In 2025, we celebrated more than a milestone. We celebrated the resilience of over 6,700 lives transformed.
At a time when Hong Kong’s youth face unprecedented challenges, Outward Bound remained the constant a place where fear turns into courage. We delivered 26,409 studentimpact days, but more importantly, we ensured that financial barriers didn't prevent potential from being realised.
As we look to 2026, we are 'Future-Proofing' our campus and our mission. With substantial philanthropic support, we are revitalizing much of our main campus through a three-year renovation project. We are building a home that will inspire the next generation “To Serve, To Strive, and Not To Yield.”
Looking ahead, demand for both our existing and new programmes continues to grow in 2026. This report documents the outcomes of that work and the lasting impact of your support.
Howard Young: From Batch One to a Lifelong Mission
Outward Bound in my youth gave me the mental grit to lead in business. 50 years later, that compass still points North.
HOWARD YOUNG
1970 #OutwardBounder
In 1970, Howard Young was among the very first batch of students to ever experience Outward Bound Hong Kong. That journey didn't end at the trailhead; it sparked a 55-year commitment to leadership.
After founding the Outward Bound Alumni Association in 1981, Howard has dedicated his life to ensuring the spirit of 'To Serve, To Strive, and Not To Yield' is passed down
In 2025, he brought that mission full circle with a generous $550,000 donation to Outward Bound Hong Kong, ensuring that his grandchildren, and the generations that follow, can continue to navigate their own horizons.
Janet Yuen: Finding Her Strength in the Storm
Jan wa dis tur Ye
Fung sea course. Despite relentless winds and heavy rain, Janet found her resilience.
Today, she credits those grueling days at sea with laying the foundation for her career development Her journey proves that facing challenges head-on leads to a lifetime of personal growth and professional success. It wasn't about the mountain; it was about the voice inside me that finally said, 'I can.' Those lessons on teamwork and resilience have proven invaluable in my career.
JANET YUEN
#OutwardBounder &
EXCO
Member of Outward Bound
Hong Kong
SCAN & LISTEN TO HER STORY
Ying Wa Girls’ School: Breaking the Boundaries of Traditional Education
Everyone has a fear of making mistakes—not just students, but adults too. At Outward Bound, our girls learn that pushing boundaries is how they find their true potential. It is an essential foundation for life.
PRINCIPAL (2015-2025) FRANCIS KWAN
Former Principal Kwan with OBHK Team for #FutureProofPodcast Interview
At Ying Wa Girls’ School, Principal Francis Kwan (2015-2025) believes that true growth happens when students step away from the pressure of grades and into the challenge of the unknown. For Principal Kwan, the value of Outward Bound lies in its power to redefine failure. In a traditional classroom, mistakes are often feared. At Outward Bound, they are seen as essential steps toward maturity. By empowering students to take bold risks in a safe, outdoor environment, instructors help them develop a 'challenge-accepting' mindset. As Vice Principal Chow notes, while traditional education is safe, it can be restrictive. Outward Bound provides the breakthrough moments that foster genuine personal development and the courage to step out of comfort zones.
MEASURABLE OUTCOMES
Our Social Return on Investment (SROI) study, conducted by Accenture Development Partnerships, shows that every $1 invested in Outward Bound Hong Kong returned approximately $9 of social value across education, wellbeing and community outcomes
Below are the outcomes that drive that value:
Social Return on Investment analysis by Accenture Development Partnerships, 2024
Outward Bound Hong Kong 2025 Participant Data
6,770
Lives Transformed
26,409 Student-impact days
2,536
Students funded by bursary
MEASURABLE GAINS AFTER OUTWARD BOUND HONG KONG PROGRAMMES
Participants showed meaningful, statistically significant gains across all five outcomes — largest relative improvements in self‑confidence and environmental responsibility, with moderate-to-large effect sizes indicating real-world impact.
