In this blog, we speak with Ian Yolles, a project lead alongside Chuck Luckmann, Wendy Pieh and Alistair McCarthur, and contributor to Carry the Flame—a powerful anthology that captures the legacy of the Canadian Outward Bound Wilderness School (COBWS), the precursor to Outward Bound Canada as we know it today. Based at “Homeplace,” a remote site outside Thunder Bay, COBWS offered a distinctly Canadian outdoor education experience shaped by the rugged northern wilderness. Carry the Flame brings together over 40 voices through essays, artwork, and poetry from former staff, board members, and students. Together, they reflect on the school’s lasting impact, highlighting themes of leadership, community, risk-taking, and the transformative power of wilderness adventure.
So, let’s dive into our conversation with Ian!
Q: Can you introduce yourself and your connection to Outward Bound Canada?
Ian: Sure. I grew up in Toronto and spent my summers on canoe expeditions in Temagami, which sparked my love for the wilderness. While in college, I went on a 10-day backpacking trip in the Great Smoky Mountains led by an instructor named Relly Nadler, who had worked with Outward Bound. His reflective approach had a profound impact on me and inspired me to apply to Outward Bound.
In 1978, I began working at the Canadian Outward Bound Wilderness School, starting as an intern and progressing through roles such as instructor, course director, and eventually executive director from 1985 to 1990. I was the youngest executive director appointed at any Outward Bound school worldwide.
After college, I received a postgraduate fellowship from the Thomas J. Watson Foundation that enabled me to visit and work with Outward Bound schools around the world. My research explored whether their educational philosophy and approach were consistent across the diverse social, cultural and political environments they found themselves operating within. I found that while the core philosophy was largely consistent, the biggest influence on each school’s culture and delivery was the tone set by the individual leading each Outward Bound school.
Q: What role do you see Outward Bound playing in today’s world, especially with growing concerns around youth mental health and climate change?
Ian: Outward Bound is more relevant today than ever before, especially given the challenges young people face regarding mental health, climate change, and the overwhelming presence of digital media. While it may not be a solution to all of these issues, immersive outdoor experiences are a powerful antidote to the pressures youth are under.
Outdoor adventure programs foster a deeper understanding of nature, which is essential in a world where many feel disconnected from the environment. As environmental activist Baba Dioum said, “We will only conserve what we love, but we will only love what we understand, and we will only understand what we are taught.” Outward Bound programs teach young people to connect with nature in a way that encourages love and stewardship for the environment.
Outward Bound also nurtures social-emotional growth. In a time when screens often replace real relationships, Outward Bound helps youth build interpersonal skills, collaborate effectively, and develop resilience through challenges in nature. By stepping away from digital distractions, participants gain confidence and a stronger sense of self.
Finally, in an increasingly risk-averse culture, Outward Bound reintroduces the value of challenge. It encourages planned, purposeful risk-taking as an essential part of growing up and learning what we’re capable of.
Q: Can you talk about the relationships with Indigenous communities throughout the school’s history?
Ian: The Canadian Outward Bound School has had a long-standing relationship with Indigenous communities, dating back to its early years. The school initially operated out of “Homeplace,” a former research station built and managed by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources on Black Sturgeon Lake, over 100 km east of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Its proximity to the Gull Bay First Nations Reserve (Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek) led to regular service projects with the community, which was an integral part of the school’s ethos of service.
In 1985, we developed leadership programs specifically for Indigenous youth, a pioneering initiative at the time. The Donner Canadian Foundation supported these programs with a five-year grant. They were designed to empower Indigenous youth through leadership development.
Overall, Outward Bound has been committed to working alongside Indigenous communities, with a focus on respect, leadership development, and empowerment.
Q: If Carry the Flame were adapted into a documentary or film, what scene would you absolutely want to see brought to life?
Ian: One scene I’d love to see is a group of students navigating the rugged, gymnastic-like portages along the Kopka River, northeast of Thunder Bay. The terrain was demanding and required real teamwork and determination. But just as important would be the debrief that followed—watching instructors guide students through reflection on what they learned, how they supported one another, and how the experience changed them.
Another scene would be in the kitchen, which was the heart of the community. Seeing students working together to prepare a meal and clean up—taking initiative and demonstrating leadership—would beautifully illustrate the transformation that occurs on an Outward Bound course.
Q: Looking ahead, what do you envision for the future of outdoor education in Canada?
Ian: I hope the future of outdoor education in Canada is bright. Experiential learning in an outdoor setting is more valuable and necessary than ever. Outward Bound has inspired many models of outdoor education, and my wish is for these organizations to flourish. Ideally, every young person, regardless of their background or location, would have the opportunity to experience an Outward Bound program or something similar.
Carry the Flame is more than just a book—it’s a heartfelt tribute to a one-of-a-kind educational experiment that changed countless lives through wilderness, community, and challenge. Whether you’re an educator, an adventurer, or simply someone who believes in the transformative power of nature, this collection of voices offers inspiration, insight, and a profound sense of connection.
Ready to dive in?
Click here to get your copy of Carry the Flame: https://geni.us/CarryTheFlame
