Program Reviews

Taking this course was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I signed up in order to gain technical skills to perform better in my role within the outdoor industry. I walked away with these skills, but I also gained so much more. Some of the greatest lessons I learned while on trail came from the seven other individuals on expedition with me. They remain some of the closest friends and encouragers I have in my life. While on trail we leaned on each other's strengths to get us both physically and mentally to our next destination. And while, sleeping in a cave overlooking granite spires and kayaking alongside orca whales are "never-forget-it moments", some of my favorite memories are rap battles and campfire dinners with my crew. This expedition of course would have not been the same without the instructors who led it. They exemplified passion, integrity, and grit — leading by example and creating a space that was fun to learn, fail, and try again in, they are truly the real MVP's and are reason enough to sign up for a course.

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.

I would not be the person I am today if I had not chosen to go on Outward Bound. My trip was sailing on the Maine coastline, and it was incredible. I overcame my fear of heights and was able to rock climb. One of my favorite parts of the program was solo, because I got to write and reflect on who I was becoming and how I had to evolve. A great tip for solo was definitely to to ration your food, because it’s easy to eat it all in one go and be starving for the rest of the time. I split the bagel up and ate the chocolate first so it wouldn’t melt all over my other food. I would not be the woman I am today if it weren’t for Outward bound, and although I was homesick at the time, the experience gave me a whole new perspective on nature and how we can live within it rather than beside it.

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!

One of the hardest experiences of my life but it was all worth it! On my 2 year anniversary with my boyfriend, I had to leave him for 2 months to go on these adventures with random people from all over the Country. The heartache was indescribable but from every mountain that I climbed, every dinner under the stars, all scenic routes, and the variety of personalities that were found from each bond, the heartache was just easier and easier to deal with. This course pushes your limits, from the fear of heights to the fear of opening up, it's all different for one but it just gets better and you grow from your weaknesses. You travel together but your journey is your own. You learn a bunch of new skills; map and compass reading, variety of knot building, WFR certification, rock climbing skills, and so much more. When I came back home my current job advanced my position and gave me more responsibility. I am growing as an outdoor educator. The one thing to note down from all of this is just be you. There might be a day that you feel frustrated with someone or sad about an incident, or just lonely, we'll speak up! Be yourself and let yourself grow from these experiences. It will all be worth it!

((Warning: first paragraph is mushy for the action/adventure stuff, see below))
I'm an alum of this program, the video above completely describes my OB experience, looking at a challenge and thinking "ha yea ok" and then looking back with an unbelievable feeling of triumph. The most prominent example I can think of is living on the pulling boat, PB 15 was my home for 24 days. That old, smelly, cramped boat was by far the best lease I ever signed. The amount of memories that derive from that boat still come back to me every day (two years later!!). We laughed, we cried, we sailed, we rowed, and we set goals. When you become part of an Outward Bound program, you become part of a crew. Your crew is like any relationship. It needs love, hard work, commitment, and time. This bond, is sculpted through Outward Bound lessons and teaching. That is what makes it so worth while.

IF YOU'RE SICK OF THE MUSHY GUSHY STUFF:
This course specifically is full of action and adventure. The Florida Keys are not all sunshine and calm waters, the storms were an adrenaline rush like no other, riding as bow watch rolling over the waves, clinging on to mast while your crew mans Ole Bessie (our name for the main sail). Learning wilderness medicine was exciting, our instructor created some really intense scenarios and brought the whole experience to a new level. In Costa Rica, the view will constantly be taking your breath away. We learned to surf about a mile from a crocodile nesting area! Every morning as the tide went out we'd cheer "una ola mas!" (one more wave!) The beaches were so pristine and the water was always perfect for surfing. Whitewater rafting was thrilling. Rafting down three of Costa Rica's legendary whitewater rivers was incredible, we not only were immersed in Costa Rican culture, but were learning how to read the river hydrology, how to run rapids, and to captian rafts. If you go on this course you'll probably find the spot we named "guide launcher." Finally, Panama, a magical place. The water is my favorite shade of blue, all the time. DIving allowed us to see so many incredible fish, but more importantly to me I was able to take my SCUBA cert home with me and I use it for work (so helpful!!) . Sea Kayaking was the most culturally rewarding part of the trip, and also the most challenging. We stayed in tiny self-sustaining villages, we gave them soccer balls for the kids and some money to stay under a shelter. We'd play soccer with the kids, and teach each other words in english and spanish. When we'd cook dinner local women would hover, wondering what we were making. At one point we were even invited to learn how to make a rare sweet bread recipe, made mainly from coconut! The challenging part was squeezing everything we'd need for a month long expedition into a sea kayak! We paddled over a hundred miles. At this point, our instructors became shadows and our crew was independent. We were in charge of coordinating our own expedition. This was challenging physically yes, but the amount of teamwork, patience, consistency, and motivation that we all had to pitch in was real. What beaches to stay on? Which villages to stop in? What would we eat? Wait, HOW early are we getting up?

