2024 Spring Gift Catalog

Together, we gift for a lifetime.

TOGETHER,WECANCHANGELIVES.

Dearfriends,

VoyageurOutwardBoundSchoolis committedtothebeliefthatindividuals andcommunitiesdeservethe opportunitytothrive Everyday,the teamsinSaintPaul,Ely,andBigBend, welcomestudentsintoanexperience thatcanchangetheirlives Youcanhelpprovideaccesstoas manystudentsaspossibleandtap theirtruepotential,buildtheir capacity, anddeveloptheirmindsets Theseprogramshaveneverbeen moreimportantormoreindemand

Sixtyyearsofexperienceandaproven curriculumareonlypartofhowwe meetthemoment Inthepagesthat follow,weshareaglimpseofwhat goesintobeingVoyageurOutward Boundandaskforyourhelp

From qualified staff to safety to gear, VOBS’ ability to influence a lifetime is complex and comprehensive. You can help

As a part of a generous community grounded in the belief that every student has more in them than they know, we hope that the VOBS story that follows resonates and that the reflections of Benjamin F and Ben B inspire your partnership in our work

In the spirit of possibility, Jack Lee

Executive Director Voyageur Outward Bound School

Ensuring access, equity, and safety in outdoor expeditions is the priority at VOBS We provide essential gear, food, and equipment for over 10,000 student program days annually Safety is non-negotiable, encompassing first aid, certifications, and more Our commitment to student mental, emotional, and physical health guides our standards of excellence

$85

Your gift of $85 can help provide lightweight waterproof backpacks for a minimum of eight days in the elements on course. Lightweight, quality gear is appreciated after long days on the trail

$250 $1,000 $100 basecamp

Equip each crew of 7-10 students with essential safety gear, including life preservers, first aid kits, and a satellite phone Investing in safety is critical in trust and success of crews on expeditions

Every year VOBS needs a bank of over 65 stoves to keep students nourished and fed on course Stoves allow for predictable, nutritious meals that help support health and wellness on course

With over 30 acres and 40 buildings, maintenance at Homeplace is critical for students, instructors, and the community Our ropes course helps foster risk-taking skills and confidence, integral to our educational model.

Thousands of miles with hundreds of navigators can be hard on a boat It's crucial for us to maintain topnotch gear to ensure the safety and success of our crews on their journeys

StudentReflectionLetter,2023

By coming on this course I learned a great deal of patience, that everyone has their own abilities and limits. I learned that courage is different for everyone, but with a little push from your friends you can do anything under the stars. I learned that working as a team and letting everyone's specific strengths shine is what it takes to have a successful expedition and life, you don't have to do it all alone. I feel like I never knew how much I could encourage others by just working hard and staying positive. Life just takes a little encouragement to succeed, and I think I found purpose in positivity faced by adversity.

I learned from my group that everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses and if you push people to be courageous and positive you can overcome even the harshest storms. I learned that if you have folks you can count on, you don't have to do everything yourself…

I'm taking from this course the ability to overcome hardships and 8 new friendships.. I hope that I can take this challenge forward and hold onto my patience, compassion, teamwork, and ability to overcome even the hardest of times.

--BENB.

Every year Voyageur Outward Bound School is committed to making sure that programs can be accessible to as many students as possible, regardless of social, cultural, economic status Operating three basecamps means prioritizing the value of diverse, safe experiences and ALL the ways an individual can grow and thrive in the outdoors.

CANHELPVOBSPROVIDE ASCHOLARSHIPFORASTUDENT

On average, each student applying for financial aid to participate in a VOBS course receives a scholarship award of $2,100 Annually, VOBS distributes close to $200,000 in scholarship support for open enrollment.

