Dear friends,
It is with a grateful heart that I share the 2023 Annual Impact Report of VoyageurOutwardBoundSchool(VOBS).
We have much to celebrate, and you have made it possible! Not only did we have an outstanding 2023, but we are also celebrating our 60th Anniversary!
VOBS has arrived at 60 years, having made a huge impact and is more relevantandneededthanever.
Wearegratefulforourstudents,alumni,staff,supporters,partners,board membersandeveryoneelsethathasledustothispoint.Inthepagesthat follow,wearepleasedtocelebratethepast,presentandfutureofVOBS.
As Outward Bound founder Kurt Hahn said, “there is more in each of us than we know,” and we can realize that when we get through challenges like those on a VOBS course. But an important part of our courses is that we all see that we can’t do it alone, like in our communities we need to helpothersandweneedtheirhelp Sowhetherit’salongdayofpaddling, a difficult rock climb or hike, a hard route to navigate together or a chilly dayofdogsledding,wedon’tdoitalone–wedoitTOGETHER.
Timeandagain,peopletellus,“OutwardBoundchangedmylife.”
And at a time when our communities face many challenges, we need to help build leaders of character, and to help equip young people with tools likecompassionandresiliencetoenablethemtothrive.
That is what VOBS has been doing for 60 ears and is pro d and committedtodoforalonglon
Thankyouforyoursupport!
Toserve,tostriveandnotto
JackLee|ExecutiveDirector
Marlais Brand Director of Business Development
Brian Liggett Director of Safety & Operations
Chandra Hardwicke Director of Human Resources
Jay Lyons Director of Finance
Penny Jeffers Director of Programs
Stacey Minnick Director of Development
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Cindy Holker | Board Chair E-Commerce/Direct to Consumer
Gunnar Carlson | Incoming Board Chair Riverton Community Housing
PeterBailey TheProutyProject
TomBear
Rose-HulmanInstitute ofTechnology
JudDayton JudsonM DaytonConsulting HerveyEvans ErazmusInc.
DaveGolden WildernessWaterSafety
Heidi Weiler | Vice Chair H B Fuller
Paul Maahs | Board Treasurer Nicolet National Bank
JackHaggerty TheHaggertyFamilyFoundation
JulieHignell ElyResourceCenter
StewartHudnut Retired,IllinoisToolWorks
LynnLaPointe
IndigenousEducationInitiative
BobMoeller MoellerManagement Consultants
TedMoores Wanapitei
JerryRosen Children’sHospitals& ClinicsofMN
PegSkold CommunityVolunteer
RodericSouthall
MetropolitanCouncil
2023: BY THE NUMBERS
TUITION CONTRIBUTIONS
OPERATING REVENUE TOTAL
ONE-TIME DONATION TOTAL REVENUE
2023 REVENUE AND EXPENSE VOBS FINANCIAL POSITION (12/31/23)
$3,021,681
$1,976,822
$4,998,503
$1,300,000
$6,298,503 PROGRAM
ADMINISTRATION FUNDRAISING TOTALEXPENSE
$3,585,369
$1,415,773
$427,142
$5,428,284 NET $870,219
CASH FIXEDASSETS ENDOWMENT
OTHERASSETS TOTALASSETS
BANKDEBT LIABILITIES NETASSETS
TOTALLIABILITIES +NEWASSETS
$2,642,955
$639,322
$7,336,924
$1,162,249
$11,781,450
$0
$806,019
$10,975,431
$11,781,450
*VOBSBoardvotedtospread$1.3MonetimeWEMdonationas investmentoverthreeyears.
*VOBSEndowment(notincludedinP&Labove)grewbyanetof$1.3M in2023.
*NotreflectedinP&Laboveare$240kincashreceivedin2023as donorpledgepayments(accordingtoGAAP,revenuewasrecognized whenpledgeswasmade).
*Expensesaboveincludea$281kwriteoffofEmployeeRetentionTax CreditbecauseofachangeinfederalCOVIDAssistancepolicy.This writeoffincreasedadministrativeexpenses;withoutwriteoff, programexpenseswere70%ofexpenses.
