The goal of every Outward Bound course is for students to discover their fullest potential through experiential learning.
Northwest Outward Bound School teaches character development, compassion, integrity, and leadership skills. Learning can occur anywhere and everywhere. The positive outcomes our students experience – whether they are middle and high school age, college age or adults – manifest in the form of increased self-confidence, awareness and respect for the interdependence of individuals and a desire to make a positive difference in their own lives and in the lives of others. Strangers become life-long friends. Small accomplishments on a course become life-long habits. Through shared challenges, adversity, failure and success, students discover and develop new skills, confidence and passion.
The idea that “you are needed,” no matter who you are, is a critical ingredient to the success of Outward Bound programs. And it is this element of inclusiveness and reliance on teamwork that sets an Outward Bound expedition apart from any other learning experience; expedition members are “crew, not passengers.”
Outward Bound doesn’t only encourage students to contribute to the group; we require it. After all, on an Outward Bound expedition, awareness and respect of others is not optional; it is necessary for success.
Design Principles
Learning through experience: Outward Bound students move through a sequence of engaging experiences, like backpacking, that promote skill mastery and incorporate reflection. Throughout the activity, students learn from their success as well as failure.
Challenge and adventure: The unfamiliar settings where Outward Bound expeditions occur challenge our students mentally and physically. Amidst the demands of the expedition, students learn to dig deep and to push themselves, where they often find there is more in them than they know.
Supportive environment: Each expedition is designed to support physical and emotional safety. Skilled and compassionate instructors use group facilitation methods and the natural world around them to help foster a caring, positive and inclusive group culture.
The Four Pillars
Physical Fitness: Building the physical and emotional stamina to meet challenges.
Craftsmanship: Modeling quality and intention in one’s actions.
Self-Reliance: Being resourceful, recognizing and applying personal strengths.
Compassion: Selflessly engaging in the welfare and dignity of others.
The Four Pillars represent the foundation of Outward Bound and are at the core of every course we deliver. We also incorporate these principles that complement the four pillars: Safety, Service, Courage, Leadership, Diversity, Environmental Stewardship.
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