Since 1962, Outward Bound USA has been using the wilderness as a classroom to teach people of all ages how to be more than one ever thought possible, and therefore make this world a better place one person at a time.
The "magic" happens on course- at any moment; writing in your journal on a granite rock, hiking at sunrise in silence, opening up to a complete stranger, providing encouragement when one thinks there's nothing left to offer, or summiting to 10,000 feet. As the Director of Alumni Relations, I'm privileged to talk to hundreds of alumni and parents who are compelled to tell me about that "magic"- the moment when something clicked and catapulted them (or their son/daughter) into making a change for the better. Thank you for sharing your personal stories and for your support to Outward Bound.
For the most part, the value of Outward Bound's mission cannot be realized until after course—as alumni. You are now part of a very special group of more than 500,000 people who have felt the magic but have a difficult time articulating the experience adequately. The words, "I am an Outward Bound Alumni too!" seems to save one the struggle from having to translate.
On my course, I learned how to be present; slowing down the multi-taking, engaging in the moment, not planning the next step just yet, but taking deep breaths and being present. I try to practice this daily. Climbing those rocks in Joshua Tree forced me to be present and feel each hand cam, toe jam, and breath I made. I think of my instructors, Kay and Chad often (each pictured beside me in the photo) and thank them and all Outward Bound instructors past and present for guiding us to new places. I rarely have a conversation with alumni who aren't grateful to their instructors and wonder where they are in the world today.
To keep this connection alive and strong, I encourage all instructors and alumni to register online to the Outward Bound Alumni Association at outwardboundalumni.org. It's free and password secure and will enable you to search for crewmates, instructors, and reconnect with Outward Bound locally. My hope is that through the Outward Bound Alumni Association you'll revisit our core values and reconnect with fellow alumni and our organization.