97%
of alumni strongly agree or agree that their Outward Bound course was a positive experience in their life.
82%
of alumni strongly agree or agree that the Outward Bound School experience playe a significant role in their life.
72%
of alumni strongly agree or agree that their Outward Bound School experience was foundational to who they are today.
ALUMNI PRIDE
Since 1964, VOBS has served over 60,000 students, parents, alumni, donors, partners, and friends. Over 30,000 VOBS alumni represent every state, supported by 2,000+ instructors. In those 60 years, stories and experiences have touched ground in many places,includingMinnesota,Canada,Montana,Utah,NewMexico,Texas,andChicago. Weconsidereverylifetouchedapartofthefamily-andstudentsandinstructorsalike, alumni,alumnilikeSteveProudman.
In 1988, Outward Bound wanted to reach more students, including those from urban centers. Steve led the charge for VOBS in Chicago, establishing Outward Bound there. Overtwoyears,hiseffortstouchedthousandsoflives,givingChicagoyouththechance totransformthroughchallengeanddiscovery.
Steve built a program involving Chicago public schools, universities, and companies. WhileVOBSnolongeroperatesinChicagoproper,studentsfromIllinoisandChicago continuetoexperienceVOBS.
90%
of surveyed students agreed or strongly agreed with the statement , “I have gained courage to face challenges.”
79%
76%
of surveyed students agreed or strongly agreed with the statement , “I commit to making a difference in my world.”
of surveyed students agreed or strongly agreed with the statement , “I am a better person.”
CELEBRATING 60 YEARS
1960s
VOBS began its journey in the 1960s, leading the way in outdoor education. In 1963, Bob Pieh established the Minnesota Outward Bound School (MOBS). The inaugural MOBS course launched in 1964, and by 1965, MOBS made history with the first allwomen’s course in the Western Hemisphere.
1980s
In the 1980s, VOBS embraced growth. In 1982, MOBS introduced the dog sledding course.
A year later, in 1983, we became Voyageur Outward Bound School (VOBS). By 1984, VOBS had expanded to Montana and Texas and run its first courses for youth at risk
2000s
In the 2000s, VOBS moved through a series of changes, as the VOBS administrative offices moved up to Ely. In 2005, VOBS and most schools merged to form a single national Outward Bound entity, and the basecamps at Montana and Texas were later closed.
1970s
In the 1970s, MOBS concentrated on solidifying its foundation, exploring new methods, and facing early challenges. Through determination, we persevered In 1970, MOBS introduced winter courses, and by 1974, courses for students with disabilities. Despite the setback of a wildfire in 1977 that destroyed Homeplace, our staff rallied to rebuild.
1990s
In the 1990s, VOBS embraced innovation. Our name gained prominence, highlighting our expanding influence. In 1991, VOBS received the Governor’s Youth Service Recognition Award. By 1994, we introduced our first sea kayaking course on Lake Superior In 1998, VOBS completed construction on a beautiful new trips building.
2010s
2020s
In the 2020s, VOBS showed resilience and compassion coming through COVID, continued to serve students, and with the help of generous donors, built an $8 million endowment.
As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we reflect on our rich heritage and embrace new opportunities with a forward-looking approach.
In the 2010s, VOBS reawakened, reestablishing Twin Cities urban programs in 2010 and reforming a local presence in 2011 after the merger was unwound. VOBS celebrated its 50th anniversary, earned ‘Best Place to Work’ recognition from Outside magazine for three years, and reopened the Texas basecamp in 2016.
ANDBEYOND!
We are dedicated to serve more students, and to continue to bring the power and compassion of Outward Bound for a very long time in the future.
60THANNIVERSARY
PARTNERSHIP TO THRIVE
Expertsagreethatwell-being,orthriving,has3components--social,emotional,andphysical. Whenwethrive,weareconnectedtoothers,wehaveconfidence,andphysicalhealth.When we practice social, emotional, and physical skills, we grow the character to meet life's challenges.Butwhatischaracter?Characterisasetofhabitswecanpractice.Ifwepractice thesehabitsenough,theybecomecharactertraitsthathelpusthrive.
