Did you know that Outward Bound has over 500,000 alumni worldwide? And each one of them has a unique story from the expedition or expeditions they went on. The stories we have collected here are from alumni and Outward Bound staff that felt inspired to share with us what Outward Bound meant to them or how it impacted their life after the course. Some of the entries are from their journals. Some are letters written after the fact. There are even poems that students composed on solo.
If you take the time to read some of these stories, you'll realize that Outward Bound is truly the first step of a journey that you will continue for the rest of your life. We hope your course is an amazing, life-changing experience, but we also hope that what you learn about yourself and others on your expedition will inspire you return to your life ready to make a difference in your world. Just reading these stories is a great way to begin feeling inspired.
If you are an alumni or staff member who would like to share your story with Outward Bound, we'd love to hear it. Click here to share your experience.
Blake Hamilton - 11/22/08
The opening of a door may lead to one that is closed tightly behind; one in which needs greater determination and strength to open. Outward Bound to me, was the frame of the door, it was the essential part that made it possible. After learning more...
Natasha Crooker - 11/14/08
Starting at a new high school this year was fun. I had no idea what that school had in store for me.
In the beginning of November my school had planned for students to go up the mountains. And do an Outward Bound 4 day course. I...
Finnian Haskins - 9/26/08
Unlike my parents, I’m not normally the outdoorsy type. I bike sometimes, hike irregularly, and camp almost never. So when my folks suggested that I take an Outward Bound course, I was pretty much against it. For one thing, it would be during...
Monika - 8/12/08
Have you ever experienced fifty consecutive days so memorable that you can actually recall every single one? I hadn’t until, thanks to the support of a Marmot Leadership Scholarship, I embarked on an Outward Bound Semester in Alaska. I...
Gail S - 8/12/08
My interest in Outward Bound started when I enrolled my son in a program for 14-15 year olds. I looked through the catalog and thought I'd like to do that, and that, and that. My son never went. He injured his foot just days before the trip. Thank...
Derek Bellomo - 8/12/08
Three years after my 23-day Mountaineering Course in the San Juans, I still think about it every day. It was probably the single most important thing I have ever done.
I graduated college and had been working for a year. Bored...
Dave O. - 8/12/08
Over the river and through the woods, but nowhere near Grandmother’s House
It’s a frigid January night on the edge of northeastern Minnesota’s Boundary Waters, and I’m staring into a small square abyss freshly...
Michelle Richards - 8/12/08
On our very first day, we were told that Outward Bound would be one of the hardest things we ever did in life. I wasn’t sure I believed it then, but I certainly do now. Meeting up with a group of complete strangers; heading off into pure...
Marc Lewis - 8/12/08
I spent three glorious weeks on a multi-expedition adventure with Outward Bound in the Alaskan Outback.
I was looking for variety in the outdoors, an opportunity to have multiple experiences, to test myself across several disciplines....
Jeri Hall - 8/12/08
I attended Outward Bound School in one week prior to my 40th birthday.
I came to the course with many, many reservations and an abundance of fear. I knew this was going to be a trip of self-discovery, but had no clue as to how...
