Outward Bound USA is a non-profit organization providing experiential education in the United States through a network of regional schools, especially in wilderness settings. Outward Bound counts among its desired outcomes the development of self-awareness, self-confidence, leadership skills, environmental and social responsibility.
semester: lasting 30 to 85 days, these expeditions are intended for students of college age
outdoor educator: for training and certification of wilderness education instructors
intercept: for teens having difficulties at home or in school and their families
veterans: offered at no cost to returned service members, lasting five to seven days
professional: of varying length, these combine outdoor and indoor education for organizations, companies, and non-profits
grieving teens: places young people who have experienced loss in a wilderness setting with others who have had similar experiences
group: customized courses for high school and college groups, or groups such as cancer survivors
educator: provide teachers with ways to integrate the Outward Bound approach into their work with students
Diversity training
In the United States, Outward Bound schools have employed "diversity trainings" for their staff in order to prepare instructors to address the various issues that may arise on course due to a diverse group of participants. Diversity trainings are intended to provide the arena where staff can be challenged in the same ways participants are challenged to step out of their comfort zone. Outward Bound programs continue to focus on enriching the lives of students from all walks of life, and strive to empower their staff in awareness of issues that arise in groups.
TV series
A television series aired on Discovery Kids from 1999-2003. In each location, the show followed a group of eight young adults as they learned to work together and help each other survive in the wilderness. Under the guidance of instructors from the Outward Bound school, the group members struggled to cope with nature and each other, with success and failure, with physical and mental challenges, and finally bonded together from the experience.
EL Education and Outward Bound
A non-profit comprehensive school reform organization which is no longer a part of Outward Bound USA, works with over 129 urban and rural schools across the United States including Puerto Rico.