Since 2016, Voyageur Outward Bound School has partnered with Hiawatha Academies to prepare their young leaders to thrive VOBS supports Hiawatha's mission to grow student characterthroughsocial,emotional,andphysicallearningadventures.HiawathaAcademies is a vibrant K-12 Minneapolis learning community. The Hiawatha public charter school network was founded on the principle that if you help young people grow character, they thriveandgrowleadership.Today,100%ofHiawathagraduatesgoontocollege.
VOBSisproudtosupportourTwinCitiescommunitybydeliveringfundedcustomcharacter programsforHiawathahighschoolers.
During the school year, Hiawatha students get out of the classroom each month and grow charactertheOutwardBoundway.
Throughnature-basedadventureslikerockclimbing,canoeing,andskiing,studentspractice 8keycharactertraits: curiosity perspective-taking purpose self-control grit growth-mindset compassion gratitude
These character traits are widely recognized as early indicators of college readiness. As collegesplaceincreasingvalueoncharacterformationintheadmissionsprocess,Hiawatha studentsarebetterpreparedtoshowcasetheirstrongleadershipskills,andfindagreatfitfor theirnextlearningadventure.
Webelieveeveryonehasarighttothrive Wewanttogiveallyoungpeopleanopportunityto trynewthingsandgrowcourage,connectwithpeersandbuildbelonging,reflectonlearning andbecomeself-aware,andengagetheirbodiesforphysicalhealth.Wewelcomeyoutohelp usbuildabrighterfutureforallbypreparingyoungleadersinourcommunitytothrive.
VOBS FORWARD
VOBS ENDOWMENT GROWS
EnsuringthatVOBSnurturesresilientandcompassionatefutureleaders requiressecuringourfuturetodaythroughadedicatedcrewwithabold vision.
WeareverygratefulfortheconsistentandvisionarysupportofDavid,Janis, Lance,andReidLarson,whohavesupportedthousandsofVOBSTwinCities partner students with their generous annual support. More recently, the David & Janis Larson Foundation offered a generous VOBS endowment matchforanycashandlegacygifts.Wearegratefultoourmanysupporters whomadegiftstotheendowment,andasaresultoffiveyearsofsupportand matches,theVOBSendowmenthasgrowntoover$7million,whichresulted inanendowmentdrawin2023ofover$300,000!
Thanks to our donors, and thanks especially to the David & Janis Larson Foundation!
Continuing to build the VOBS endowment remains a priority For informationonmakinganendowmentgift,pleasecontactStaceyMinnickor JackLeeatdevelopment@vobs.org.
KURT HAHN SOCIETY
The Kurt Hahn Society is a group of visionaries dedicated to experiential education in the outdoors - an experience that allows students and communities to thrive.
Named after Outward Bound's founder, the society honors those who have committed to or have made a legacy gift to Voyageur Outward Bound School. The goal is to pay it forward and ensure a legacy of partnership. As a Kurt Hahn Society member, you contribute to the spirit of lasting impact, helping it grow and prosper
Thank you to all members of the Kurt Hahn Society:
Anonymous
Peter and Tanya Bailey
Elizabeth Beim
Catherine and Hunter Bell
David and Dianne Brackett
James Bronson and Sandi Goldie
Bruno Casolari
Patricia Dwyer
Bill and Kay Erickson
Linda Ganister and Susan Duffy
Dr Patricia Giebink
$8,000,000
$6,000,000
Jeffrey Gold and Donna Mancuso
Christopher Harte
Chris Hinrichs
Stewart Hudnut
Karen Klerk
Aaron Leonard
Sally Lightner
Elizabeth Miller
Bob and Sharon Moeller
Madeleine Monat
Susan Morrison
Laura Mostow
Jayne Nucete and Diane Tolis
Bonnie Peterson
Laurelyn Pratt and Tina Dederscheck
Derek and Patricia Pritchard
Steven Radant
Jerry Rosen and Martha Brand
Margaret and Lee Skold
Cynthia Smith
Norman Snyder
Ralph Spitzen
Allen Spivack and Sherry Grossman
Charles Storlie
$4,000,000
$2,000,000
$250,000
$0
KURT HAHN SOCIETY
GIVING COMMUNITY
INTRODUCING COMPASSION CREW
Launched as part of our 60th anniversary, the Compassion Crew embodies leadership and generosity within the Voyageur Outward Bound community This group honors trustees, alumni, parents, friends, and instructors who have donated $1,000 or more annually, recognizing their vital contributions to our mission.
