From the forests and lakes of Canada to the mountains, coastlines, and diverse landscapes around the world, Outward Bound schools share a common belief: learning through adventure can change lives.
At the Outward Bound World Conference 2026, held in Singapore from October 12 to 14, Outward Bound Canada (OBC) joined approximately 120 delegates from more than 30 countries. Representing OBC, our Executive Director, Josephine Baran, connected with outdoor education leaders from across the network to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore ways to make outdoor education more accessible.
The gathering was a reminder of the value of belonging to a global community of educators who share our mission and are continually learning from one another.
One global network, a shared mission
Founded in 1941, Outward Bound has grown into an international network of schools operating in 34 countries across six continents. Each school works within its own landscape, culture, and community, bringing different experiences and perspectives to the global network.
Through Outward Bound International (OBI), schools collaborate, share research, and learn from one another to strengthen their programs and reach more participants. That collaboration is supported by a growing body of research demonstrating the impact of outdoor education.
OBI’s 2026 Global Impact Report, Flourishing Futures, brings together 47,312 participant surveys from 27 schools in 23 countries. The findings show reported improvements across five key areas:
- 83.6% in environmental responsibility
- 80.6% in resilience
- 79.5% in compassion for others
- 78.9% in self-confidence
- 76.4% in social competence
Additional research involving 1,260 students across 14 Outward Bound schools identified immersive expeditions, meaningful challenges, and supportive group environments as important contributors to participants’ growth. Together, these findings help Outward Bound schools understand and communicate the value of their programs, while identifying opportunities to improve the participant experience.
Learning from Singapore
One of the most inspiring examples of investment in outdoor education came from the conference’s host, Outward Bound Singapore (OBS).
Through a partnership with Singapore’s Ministry of Education, OBS delivers a five-day outdoor adventure program for Secondary 3 students, helping them develop resilience, teamwork, and confidence alongside peers from different schools and backgrounds. Approximately 18,000 students participated in 2025, and Singapore is working toward making the experience available to every Secondary 3 student by 2030.
The country has backed this commitment with significant investment in facilities, including a new OBS campus on Coney Island, which opened in September 2026. The campus includes accessible adventure facilities and expands OBS’s capacity to serve more young people.
Josephine was particularly impressed by the scale of Singapore’s infrastructure and the government’s commitment to outdoor education.
“Seeing what Singapore has built was incredibly inspiring. The level of government support and investment in outdoor education shows what’s possible when these experiences are recognized as an important part of young people’s development. It’s something we can learn from as we work to expand access here in Canada.”
Singapore’s approach also connects with OBC’s own priorities. Our 2027–2030 Strategic Plan includes advocating for greater government investment in outdoor education, strengthening partnerships, and expanding opportunities for youth across Canada, particularly those who face barriers to participation.
The World Conference was an opportunity to exchange knowledge, build relationships, and explore how Outward Bound schools around the world are responding to shared challenges. The ideas, research, and examples shared in Singapore will help inform OBC’s work as we continue strengthening our programs and advocating for greater access to outdoor education in Canada.
We’re proud to be part of a global network committed to helping more young people discover their potential through adventure.
Together we are Outward Bound
What does Outward Bound look like around the world? This video offers a glimpse into Outward Bound schools around the globe, showcasing the landscapes, people, and adventures that make each one unique. Keep an eye out for Outward Bound Canada, featured right at the beginning!