2025 - Participant Development
(Self-reported Scores Before vs. After Course)
SHARED IMPACT FROM PROGRAMMES AROUND THE WORLD
Outward Bound International, working with researchers and data from 14 Outward Bound Schools across the network, undertook a global study to better understand what young people value most from their Outward Bound experience, and what elements of Outward Bound programmes drive that learning For decades, research has demonstrated Outward Bound’s impact on character, resilience, teamwork, and practical outdoor skills This new study expands that understanding with a far more globally representative dataset, reflecting student perspectives across cultures, environments, and programme models.
T H E J O U R N E Y
9:1
20 YEARS OF EMPOWERING YOUTH AT-RISK
For more than two decades, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Project Grant: Second Chance has used boats, teams and challenge to help people rebuild their lives.
Originally an intensive 18 day model for people recently released from prison (in partnership with the Correctional Services Department), Second Chance now serves drug rehabilitation centres and at‑risk youth from behavioural and lower‑banded schools carefully matching challenge to need.
Out on the water, participants learn more than sailing they learn to adapt, face pressure and find direction again.
This is the first time I truly believe I am worth it. I CAN DO IT!
POST-COURSE IMPACT
82% DEMONSTRATED MEASURABLE GROWTH
Among the parameters, led by growth in Environmental Responsibility (88%) and Compassion for others (86%). These results validate the programme’s enduring impact in equipping youth with critical life skills.
Environmental responsibility
LONG TERM IMPACT EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Six months after course
✔ 91.4% of participants are employed or at school
✔ 64.7% studying
✔ 26.6% employed
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Project Grant: Second Chance participant
A SUSTAINED LEGACY: 2026–2029
Building on two decades of success, we are honored to announce that The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has supported the programme through 2029. Together, we continue to bridge the gap between setbacks and success.
9:1
HIGHLIGHT OF THEIR JOURNEY
GROWING FOR LIFE: THE
18-DAY CHALLENGER PROGRAMME
*Previous Name: Classic Achiever
For three decades, the Chan Tseng Hsi Foundation has empowered youth aged 16–19 to take on Outward Bound’s most grueling test.
Over nearly three weeks, participants disconnect from the digital world to navigate Hong Kong’s wildest terrain.
Last summer, eight determined young people faced an unprecedented week of four Black Rainstorm Warnings. While the city stayed indoors, they chose to continue. Under the safe guidance of our instructors, they learned that resilience isn't a single jump—it’s built step-bystep through discomfort and adaptation.
At the closing ceremony parents watched with tears and applause as their children emerged changed. They weren't just returning from a hike; they were 'breaking the cocoon'— emerging as resilient, responsible leaders ready to face life’s future storms with confidence.
I learned that I can overcome more than I thought. I am proud to conquer these challenges with people I now trust with my life.
Classic Achiever participant
Sponsor an 18 DAYS CHALLENGER PROGRAMME! Help us build the resilience Hong Kong needs for the next 30 years.
WOMEN POWER! REDISCOVERING STRENGTH
In 2024 - 2025, 'Women Power!' brought together 130 women retired professionals, ethnically diverse youth and local students for a transformative two-day expedition.
In this all-female, supportive setting, participants stepped away from their daily roles to recognize their own internal power. From navigating the waters of Sai Kung to managing a wild campsite, tasks like routefinding and camp-cooking became masterclasses in leadership and collaboration.
Women Power! participant 9:1
Beyond the physical challenge, it was the 'Campfire Sharing' that created the deepest impact connecting the resilience found in the wild to the real-life pressures of work, family, and migration. We are proud to announce that this success has paved the way for Women Power 2.0, a coasteering course launching in June 2026.
In an all-women setting, I felt truly safe and respected. That safety gave me the courage to try new things, push beyond my limits, and open up my heart in ways I never expected.
BUILDING CONFIDENCE EXPANDING HORIZONS
9:1
SPONSOR A SCHOOL JOURNEY
$6,000 sponsors a student from an under-resourced school for a 5-day leadership immersion.
Between Aug 2024 and Dec 2025, the Bright Future Charitable Foundation enabled 115 Form 4–5 students from 10 lower-banded schools to embark on a journey of a lifetime. For most, this was their first time leaving their comfort zones, their phones, and their familiar circles behind.