The Compassion Crew provides crucial financial support while embodying the core values of Outward Bound Their generosity empowers individuals to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. By supporting scholarships, enhancing program quality, and expanding outreach, the Compassion Crew makes outdoor education accessible to all.
PURPOSE CREW
Recognizing annual gifts $25,000 +
STRENGTH CREW
Recognizing annual gifts from $10,000 - $24,999
PERSEVERANCE CREW
Recognizing annual gifts from $5,000 - $9,999
BELONGING CREW
Recognizing annual gifts from $1,000 - $4,999
PURPOSE CREW:
Alverin M. Cornell Foundation
Amy P. Goldman Foundation
Anonymous
David and Janis Larson Foundation
Judson Dayton
F R Bigelow Foundation
George Family Foundation
Haggerty Family Foundation
Mary Gerry and Tom Lee
Lookout Foundation
John and Michele McNellis
Ted Moores and Janny Padelford
Otto Bremer Trust
Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation
Peg and Lee Skold
State of Minnesota Office of Social Justice
The Saint Paul Foundation
Whitney & Elizabeth
MacMillan Foundation
Winnebago Industries Foundation
STRENGTH CREW:
Anonymous
Jodi Billy
Linda Casey
Cindy and Jeff Holker
Illinois Tool Works Foundation
Alice League
LRE Foundation
Mardag Foundation
Roxanne McCafferty
Martha McPheeters
Kathleen Blatz and Gregory Page
Warren and Mary Lynn Staley
Bruce and Julie Steiner
Walser Foundation
Bill and Judy Walter
Michael Welp
William H. Moffat Jr. Foundation
William Kistler Coors Foundation
Frederick and Eleanor Winston
PERSEVERANCE CREW:
Bill and Kay Erickson
H B Fuller Company Foundation
Stewart Hudnut
Benjamin Jaffray
Mike and Cathy Lee
Richard McFarland
Medtronic Foundation
Bob and Sharon Moeller
Mary and Steven Molo
Jerry Rosen and Martha Brand
Heidi and Dave Weiler
Ryan and Megan Welty
Robert E. Lamb Foundation
BELONGING CREW:
Connie and Mark Andrew
Anonymous
Peter and Tanya Bailey
Big Cat Foundation
Kimberly and Aaron Blindheim
Deanna Bowers
William and Wendy Brewer
Caterpillar
Catherine A. Smith Fund of the Minneapolis Foundation
May Coors
Lynda and David Daniel
Caroline Dayton
Clarke de Maigret and Matthew Tiews
Dellwood Foundation Inc.
