricane Island Outward Bound School, North Carolina Outward Bound School, NYC Outward Bound Schools, Philadelphia Outward Bound School, Voyageur Outward Bound School
AUTHENTIC ADVENTURE, AUTHENTIC LEARNING
150K ANNUAL PARTICIPANTS
Outward Bound Schools and instructors deliver challenging and immersive programs, using outdoor expeditions to provide authentic adventure & authentic learning experiences to individuals.
INVESTING IN ONE...
Outward Bound programs inspire individuals to develop skills and habits with lifelong value for participants and society at large.
Inspires… SELF BELIEF And develops…. LIFELONG SKILLS To then...
$9 of social value is created for every $1 invested into Outward Bound1
In 2024, Outward Bound International partnered with Accenture Development Partnerships to conduct a Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis to estimate the impact of Outward Bound’s global programming measured against the cost to deliver.
The SROI quantifies the global economic, social, and environmental value that Outward Bound generates for every dollar spent, revealing the transformative & rippling impact of Outward Bound.
...CREATES VALUE FOR MANY MORE
1SROI value was determined by analysis conducted by Accenture Development Partnerships
Colorado Outward Bound School
BELIEVING IN YOURSELF
MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE
I feel like I have more purpose in the world, and that I matter.
Sean
Colorado Outward Bound School Alum
Outward Bound provides opportunities for individuals to grow their confidence.
of Outward Bound participants experience increased self confidence 80%
On average, Outward Bound participants experience a growth in self confidence of
22%
“I truly have learned to love people and be myself. I may not necessarily know what I want to do, but I know what kind of person I want to be which is more than I could ever ask for.”
Duranya North Carolina Outward Bound School Alum
“I sit here now with the sun, wind, and water in my heart and a renewed sense of confidence, curiosity, patience, strength, and energy. I feel ready to re-enter my life, awakened.”
Linnea Hurricane Island Outward Bound School Alum
Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School
EMPOWERED WITH LIFELONG SKILLS
MINDSETS CREATE ENDURING BENEFITS AND VALUE
Over the long term, high levels of self-belief & confidence can lead to more success at school and work, better mental and physical wellness, and less antisocial behavior2
“The beauty of a harness is that it allows us to take a leap of faith without the usual risk involved. NYC Outward Bound Schools’ role in my education has been like a metaphorical harness by guiding me through confusing processes like college applications and encouraging me to reach for that next rock when I’m struggling.”
Amelie
NYC Outward Bound Schools graduate
Habits create lifelong benefits & value
“My Outward Bound experiences left a lasting impact on me. They fostered personal growth, resilience, and I learned teamwork in the process. It’s a journey that challenged me physically and mentally, pushing me beyond my comfort zone to discover my full potential.”
School Alum
Up to 8.8% of health care expenditures can be avoided with increased physical activity1 , amounting to ~$800 Billion USD per year globally2
Emmanuel Voyageur Outward Bound
Hurricane Island Outward Bound School
North Carolina Outward Bound School
SERVING COMMUNITY & SOCIETY
DRIVING COMMUNITY IMPACT, 30+ YEARS LATER
As I sit under a clear, brilliantly starry sky on the final night of my course here in Patagonia, I am thankful that I was able to be part of the greater Outward Bound tradition.
In my two weeks of service and backpacking on the Patagonia steppes, I have learned many valuable lessons. I’ve learned how to work a camp stove, compress the gear in my pack, and to help my crew navigate our way safely up numerous summits.
More importantly though, are the the life skills I have gained on this journey. I have learned to create an environment full of teamwork, mutual respect, and trust.
“I made life-long friendships and earned an appreciation for the value of experiential learning. I continue to use many of the Outward Bound teachings with my students at CU Boulder.”
“When students learn about climate change on the island, they’re able to apply to it to the lives in the city. I see them become more passionate about fighting climate change and climate resiliency.”
Becca
North Carolina Outward Bound School Alum
Rosie Outward Bound USA Alum
Juanita Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School Alum and Instructor
Outward Bound California
OUTWARD BOUND TEACHES LIFE SKILLS…
SELF CONFIDENCE & RESILIENCE
TO OVERCOME LIFE’S CHALLENGES
“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.”
Burke, Colorado Outward Bound School Alum
SOCIAL COMPETENCE & COMPASSION FOR POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS
Outward Bound California
“I learned the importance of working both hard, and together, creating a safe space for everyone.The physical and mental challenges were great, but it helped me to become a better version of myself. A self that has become more kind, more aware, and more motivated.”
RESPONSIBILITY TO STEWARD THE ENVIRONMENT AS ACTIVE CITIZENS
"Outward Bound gave me an appreciation for how much work it takes to clean up after yourself and maintain the environment. I've tried to incorporate this vigilance around impact at school and in my daily life.”
Jon, Voyageur Outward Bound School Alum
Student, Outward Bound USA Alum
Philadelphia Outward Bound School
Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School
OUTWARD BOUND ALUMNI
WANT TO PAY IT FORWARD
Join the Outward Bound Alumni Community in the U.S.
Stay in the loop about upcoming alumni events (inperson and virtual), enjoy exclusive alumni perks, and hear the latest news from Outward Bound USA.
Join today at: www.outwardbound.org/alumnicommunity
1M+ former participants make up our national Alumni community.
I learned so many life-changing things. The number one was that when you're past your own limit and at the breaking point, helping someone else gives you a supernatural boost that gets you and them through it.”
Molly Voyageur Outward Bound School