Overall my experience on this course was LIFE CHANGING. I am now pursuing a career in Outdoor Recreation, I work as a trip leader/instructor at my university, and I frequently reflect on my time with Outward Bound. I use all of my certifications. I've written so much and I feel like I haven't even gotten started. If you are adventurous, curious, and ready to leap out of your comfort zone, this is the course for you.

My time with Outward Bound was invaluable. In the two weeks I spent sailing, I learned lessons I still carry with me today. Of all I learned, the most valuable knowledge was that even though we are small in this vast world, we all have the ability to impact our environments for better or worse. This was also my first time exploring the world on my own. Which led to a passion for travel and study abroad.

My HIOBS Gap semester was truly one of the best experiences of my life. As a student at Northwestern University, I was looking for an opportunity to break from my rigorous academic schedule and seek out new, exciting experiences. Through Outward Bound, I made lifelong friends and learned just how far I could push myself. Returning to school after the trip, I possessed a completely new perspective on the opportunities in front of me! My favorite part of the trip was its emphasis on helping participants learn to live in the present. Being without a phone/laptop for several months was an incredibly refreshing experience and changed the way I interact with technology today.

I spent 72 days with a small group of peers and instructors sailing around coastal Maine, rock climbing, backpacking, doing service projects, and taking a wilderness first responder course. I was challenged physically, emotionally, and socially in important ways which aided my personal growth and development throughout course, and especially after it ended. Two years after the course I studied my group for my senior thesis in college and found that it positively impacted participants by increasing open-mindedness, appreciation for the outdoors, motivation, improving relationships, and teaching independence, confidence, and leadership skills. I have participated on several other shorter Outward Bound programs and I would recommend them to anyone in a heartbeat. What you are willing to contribute to the experience and to the group, determines what you will get out of it. Be open to learn, grow, and have fun and Outward Bound will not disappoint.

Rafting nearly 100 miles on the Deschutes river, North into the confluence with the Columbia is where our adventure began! Although Mother Nature decided to challenge us as we headed into Three Sisters Wilderness, the skills & camaraderie we gained from the Instructors fully prepared us for what was to come next. While making our way through the backcountry of Oregon we received the opportunity to see who we truly were, while being tested by the conditions that were thrown our way. Some days were more difficult than others, but you could always rely on a teammate to assist every step of the way.
I have been on countless backpacking adventures through Western North Carolina as well as throughout Colorado, many which have been breathtaking. Never did I believe I would see a beauty as pure & raw as the Himalayan mountain range. Outward Bound gave me the chance to travel abroad and leave the States for the first time in my life! I would've never even thought to travel to India on my own & Outward Bound aided in giving me to confidence to become a more worldly individual.
We met as a group of strangers on day 1 in Redmond Oregon, and before we knew it we were an unstoppable team atop the Kuari Pass in India, above 12,000 ft. in elevation. The memories we created on this course will be with me for the rest of my life, as well as the great people who were involved.
I have continued to use the technical skills needed for this course in my everyday life & even passed them on to others. Now it has almost been a year since I left for this 45 day excursion and not a day goes by where I don't think about the beautiful ride this course took me on. Learning to be mindful and using my own ability to remain present has truly impacted my life in a way I could not have imagined & I owe it all to Outward Bound.