Suzanne and Bill Drehmel
Kelly Dreibelbis
Anthony Gagliardo
Dr. Patricia Giebink
Jim Griffin and Jennifer Bierman
Alice Hallaran
Robert and Jennifer Hanson
Stefan and Lonnie Helgeson
Tom Higgins and Julie Wissinger
Dr. Marianne and Philip Kanning
Douglas Kelley
Peter and Cynthia Kellogg
Christian Klein
Laura Kohler and Stephen Proudman
Kent Koshkarian
Reed Larson and Sharon Irish
Jack and Laura Lee
Daniel Lee
Jeffrey Lee
Kathy and Al Lenzmeier
Aaron Leonard
William Lynch
Robert and Margaret Marshall
Robert and Polly McCrea Family
Fund of the Minneapolis
Joseph and Julie McGraw
MaiSee Moua-McDaniel
Gail Nelson and John Minor
Nicolet National Foundation Inc
Carla and Eric O'Brien
Barbara Wood and Steve Pace
Douglas Page and Deborah Hogshead
Robert Perkins
Laurelyn Pratt and Tina Dederscheck
Alison and Peter Reynolds
Riverbridge Partners
Diogo Rodrigues
Shanley Family Foundation
Catherine Smith
Steans Family Foundation
Kenneth and Julia Wegner
David Weiss
Sandy Wilson and Pamela Toler
Jeffrey Wilt
MARK MOELLER SCHOLARSHIP:
Greg and Cynthia Anderson
Deanna Bowers
William and Wendy Brewer
Rodger and Barbara Carlson
Richard Chadwick
Eleanor Crosby
Bill and Kay Erickson
Katherine Hardy
Stewart Hudnut
William Johnson
Dr. Marianne and Philip Kanning
Peter and Mary Kay Keers
Ram and Saroj Kumar
Jack and Laura Lee
Charles Lounsbury
Bob and Sharon Moeller
Henry and Teresa Morse
Gerald and Arlene Nystuen
Jane and Christopher Olley
Mary Ann O'Reilley
Ted and Pam Parrot
Delbert and Kay Ploen
Rosalie and Thomas Roth
Pat and Wayne Schaffran
Philip and Claudine Solseng
Judith Takkunen
THANK YOU, DONORS. THANK YOU, DONORS. THANK YOU
Kimberly Allen
AllTrails Inc
AmazonSmile Foundation
Kathy Amberger-Cassidy
Greg and Cynthia Anderson
Janine Anderson
Elizabeth Andre
Jerry Andrew and Julie Brown
Anonymous
AON Corporation
Gregory Arciello and Ann Garfinkle
AT&T Employee Giving Campaign
Kristen Atkins
Andrea and Jose Aucapiña
Mary Augustiny
Pamela Bailey and Thomas Joyce
Carole Baker
Shauna Barry
Danna Ackerman
James and Sandra Bates
Valerie Beale and James Beaty
Thomas and Susan Bear
Raquel Beechner
Mike Beerntsen
Cathy and Hunter Bell
Llewellyn Bell
Kathleen and Michael Benson
Kate Biagini and Robert Pennell
Kimberley Bielawski
Jason Birr
Jennifer Larson
Michelle Bolster
Amy and Kenneth Bonk
Charles and Jane Bracken
Kathleen Branch
Dawn Brandley
Heidi Breaker
Bridget Brennan
Joseph Brereton
Michelle Buswinka
Margaret Briggs
Paul and Denise Brodeur
James Bronson and Sandi Goldie
Kari Brookhouse
Ronnie and Roger Brooks
Betsy Broussard
Elton and Emily Brown
Jill Bubier and George Stone, III
Leigh and John Burns
Steven Burr
Alicia Burris
Charles Burton
Julie and Ben Butler
Ted and Patty Campbell
Nolan and Stephen Carleton
Gunnar and Karin Carlson
Rodger and Barbara Carlson
David Carter
Joseph and Jane Cavanaugh
Brett Cease
Richard Chadwick
Christina Chase and Erik Roy
Crystal Chopp
Donnan and Ann Christensen
Joseph Clark
Dominica and Frank Clavelli
ChristineandGaryCohen
AnneandFarnhamCollins
StephanieandAlexCondrell
ShawnConnolly
DebbieandJackCook
PatrickandGwenCooney
DianeandTomCopeland
JasonCorsi
MelissaCowlin
LynnCox
DebbyCox
LisaandWilliamCramer
JenniferCrewsandMattCusack
EleanorCrosby
Dr.DavidCrowe
StevenCurley
TedandCarolCushmore
MaxineDavis
JacqlynDavoll
EdwardandSherryAnnDayton
BonnieDee
JamesDenman
DavidDewan,M.D.
