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For Young Adults to Discover Who They Are & Where They Want to Go

Outward Bound
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Outward Bound
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Video and Photos

Female gap year participant smiling with a map and compass.
Male gap year participant canyoneering with Outward Bound.
Sailing with Outward Bound
Whitewater Canoeing with Outward Bound
Backpacking in the Rockies during your Gap Year.

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About

Outward Bound Pathfinder expeditions, for ages 18-25, take place in exotic and remote wilderness areas across the U.S. These 30-day expeditions focus on increasing self-knowledge, clarifying values, strengthening decision-making skills and setting goals.

Pathfinder expeditions are ideal for those who are in transition, taking a gap year, or searching for the right focus for their next phase in life. Pathfinder students are motivated to take on a unique and challenging adventure to better understand their strengths and interests, and to build the skills and confidence needed to thrive. Participants are typically recent high school graduates, college students or young adults seeking personal, educational or professional direction.

Highlights
  • Pathfinder expeditions are 30 days, and are specifically designed for ages 18-25.
  • This course is ideal for people who are in transition, taking a gap year or are searching for the right focus for their next phase in life.
  • This challenging adventure will help you better understand your strengths and interests.
  • You'll focus on increasing self-knowledge, clarifying values, strengthening decision-making skills and setting goals.
  • Explore exotic and remote wilderness areas across the U.S.

Questions & Answers

Reviews

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Showing 1 - 2 of 2
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Claire
22
Female
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Outward Bound Pathfinder in Texas Big Bend National Park

Jul 19, 2018

This trip was one of the best experiences of my life. I've never had an experience before which I can so clearly point to and say "this changed me" or "this helped make me who I am". Going on this expedition challenged me to face fears, empathize with others, and see myself all in ways that I never had before. And back in my "normal life" I see myself applying things I learned on the trip like challenging negative beliefs about myself, working through problems and not giving up easily, building healthy relationships, etc. The people that I was on expedition with mean more to me than I ever could have guessed people I only spent a month with would ever mean. If you are considering going on one of these trips and you're not sure if you're brave enough or ready to "take the plunge", please do it. Trust me, even if you're afraid now, if you're excited about it, and willing to push yourself, you'll be glad you went.

Default avatar
Elise
19
Female
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Mazama Washington Billy Goat Mountain

Jun 6, 2018

I loved loved loved Northwest Outward Bound! I would do it again in a heartbeat! I treasure the memories and abilities that I gained and created throughout my trip through the back mountains of Washington every day! I gained more strength, willpower, and confidence than I could have ever imagined! The people I met on this adventure will forever have a special place in my heart because they are the ones that taught me so much throughout the journey about life, healthy friendships, and the importance of encouragement and teamwork!

What would you improve about this program?
I honestly don’t have an recommendations it was amazing!
I miss this view
I will never be able to grasp how beautiful the flowers were
The pure beauty of nature

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Shelby Jumper

Program
For Young Adults to Discover Who They Are & Where They Want to Go
Job Title
Web Content Manager
Shelby's hunger for adventure has taken her all over the world – from hiking in the Swiss Alps to exploring the South African Wild Coast to swimming with wild whale sharks in the Philippines. She’s passionate about getting people outside, the medicinal value of laughter and her dog, Scout.
Shelby Jumper

What is your favorite travel memory?

While visiting friends in South Africa, I had the privilege to spend time on the Wild Coast, a section of the coast of the Eastern Cape, on the ancestral lands of the Xhosa people. We stayed in a cottage, with no potable water or electricity, about 100 yards from the ocean. We woke and slept with the sun, spent the days exploring, swimming and reading, and the evenings playing games and stargazing. Spending time with some of my favorite people in such a beautiful place is one of my all-time favorite memories.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Since working for Outward Bound, I have become a more self-aware, crew-oriented, focused and compassionate person. I think it's safe to say most people who work for the organization prioritize self-growth, so I've had strong examples to follow in the ways that I want to grow/am growing professionally.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

Honestly, there are too many to choose from! The stories that resonate with me most, though, are those in which an Outward Bound course sparked purpose within a student. Whether it's a passion for nature, a commitment to service, or a deeper understanding of community, students often leave the course with a renewed sense of purpose.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

Having already been on a 10-day Boundary Waters Cross Country Skiing & Dog Sledding expedition, I've experienced the impact a short Outward Bound course can provide.

I'd love to experience the Southwest Leadership Semester. This is a long Semester course, so the potential for learning and transformation is huge. Plus, spending 50 days rafting, kayaking, backpacking, canyoneering and rock climbing in Utah sounds super fun.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

I think what makes Outward Bound unique is that it's chock-full of people dedicated to living authentic, compassionate and meaningful lives. An organization-wide dedication like that is contagious and is often transferred to students on course. So not only do Outward Bound students receive a world-class outdoor education program, but they also receive a whole new outlook on life and their place in the world.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

In my opinion, a purpose-driven community is what takes an organization from a business to a team.

At Outward Bound, we believe wholeheartedly in what we do and in the strength and value of our programs. Internally, we also look out for one another and cultivate community. A shared purpose paired with trust in one another is a recipe for success. Crew, not passengers!

About Outward Bound

Here at Outward Bound, our motto is "learn by doing." Founded in 1962, Outward Bound has helped over 1 million students achieve their goals. Today, we equip students looking to pursue a gap year with self-confidence, tenacity and compassion. Outward Bound offers programs of all lengths in some of the most spectacular and inspiring settings in the...

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