This piece highlights the second year of Outward Bound USA’s partnership with SEO Scholars New York City, a collaboration rooted in a shared belief in the power of the outdoors to teach, challenge, and transform. Together, we’re creating opportunities for students to step beyond the classroom and into experiences that build resilience, confidence, and community.

Out here, life gets simpler. No noise, no screens. Just the people you’re with, the trail beneath your feet, and the challenges that shape you. It’s not always easy, but that’s the point. You learn what really matters, what you can let go of, and just how capable you truly are.

For our students and educators alike, backpacking is more than just a physical journey. It’s a way of learning. A way of growing. And the backpack? It’s no longer just what you’re carrying; it’s what you’re gaining along the way.

“SEO recognizes that many of our Scholars do not have access to outdoor spaces or adventures. We love that Scholars have the opportunity to push themselves and build community with one another. We also recognize that there are so many soft skills built through this process with Outward Bound: how to have tough conversations with caregivers about doing something outside of one’s comfort zone, learning how to push through physical and mental challenges, and building trust in community,” said Elizabeth Kelleher, Senior Program Manager, External Partnerships.

Out on the trail, students aren’t just learning how to carry a backpack — they’re building life skills and a stronger sense of who they are.

“At Outward Bound, we see the outdoors as one of the most powerful classrooms out there,” said Kristina Stockburger, Accounts Manager at Outward Bound USA. “Our partnership with SEO Scholars is rooted in a shared belief that all young people deserve access to life-changing experiences. Out on the trail, students aren’t just learning how to carry a backpack — they’re building life skills and a stronger sense of who they are. We’re proud to keep growing this partnership and to support students as they take on challenges that prepare them for everything ahead: from college and careers, to friendships and life beyond.”

Why Backpacking?  
Jackie Neu, Marketing Manager of North Carolina Outward Bound School (NCOBS), reflects on why this specific modality holds such purpose:

“Backpacking offers students an opportunity to step away from the noise and distractions of daily life to be fully present in a new and challenging environment. Students are empowered by carrying everything they need in their packs—food, shelter, clothing, and gear—and stepping into leadership roles within their crew. When students are pushed outside of their comfort zones, they build confidence, form meaningful connections, and discover their resilience.”

For many of the students from SEO Scholars, who come from urban environments with limited access to the outdoors (and in this instance, the backcountry of North Carolina), this experience is their first extended exposure to nature. The shift is not just physical, but emotional and mental. They’re learning how to be uncomfortable, how to keep going, and how to lean on each other.

Backpacking as a Teacher 
A chaperone, Laury Veudna, who accompanied the group, observed:

“At first our Scholars were unsure of themselves and, quite frankly, shocked by our environment and terrain. But after 24 hours, they rose to the challenges remarkably well. Even though many had limited prior access to outdoor spaces, they embraced the opportunity to push themselves and build community.”

This adaptability surprised even seasoned educators. Students weren’t just surviving. They were applying soft skills in real time: making daily plans, supporting one another, managing discomfort, and demonstrating emotional intelligence in moments of stress.

“Watching them transform nervousness into confidence and mutual encouragement was a powerful reminder of how experiences like these can shape their growth for the future,” Laury shared.

If I am determined enough to do this, I can do anything.

“I never thought that I could push myself that much to the point where I faced my fear of heights and walked that much. I feel like I can do anything now that I rappelled a 150-foot mountain and walked 6 miles. If I am determined enough to do this, I can do anything,” shared Elizabeth, one of the NCOBS students. “If I were to do this again, I would tell myself that this course will be a challenge, but nothing beats the satisfaction of climbing a rock, rappelling a mountain, and getting close with people I never knew.”

Student Transformation on the Trail 
The resilience built on trail mirrors the growth SEO educators see in students over the academic year, but with an intensity and immediacy that only the outdoors can provide.

“They showed resilience, self-advocacy, and teamwork in environments that push them beyond their usual comfort zones. Outside the classroom, they put these skills into action by meeting challenges head-on and relying on their peers,” shared Veudna. It was truly refreshing and inspiring to see them build confidence they’ll carry back to school and into the future.”

Elvin’s experience, a student participant, echos this observation: “The course helped me by giving me new experiences and teaching me that whenever it gets hard, you can always keep pushing with resilience and perseverance.”

The course helped me by giving me new experiences and teaching me that whenever it gets hard, you can always keep pushing with resilience and perseverance.

The trail becomes a classroom without walls, where trust, leadership, and perseverance are not theoretical concepts, but daily practice.

Lessons that go beyond the wild 
As SEO and NCOBS hoped, the biggest takeaways weren’t just about learning to pitch a tent or navigate a trail. They were about life.

“We want students to know that they are capable of taking on challenges both on and off the trail, whether they carry that lesson forward into school, college applications, or leadership roles within their local community,” shared Neu.

“We hope that Scholars see that saying ‘Yes!’ to something that pushes them outside of their comfort zone can be rewarding and worth the time and risk,” reflected Kelleher. “Many of our Scholars had their first time away from their caregivers during this trip. Feeling confident in independence is a huge step in being prepared for college and post-academic life.”
Remzey, a student, shared what they’ll take with them into their life after course: “I do feel like a better version of myself. Overall, Outward Bound has changed me to be more persistent and adaptable, which are skills that are very useful in real life. I will forever hold this course close to my heart.”

In fact, those post-program ripple effects were visible:

“Scholars are clearly more connected to one another following the trip. We’ve seen some students who now love the outdoors, and others who are just happy to be back in the city. But across the board, there’s a shared theme of gratitude, which is great to see.”

Partnership for purpose: 

This partnership isn’t just about a one-time experience. It’s about planting seeds that grow for years to come.

“We loved partnering with SEO because of our shared commitment to long-lasting impact for students,” said Neu. “The SEO Scholars leaned into challenge, built camaraderie, and embraced lessons on course that they will carry with them on their future journeys. We can’t wait to see the students continue to thrive beyond their expedition!”

“What makes this partnership so special is the intention behind it. Outward Bound is not just taking students outside. We’re helping them see themselves differently,” said Stockburger. “The growth we see on course doesn’t end when the backpacks come off. It shows up in how students approach challenges, connect with others, and carry themselves long after the trip is over.”

“We’re excited for Scholars to think of the outdoors as part of their high school experience. We believe strongly in the power of out-of-classroom experiences and the outdoors as our best learning environment,” shared Kelleher. “We’re also excited that Outward Bound’s many schools across the country can allow our Scholars to see and experience new places.”
This year, both partners worked even more closely to ensure the course challenged students, while meeting them where they were, many of them beginners. That intentionality helped set students up for success, and made their achievements even more meaningful.

If they had to sum it all up?

Neu from NCOBS chose: Transformational.

Each student pushed their boundaries and discovered something new about themselves and what they are truly capable of.

From SEO: Going Beyond the Comfort Zone.

The trip pushed us all to grow, adapt, and support one another in real time.

Thank you to KKR and SEO Scholars New York City for empowering underserved students and building partnerships that create lasting opportunities for future leaders.

This blog post was made in collaboration with the North Carolina Outward Bound School.