DebbieDickisonWhidden andWayneWhidden
BarbaraandStevenDiederichs
PeterandMaryDiotte
GenieandJosephDixon,Jr
NaomiandNathanDoerr
AlannaDore
SusanDowns-Karkos andKernKarkos
Dropbox
ConnorDunn
Wendy Duren
Eric and Brenda Eaton
Liz Engelman
Estee Lauder Companies
Janet Everhard
Christopher Ezzo
Michael Fatla and Maureen O'Malley-Fatla
James Feerst and Judith Miller Feerst
Libby and Andrew Fena
Dewayne and Debbie Fields
James and Jane Finley
Steven and Cheryl Fish
Mandy Flanagan
Kelli Florman
Howard and Linnea Franck
Debra and Steven Funk
Martha Furst
Phyllis Furtaw
Edward and Bryna Gamson
Linda Ganister and Susan Duffy
Sarah and Christopher Gant
Mary Garbutt
Alan Garcia
David and Kathy Garmon
Nancy Gates and Kate Batten
Joanna Gerard
Teresa Gibson
David Giles and Ellen Katz
Claire and Kenneth Ginder
Dinesh Goburdhun and Bridget Jones
Kim and Kerry Goff
Kathleen Golden
Dr Karen Gotwalt and Ronald Reitz
K YOU, DONORS. THANK YOU, DONORS. THANK YOU, DONOR
Edward Green
Tony Greenland
Richard Greenthal
Gregory Miller Giving Fund
Mary Grybeck
Rachel Haake
Eric and Jeremy Hadley
Jane and William Hall
Jeanne and Randall Hall
Bradley Hamilton
David Handler
John Hannan
Karen Hansen
John and Carol Hardenburg
Chandra Hardwicke
Katherine Hardy
Geraldine Harris
Allison and Lee Hartley
Bonnie-Ann and William Hartwig
Scott Harwin
Jeff Hedlund and Amy Apperson
Jeff and Lucy Heegaard
Gregory Heide and Susan Polege
Linda Hempel and Susan Wilson
Robert Hennigar and Melinda Huntley
Evan and Lindsay Hessel
Julie Hignell
Constance Hilliard Coyne
Donald Byrd and Wendy Holm
Peter and Kirsten Horstman
Fran and Robert Howard
Margaret and Paul Howard
Dr. Mark and Ruth Hroncich
SusanHuber
JohnnaandBertHyde
AlanHyman
JohnIvory
ChristineandStevenJansen
AnneGrignonandPennyJeffers
ValerieandRobertJeffries
JeromeandSarahJenko
JodyJessup
IndiaJohn
DanielJohnson
DavidJohnson
WilliamJohnson
Johnson&Johnson
KristinJonason
ReidJorgensonandDebraGreene
LynetteJudd
EricandJoanKallas
DavidKallenbach
JenniferKedward
PeterandMaryKayKeers
KirkandMeganKellogg
JosephKenig
KeithKenny
JulieKnight
WilliamKerns
MaggieKessell
DennisandSharonKimbleton
DavidKnudsonandWilliam Hohengarten
GeorgianneKornfuehrer
LynndaandRalphKroy
JoyceKullman
Ram and Saroj Kumar
Amy and Christopher Kunze
David Lagasse
Bill Laitinen
Ben Landman and Jennifer Feldman
David and Joyce Lasecke
John LaStella
Laurie Latimer
Michelle Lavigne and Tim Biety
Seth and Rachael Lawrence-slavas
Alyse Ostreicher and Emo Ledestich
Angela and Patrick Lee
Curtis Lee
Fred Leffler
Richard and Sally Leider
Randy Brenner-Leifer and Joshua Leifer
Thomas Lepkowski and Susie Leong
Betsy and Herb LePlatt
Beth Lewis
Philip Li
Jan Libbey and Timothy Landgraf
Sarah Lightner
Marsha Lindquist
Elizabeth Lingle
John and Jane Lionberger
Lawrence Litchfield and Phyllis Coelho
Jeff Loesch
Dr. Gary Long and Margot Cusack Long
Charles Lounsbury
LUMW Foundation
Erica Lundquist and Randall Krag
Paul and Mary Maahs
Ellen and David Macdonald
Karen MacPherson and Peter Hardin
Susan Maddux
Alyssa Markle
Kimberley Marshall
Donald and Elizabeth Maruska
Ann Mavis
Stephen May
Rozena McCabe
Julie McCallister
Karin and Brian McDonald
Christine and Thomas McEnery
Maureen McGraw
