To cultivate resilience, leadership, connections and compassion through inspiring and challenging journeys of discovery in the natural world.
Our vision is for a healthy, resilient society formed through lasting connections to self, others and the natural world.
This simple idea forms the basis of Outward Bound’s philosophy and provides the guiding principle for all Outward Bound experiences. Each Outward Bound course is much more than just learning the technical skills of canoeing, rock climbing, kayaking, backpacking and dogsledding. It’s designed to be an incredible and indelible journey of discovery.
For centuries, the term “Outward Bound” described a ship as it left the harbour and headed out to face the challenges and risks of the open sea. For the sailors, it implied commitment to a long journey, and of course, adventure. Today “Outward Bound” means much more than this.
In 1941, the first Outward Bound courses were launched in Wales for sailors, students, apprentices and cadets. The idea was that of Kurt Hahn, an inspired educator. From his desire to ignite and sustain the inner strengths of youth, he developed a philosophy that used adventure and community service as training vehicles through which youth could mature and develop a sense of responsibility and compassion. Our core values are unquestionable, and the philosophy behind Outward Bound has remained consistent for over sixty years. In Hahn’s words: “I regard it as the foremost task of education to ensure the survival of these qualities: an enterprising curiosity, an undefeatable spirit, tenacity in pursuit, readiness for sensible self-denial, and above all, compassion.”
Outward Bound International is a membership organization of the worldwide Outward Bound community. This network consists of 36 Outward Bound schools on 6 continents around the world. For more information please visit Outward Bound International website.
We are proud to be an organization that has consistently been at the forefront of educational and social innovation. We partner with high schools, universities, community groups, government agencies, corporate groups and learning institutes across Canada to provide a wide range of services that enhance capacity and leadership and assist youth and adults in challenging times of transition. For information on Outward Bound Canada read through our FAQs or see our educational philosophy.
