Mission:Outward Bound is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people develop their potential to care for themselves, others and the world around them by engaging in challenging experiences in new environments. Outward Bound courses are open to all people regardless of race, religion, color, physical or mental strength, social or educational background in over 40 schools worldwide. The overall mission is to inspire character development and self-discovery in people of all ages and walks of life through challenge and adventure, and to impel them to achieve more than they ever thought possible, to show compassion for others and to actively engage in creating a better world.

History: Outward Bound is an innovative educational idea put forth by Kurt Hahn, a celebrated and progressive German educator, which has survived and flourished for more than sixty years. The birth of today’s Outward Bound began with the opening of Gordonstoun school in Scotland in the 1930’s with only two students. Here, Hahn refined his philosophies into a practical curriculum that rewarded development of physical skills as well as learning to live in the outdoors through an expedition, and embarking upon a hobby or project, in addition to achievements in the classroom. After relocating the school to Wales, the next step of Outward Bound’s evolution came via a joint effort with British shipping baron Sir Lawrence Holt to teach young British sailors the vital survival skills necessary during World War II. With a curriculum based mainly on Hahn’s belief that character development was just as important as academic achievement, the new school became the wellspring of experiential learning in the post-war period. Hahn found that people who were put in challenging, adventurous outdoor situations gained confidence, redefined their own perceptions of their personal possibilities, demonstrated compassion, and developed a spirit of camaraderie with their peers. It took only a few years for this ground-breaking educational program called “Outward Bound” – the nautical term to describe a ship leaving the safety of its harbor to head for the open seas—to begin its international expansion. As Outward Bound grew, there was considerable adaptation of programs and venues. Programs became available for corporate teambuilding, for inner-city youth and for special populations such as recovering alcoholics, families or adjudicated youth. Programs moved from being solely wilderness based, to also being offered in settings like classrooms and urban centers. Now, more than sixty years later and with schools in over 35 countries on six continents and with a wide-variety of programs catering to the particular populations of those countries, it continues to evolve and the future of Outward Bound looks very promising.