When I arrived at Outward Bound during the winter in chilly Minnesota, our Instructors greeted us in Hawaiian shirts. The temperature had risen to the high 20s Fahrenheit—which was, for them, a heat wave. I was there for a dog... READ MORE

Outward Bound is an opportunity to change your life. Set in some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, our expeditions are for those who seek something big, different and perhaps unexplainable. Saying yes to this experience will... READ MORE

Perhaps you’re at the side of a river. It’s evening and you’ve just noticed that the campsite you were planning to sleep at is taken already. Or maybe you’re standing at a trail junction and looking at a sign that... READ MORE

On an Intercept course, we ask our students to identify the difference between a consequence and a punishment. They identify that punishments are unfair and lead to more harm than good, and that consequences are inevitable, often put upon by their... READ MORE

The best advice I’ve ever received? “Make sure you’re not taking advice from the wrong people. Know who your cheerleaders are and go to them if you need help.” When I first heard this, it struck a chord. I felt... READ MORE

Packing for a backpacking trip is a delicate task of balancing comfort and weight and often leads to numerous questions about what you actually need. Most people will become experts at this craft through years of adventures in the wilderness. I’ve... READ MORE

In her book Rising Strong, researcher Brené Brown observes that a “tolerance for discomfort” is the common denominator between resilient people. Exercises provided below are aimed at improving your mental and physical tolerance for discomfort. First, let’s take a look... READ MORE

A few weeks ago, I was standing in a circle with five dirt-covered adolescents just outside Marble, Colorado. With Aspen leaves still dripping from the early morning’s downpour, I told the students that the 15-day mountaineering course they had just... READ MORE

It was day one of a three-day river trip at the beginning of training season at Outward Bound’s Southwest base. Hands came together to clap as “help yourself, help each other” rang out from the circle of new field staff.... READ MORE

Visualize this. You’ve just spent a long day backpacking with your crew. It’s hot out, you’re hungry and all you want to do is sit down, take off your shoes and relax on your sleeping pad. But first, you must... READ MORE