Rogene McKiernan
Scott McKown
James and Sally McLaughlin
Marjorie McRoberts
Alejandra Morales and Alejandro Medina
Corrine Merker
Joseph Dart and Janet Messick
Microsoft Matching Gift Program
Elizabeth Miller
Philip Miller and Melvin North
Stacey Minnick
Donald and Elizabeth Modder
Mark Moeller
Norman and Susan Moody
Henry and Teresa Morse
Kristine Mosher
James and Franchelle Mullin
Mark Murphy
Meredith Murphy
Frederica Musgrave
Valerie Myntti
NORS. THANK YOU, DONORS. THANK YOU, DONORS. THANK
JeffreyandMarjaNelson
LarryandMarilynNelson
ToniNemanick
TeresaNeufelder
YevgeniyNikulin
EricNohelty
JayneNuceteandDianeTolis
CraigandLaurieNutt
MonicaandHaakonNygaard-Ostby
GeraldandArleneNystuen
AprilO'Brien
JohnandJoanO'Brien
KristenandTerrenceO'Brien
MaryO'Brien
ErinO'Donnell
MaryAnnO'Reilley
MichaelO'RourkeandElizabeth
Richardson
EileenO'ShaughnessyandArtPerlman
NancyOkerlund
TessaOlson
JohnOrdwayIII
JuliaandBrianPalmer
Pants
TedandPamParrot
DerryPatterson
PayPalGivingFund
JuliePeirson
JasonPeterson
MarkPetraitis
LucyPick
JeromeandLucyPieh
LucyPieper
Jodi and William Pinkham
Rick Pitcairn
Delbert and Kay Ploen
Randolph and Carolyn Powell
Nancy Powers
Russell Presnell
Robert and Rhonda Prieb
Lisa Pugh
William Pye
Michael and Leah Pytel
Jody Radtke
Pamela Ransom
Dean Rau and Sarah Lund
Jim and Brenda Reidt
Donald Reynolds
John Ribes
Kristine Rice
Andrew Rinzler
Wint and Christina Ritchie
Broocks Robertson
Randy Roche
Rebecca Rom and Reid Carron
Jonathan Roman
Adam and Anissa Rosenwald
Rosalie and Thomas Roth
Jason and Amy Rowell
William and Judy Rummler
Kristen Rupert and John Foote
Mary Claire and Daniel Ryan
Ryan Companies US Inc
Dursun Sakarya
Laura Wyatt
Rae Sanders
Christopher SanGiovanni
Kent and Linda Satterfield
Pat and Wayne Schaffran
Barbara Schroeder-Buck
Stephen Senna
Robert and Joanne Shaw
Alex and Marybeth Sherrin
Rebecca Shuford
Jamie Sickles
Beth Silverwater and Norman Greenberg
Susan Simmons
Barbara Sipp
Bertine and Kenneth Slosberg
Christina Smith
Kirsten and Philip Smith
Rick Snyder
Eliott and Cynthia Socci
Annie Socci Maloney and Patrick Maloney
Philip and Claudine Solseng
John Sorteberg and Christina Kennedy
Laura Souers
Roderic Southall
Jim and Joy Sovada
Dave and Martha Spicer
Pat Spillman
Sarah Steffen
David and Joan Stene
Heather Link and Kevan Sternberg
Frank and Elsa Sterner
Andree Stetson and Mike Lee
Michael and Laurel Stiller
Laura and Bill Strachan
Emily and Luther Strayer
Barbara Strock
Debra Sunderman
CarolynSundquist
JudithTakkunen
JosephRubinandMariaTerol
SarahHansen
HollyThompsonandMikeWhitehead
JaneThrash
GaryThyssen
CarrieandJohnTietz
JamesandJennieTomhave
Toyota
JoshandKateTraeger
JanetTwohey
RonaldUsemandMaryTambornino
ChristopherandKarinValenti
CatherineandRussellVanderboom
GlenandKateVarns
CharlesViles
DanaandThomasVogen
JennaVultaggio
LucasWade
GeorgeWarrington
PhyllisWedvick
MarkWeissandScottBroer
CherieWeitznerAcierno
MarkWendtandMicheleWilliams
MegWhiston
LindaWiedmann
RussandTammyWilkinson
GretchinWitman
HenryWoolsey
NicholeYoung
DeborahYounger
CREW KUDOS
Our dedicated staff support our students and ensure the smooth operation of our community. We proudly acknowledge their hardworkandcommitment.
