Profile last updated: Jun 26, 2020

Vitals

  • GYA Accredited Since: 2015
  • Enrolling:
  • Mission Statement:

    Outward Bound's mission is to change lives through challenge and discovery. While perhaps ambitious and bold, our vision is a more resilient and compassionate world, with more resilient and compassionate citizens.

  • Level of Independence/Supervision (mouse-over for definition):
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Program Locations


Typical Itinerary

Below is a sample course itinerary for one of our Semester expeditions, the 80-day Maine to Bahamas Semester. Check out more course itineraries for other Semester expeditions on our website!

DAY 1
Course start, Newry, Maine; Meet your group, pack for expedition

DAY 2-23
Canoe expedition in Maine’s Northwoods region, including whitewater and portaging

DAY 24-31
Wilderness First Responder, at the Newry Mountain Center

DAY 32-48
Backpacking, rock climbing and Solo

DAY 49
Clean up, de-issue, gear repair

DAY 50
Fly to Cape Eleuthera, Bahamas

DAY 51-55
Orientation to marine research at the Cape Eleuthera Institute

DAY 56-75
Sailing expedition, including marine research

DAY 76-78
Research culmination, report delivery

DAY 79-80
Closure, final challenge event, graduation and course end


Program Outcomes

  • Character
  • Leadership
  • Service
  • Personal Growth
  • Self Care
  • Resilience
  • Academic Credit
  • Wilderness/First Aid Responder
  • Safety and Risk Management
  • Campcraft

Here at Outward Bound, our motto is "learn by doing." Founded in 1962, Outward Bound has helped over 1 million students achieve their goals. Today, we equip students looking to pursue a gap year with self-confidence, tenacity and compassion. Outward Bound offers programs of all lengths in some of the most spectacular and inspiring settings in the United States, Asia and Central and South America.

Semester programs range anywhere from 45 to 85 days and can be as adventurous as mountaineering, dog sledding or even swimming with dolphins. Our students have opportunities to complete service projects in remote villages, national parks, schools and more. Our goal is to have students leave our program with a new sense of awareness and the motivation to change the world.

Program Details

  • Program Starts: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
  • Program Duration: Less than 2 months, Semester, Yearlong
  • Typical Program Cost: Varies
  • Program Financial Aid: Yes
  • Other Financial Aid Details:

    Financial aid and scholarships are based on need, motivation, and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis by the Outward Bound School where your course is offered.


Staff Training and Certification

Our field staff come from all walks of life with a vast array of backgrounds, talents and experience, and are united by a sincere interest in growth and development of others on a personal, group and larger societal level.

Outward Bound field staff are trained to identify, assess and approach risk as a learning tool to be managed, but not eliminated, with the goal of providing Outward Bound students with the opportunity to gain insights and perspectives into their own and their group’s capabilities that are unavailable anywhere else.

Each Outward Bound School across the country has a specific set of technical skills required. Instructors have Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and adult CPR certifications. Each School may have additional requirements.


Peer Reviews



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