$150 $750

CANHELPSUPPORT COMMUNITYPARTNERPROGRAMS

CANSUPPORT PROFESSIONALDEVELOPMENT

VOBS professional development initiative aims to empower instructors, enhance their expertise, and build technical skills Instructors train in a variety of disciplines, such as diversity, equity, inclusion, and mental health education

Community Partner Programs offer opportunities to students traditionally excluded from participating in the outdoors VOBS subsidizes 80% or more of program costs to ensure access and exposure to transformative experiences

$500 $1,000

CANHELPENSUREVOBSEMPLOYS THEBESTFIELDSTAFF

Outdoor education with a whole-person, comprehensive curriculum requires investment Recognizing this, VOBS is dedicated to offering competitive wages, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of our instructors

$4,000

Upon graduating the VOBS Insight program, VOBS Scholars receive stipends that cover the cost of full expeditions, ensuring students can participate at no expense to themselves and truly tackle the nature gap

This experience changed my life.

-- Zachary, alumni

I found out that I could do hard things, I could persevere, I was stronger than I thought.

-- Sofia, alumni

Outward Bound made me realize that there were lots of people out there that I could learn from - living their lives in different spaces in different ways.

-- Cathleen, alumni

Sixty years ago, Voyageur Outward Bound School embarked on its journey, welcoming eager students. Today, we proudly carry forward the torch of that enduring legacy, shaping lives and empowering individuals through outdoor education and adventure Join us in celebrating 60 years of legacy as we pave the way for the futre

This summer, lace up your shoes, pack your canoe, or hit the trails as we embark on this exhilarating challenge Your mission? To accumulate 60 miles by July 20th, marking our shared voyage towards celebration

sixtyyears

$60 $1,600 $160

CANSPONSORASTUDENTORINSTRUCTORAT

Together, let's honor our past, celebrate our impact, and set the course for the next six decades of empowering experiences Sponsor a student or instructor to engage in the celebration!

CANRESERVEATABLE FOREIGHTAT THECIRCLEUPCELEBRATION

Secure a table for you and your guests or become an event sponsor However you sponsor, you'll unlock exclusive perks alongside reserving premier seating for eight Event sponsorships are available at $6,000 and $10,000

AROUNDTHECAMPFIRE

ZOOMSERIES

Joinusforthesedigitalcampfire conversationsaswecontinuetostoke theflamesofgrowthandconnection, keepingthespiritofVOBSburning brightforyearstocome Ourguest speakerswillexplorethemesof perseverance,belonging,and gratitude

Thu,May23|7:00PMCDT Tue,August13|7:00PMCDT Virtual

PATHWAYSTO60:

MOVEITYOURWAY

Thissummer,laceupyourshoes,pack yourcanoe,orhitthetrailsaswe embarkonthisexhilaratingchallenge Yourmission?Move60milesyourway thissummer,celebrateour60th Anniversary,andhelpsupport futureVOBSexpeditions!

Summer2024[EndingJuly20,2024] In-personHike&Social: Sat,July20,2024|9:00AM HiddenFallsRegionalPark

CIRCLEUP

Circleupwithusaswecelebrate60 years Enjoyagourmetdinner,an inspiringprogram,andengagingevents suretoreigniteyourpassionfor adventureandgrowth Reservean individualspotattheeventorbecomea sponsor Tableandeventsponsorship levelsavailableat$1,600,$6,000,and $10,000 Contactustolearnmore Sat,September28|6:00PMCDT NicolletIslandPavilion

Readytolearn more?Excitedto registerforthe special60th Anniversary events?Scanthe QRcodetostart celebrating

StudentReflectionLetter,2022

This was a course of rigor, sweat, and tears - but through it all, I had a cohort of new friends and mentors that shared this one of a kind experience with me.

I learned the beauty of the world around me and how to push myself beyond what I had thought were my limits. I grew stronger in many facets and watched leaders blossom right before me.

There’s a unique sense of pride that comes with watching a stranger turn into a friend into a resource.

Simply stated, Outward Bound is one of the only places to hold such an experience, and for that , I’m eternally grateful.

--BENJAMINF.