Welcome to Outward Bound, where adventure and community are the catalysts for personal growth and confidence.
4-Day to 85-Day Expeditions with Outward Bound
Whether you’re on a weeklong middle school expedition in the Blue Ridge Mountains or joining our Semester program in Costa Rica, get set for uninterrupted days of fun, community, and outdoor adventure. Beyond screens and classrooms, these journeys are measured by personal growth in leadership and confidence, as well as miles across mountains, rivers, deserts, or oceans.
Available year-round for ages 12 and up, explore our 150+ courses offered across the US and abroad.
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STUDENTS' EXPEDITION STORIES
Now I can say without hesitation: Outward Bound changed my life. It humbled me, yes. But in doing so it ultimately empowered me. It filtered out distraction and the hum of routine life so I could focus on what really matters. Maybe it was when we hiked a boulder field in a foot of snow. Or when we huddled under a tarp in a downpour. But at some point I reconnected with myself. And I took a long, hard look at what’s important to me. So much of that journey had to do with my course mates. I was the oldest by far. But in getting to know these young, dynamic people, I opened myself to a collective bonding like nothing I’d experienced before. It’s a camaraderie one remembers long after Outward Bound is over. One where you take care of each other and wish for each other’s well-being as much as your own. In the snow. In the rain. In the wilderness with all comforts stripped away.
In the three months that I was on course, I was challenged and pushed harder than ever before in my young adult life. Through crossing a glacier in Argentina, to paddling for 24 hours straight in the Everglades, to rock climbing and white water canoeing in the mountains of North Carolina, I was pushed out of my comfort zone every day. I became extremely close with my ten crew mates, and every Instructor I had on course. Now as I am adjusting back into life not living in the woods, I notice changes within myself on a daily basis, from the way I approach conflict, to the way I think about myself. I have a lot to thank Outward Bound for, but in particular I dedicate my new-found work ethic, confidence and ability to deal with difficult situations to Outward Bound and will never forget the endless memories I made while on course.
The most challenging aspect of the Outdoor Educator course for me was learning how to speak up and assert my ideas when I felt they were valid. Our Instructors did a phenomenal job asking us as individuals to step outside of stereotypical gender roles and intentionally make space for each other to speak. As one of the quieter and timid members of the group, it took a lot of patience and encouragement from my peers, but eventually I found my voice and recognized that one need not be loud in volume to be a good facilitator. What weighs much more heavily is confidence in your words.
I learned that I am a lot stronger than I think I am, I made friends that I’ll cherish forever, and I now appreciate the outdoors with a new perspective.
The Maine to Bahamas Semester was an incredible experience for me. I am studying environmental and marine sciences in college, so this program was right up my alley. Perhaps more impactful however, was the team-like atmosphere and sense of togetherness that Outward Bound intrinsically creates. There is something about sleeping together in tents or sleeping under the stars in the middle of the ocean that brings people together. While on course, I learned how to be accountable, and how to look out for the people standing next to me. I gained so much from this program, and cannot recommend it highly enough.
This camp was super fun for me to do. I was able to make lifelong friends. Also, everyone is extremely kind and loving.
This is real life connectivity, not through a screen or liking each other's Instagram posts. You're out there learning about what drives people, what motivates them, what makes them happy. Facing challenges together as a team, no outside influences or worries about opinions of you.
This experience was the toddler to my play-doh-like existence: it transformed me into something I’m still trying to understand. And my mom thinks it’s cool.
I used to be an extremely picky eater and one of the goals I set for myself was to be less of a picky eater. When I got to be cook, I was really hungry and I wanted to provide for the group. I made a stir fry – that was a meal I would never have eaten at home. I was really engrossed in every part of the process – preparing the vegetables, lighting the fire, and then watching the other students enjoy eating it. It was so delicious. That was rewarding.
I entered this course with the hope that I would grow and learn but had very little idea how. I hoped that I would gain confidence and courage, I hoped that I’d find my way. But this course was hard. I was uncomfortable. And that was the greatest gift Outward Bound could have given me. There is little room for growth within your comfort zone and miles and miles and miles of growth out there, in the wilderness. And out there you also find lessons about concepts you never even thought of. I could probably write a book on the things I’ve learned during these 30 days!
My son hesitated to take this adventure because it was outside of his familiar world. Unplugging allowed him to [connect] with peers, overcome physical and emotional obstacles, and see his future with brighter eyes. He describes his experience now as 'life-changing.'
My 14-year-old son went on the whitewater canoeing and hiking trip in the Pisgah National Forest. Wow! I cannot say enough great things about his experience. He had an incredible time and returned home with more confidence in his abilities and a stronger sense of who he is. He will be starting high school this fall and I firmly believe this was the best investment we could have made in his education. We have discussed his experience a lot in the weeks since he has been home and he says this was, by far, the most difficult challenge he has ever faced, but also the most rewarding. If you are looking for a program to teach your children independence and perseverance, while also instilling in them the importance of team work, Outward Bound has an excellent program.
FEATURED COURSES
Take Your Semester Outside
Outward Bound Gap Year expeditions range from three-month long expeditions focused on leadership training and community-building to 30-day courses that unearth your passions and prepare you for life beyond the classroom.
Learn More
Outward Bound Gap Year expeditions range from three-month long expeditions focused on leadership training and community-building to 30-day courses that unearth your passions and prepare you for life beyond the classroom.
Learn More
Can't wait for Summer?
It's never too early to start planning for summer. Whether you’re on a weeklong middle school expedition in the High Sierra or joining our Semester program in Costa Rica, get set for uninterrupted days of fun, community, and outdoor adventure.
See Courses
It's never too early to start planning for summer. Whether you’re on a weeklong middle school expedition in the High Sierra or joining our Semester program in Costa Rica, get set for uninterrupted days of fun, community, and outdoor adventure.
See Courses
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