The power of this programme lay in its mixedschool design. Each team was formed of students from different schools, forcing them to communicate, build trust, and lead beyond their usual social bubbles. Over 5 days of hiking and outdoor living, they learned that persistence is a choice.
They emerged not just as students, but as confident, responsible young leaders who have expanded their horizons and built friendships that bridge social background differences.
I never thought I could lead people I didn't know. Outward Bound taught me that leadership isn't about the title — it's about the trust we build together.
Bright Future Programme participant
JOCKEY CLUB YOUTH RESILIENCE
SPORTS PROGRAMME -
OUTWARD BOUND FAMILY ACADEMY
This three-year, school based pilot programme funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust kicked off in Oct 2025 to bring authentic Outward Bound training to local primary school students and their parents. Over three years it will serve an estimated 2,160 participants, offering families a rare chance to practice resilience together in a digital age.
The programme design is distinctive: parents begin with resilience training to understand the mindset their children will face. Youth then attend a 5 day Outward Bound Resilience course; the final day is a joint parent‑child challenge. Simple take home missions turn everyday routines into moments for communication and problem solving.
Family Academy Parent Participant 9:1
The journey culminates in a capstone day camp where families reunite to conquer a final challenge seeing in real time how much they have grown, together.
I feel closer to my child. We talk more about problems, I understand better what they find difficult, and I see them becoming more independent and self‑driven.
In 2025, we partnered with local and international schools, as well as schools from Mainland China to strengthen resilience, leadership and social emotional growth at key milestones. All programmes were co‑designed with educators, aligned to school curriculum and wellbeing goals.
PRIMARY RESILIENCE & FAMILY‑SUPPORTED
Age‑appropriate challenges build confidence, communication and independence. Family‑supported journeys and graduation camps strengthen parent‑child bonds.
SECONDARY LEADERSHIP & RESILIENCE
Develops self confidence, resilience, teamwork and responsible choices.
Funding enables under resourced students in 5‑day mixed‑school programme.
From start to finish, the Outward Bound team communicated efficiently and professionally, and was highly responsive to our school’s needs. Our lead instructor was fantastic at sharing updates and details, and overall communication with the team was outstanding. The planning and execution were seamless. Thank you, you were awesome.
Belinda McLaughlin Vice Principal, JCSRS
Great organisation and quick adaptation to challenges such as the rain and flooded tents early in course. Instructor and OB staff energy, effort and consistent thoroughness were evident throughout the week
Teacher, AISHK
UNIVERSITY PROGRAMMES
Supports orientation and transition with curriculum‑linked experiences; builds self‑management, collaboration, and leadership readiness.
My child became more independent, confident and willing to take on challenges.
Agnes Kwok Family Academy Parent Participant Outreach learning builds problem‑solving and teamwork from new angles.”
Chui Kin Lam Parent of #OutwardBounder
Building sustainable leadership and high‑performing teams
Aviation & logistics
• Hospitality & luxury retail
• Public sector & disciplined services
• Engineering & technology
• Transport & infrastructure
• Finance
In 2025, we partnered with corporates and organisations to strengthen leadership confidence, collaboration, trust and resilience. Programmes were co‑designed to align with culture, talent strategy and performance goals.
My team and I had a challenging, eye‑opening and valuable experience. It helped us build trust, communication and resilience in a unique and powerful way. rom but we pushed d every task.
overcome om MTR
The activities challenged teams from four companies working together for the first time—testing communication, collaboration and mutual trust.
Cathay Subsidiary Services
T H E F U T U R E
With visionary support from the Kadoorie Charitable Foundation, we are launching a transformative renovation of our Tai Mong Tsai Base.
What’s being upgraded:
Waterfront & Jetty safer, more dynamic outdoor learning
Dormitories welcoming, purpose built living spaces
Accessibility inclusive access throughout campus Ecology habitat and biodiversity enhancements
COOLING PAINT
Last year, we applied a passive radiative cooling paint across campus buildings. The high‑performance coating reflects solar heat and emits thermal radiation to deliver sub‑ambient cooling without electricity or refrigerants advancing decarbonisation and net zero goals.