The Larson Leadership Award was created to recognize VOBS staff who exemplify notable leadership qualities, such as passion, determination, integrity, and a commitment to VOBS's mission This award honors the memory of Dave Larson, founder of the Larson Family Foundation, which generously supports the VOBS Endowment and Annual Fund. VOBS is grateful to the Larson Family Foundation for making this annual award possible and forhelpingusrecognizestaffdedication.
The Josh Miner Award is presented by Outward Bound USA to recognize a staff member whose commitment to Outward Bound has improved the lives of students and staff and enhanced our mission recipient exemplifies the qualitie Outward Bound Founding Trustee, Jo L.MinerIII.
Lt. Col. Mark Weber was a US Officer, Minnesotan, father, hus Outward Bound instructor, and author who served in the military for 23 years, prioritizing others' well-being Even after his terminal cancer diagnosis in 2009, he continued his commitment to service, volunteering, and inspiring others Before his death in 2013, he helped establish an award recognizing Outward Bound staff whoexemplify"ServiceAboveSelf."
Jennie Ivezic's honor of the Larson Leadership Award speaks volumes about her exceptional leadership qualities. Her enduring commitment to our mission, coupled with her unwavering integrity and resilience, sets her apart as a cornerstone of our team. Through over two decades of dedicated service, Jennie's steadfast leadership and caring nature have been instrumental in our ability to serve our students with excellence
Conner Keefe’s Larson Leadership Award recognizes her dynamic leadership, combining passion, patience, and courage She cultivates a culture of learning and enjoyment, inspiring her team with her love for camping and mentoring challenging students. Conner fearlessly challenges structures and her steadfast leadership was evident in the unwavering dedication of her staff during their travels last year.
Chandra Hardwicke, honored with the Josh Miner Award by Outward Bound USA, embodies the spirit of Founding Trustee Joshua L. Miner III. Her warm, friendly personality and extensive experience at both Outward Bound USA and VOBS make her a cornerstone of the community. Chandra’s welcoming presence supports and enriches the experience of all VOBS members, reflecting the core values of Outward Bound.
Ali Neilson, the deserving recipient of the Lt. Col. Mark Weber Award, exemplifies "Service Above Self" through her exceptional leadership in the wilderness and beyond. Her dedication to students' learning and fostering a safe, welcoming community at VOBS ensures it remains an outstanding place for education and work, embodying Lt. Col. Weber's legacy.
Thomas Cook, recipient of the Lt. Col. Mark Weber Award, embodies dedication and compassion. Since joining in 2019, he has excelled in roles across the Ely Summer and Big Bend programs, guiding students with a focus on inclusivity and personal growth. Thomas fosters community through organizing paddling trips and readily supports various initiatives, reflecting his commitment to service and leadership
Be tough
yet
gentle, humble yet bold, swayed always by beauty and truth.
Bob Pieh Founder, Voyageur Outward Bound School