✔ More sustainable learning environment
✔ Less reliance on air‐conditioning, comfortable indoors
✔ Supports energy reduction and green building targets
Funded and supported by Lee Hysan Foundation Collaboration with City University of Hong Kong
SAFER ROADS, BETTER ACCESS
We resurfaced a key campus road section to improve access and safety.
✔ Smoother vehicle movement
✔ Lower hazard risk for participants
✔ Enhanced campus accessibility
Our people, our standards, our future
Professional facilitation standards
Ongoing instructor development and mentoring
Integrated wellbeing and safeguarding practices
TRAINING ACADEMY
Six trainees completed the 3 month Training Academy and became Outward Bound Hong Kong aspirant instructors. They are the 35th cohort to complete the programme since 2004. They began with a 7‑day Instructor Training Expedition and progressed through more than 15 modules covering technical skills, facilitation, safeguarding, and course shadowing.
Dr. Simon Priest has trained thousands of facilitators in over 50 nations and advised programmes in approximately 100 countries. He will serve as curriculum consultant to the Outward Bound Hong Kong Training Academy.
RAISING THE BAR FOR OUTDOOR EDUCATORS
Outward Bound Hong Kong partnered with the Association for Experiential Education (AEE) to host a Masterclass led by Dr Simon Priest, strengthening facilitation and programme design across our staff. The open format also welcomed external practitioners, advancing industry standards while upskilling our team.
POSITIVE EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP
Outward Bound Hong Kong is developing a partnership with the Bei Shan Tang Foundation – Positive Education Hong Kong. 10 staff completed the Discovering Positive Education course to embed wellbeing and character science in programme design and debriefs.
Together these events raised significant funds, strengthened community ties, and expanded access for disadvantaged students.
HELP US FUND THE NEXT 500 PLACES
DONATE NOW!
Sponsor or volunteer to expand life‐changing journeys for Hong Kong youth.
$6,000 scholarship •
$72,000 cohort sponsor •
$300,000+ campus partner •
Outward Bound Hong Kong is at an exciting junction.
As a charity in Hong Kong, we remain mission-driven, and our mission is to help people discover more about themselves, others and the world around them, through outdoor learning programmes.
We have navigated the intense financial headwinds of not being able to conduct programmes during the pandemic and are grateful for the significant philanthropic contributions by the Lee Hysan Foundation to help revitalise Wong Wan Chau in 2024. We are equally grateful for Kadoorie Charitable Foundation to allow the renovation and revitalisation of our campus at Tai Mong Tsai, commencing in 2026.
The upcoming renovation projects will be staged over the coming three years, to reduce downtime to our operations and maximise participant attendance at Outward Bound.
To maximise number of people who can participate in an Outward Bound programme, this funding includes changes to our facilities to allow greater accessibility for people of all abilities. And to support this, we are reintroducing our Adaptive Paddling programme in 2026, with a new fleet of kayaks for people of all abilities, and further instructor training in Adaptive Paddling Workshops by the American Canoe Association.
Outward Bound Hong Kong has other new programmes in 2026. We are partnering with the Swire Institute of Marine Science, to establish an Ocean Guardians programme at Wong Wan Chau focused on climate change, where participants work alongside marine scientists to study coral growth and seagrasses.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club is supporting our new 'Family Academy' programme, with a parents weekend programme, followed by a youth week long programme, culminating in a joint final experience.
We are also creating more time in our sail training calendar for schools and companies to sail on our flagship, the Spirit of Outward Bound Hong Kong. This vessel has been largely occupied with the Second Chance programme for over 20 years. Second Chance started as an 18-day programme for people recently released from prison to learn life skills to help transition back to society. It has been so successful it has expanded to a wide range of other disadvantaged groups With support from Hong Kong Jockey Club, the funding has been renewed for another 3 years, until 2028, but we have intentionally adjusted the number of programmes each year to allow other uses of our flagship.
Later in 2026, we will start the next cycle of strategic planning. It is a great time to be involved with Outward Bound Hong Kong, as we rethink how we want to engage with the wider Greater Bay Area, as well as maximise our programme impact in Hong Kong.
ON FUNNELL CUTIVE DIRECTOR WARD BOUND HONG KONG
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