Outward Bound
Outward Bound is an international network of outdoor education schools founded in 1941. With the mission to “build people’s confidence and compassion through challenge and discovery,” Outward Bound offers wilderness expeditions and experiential learning courses designed to foster resilience, teamwork, and leadership.
- Founded – 1941 by Kurt Hahn and Lawrence Holt in Aberdovey, Wales
- Mission – Build confidence, resilience, and leadership through outdoor experiences
- Programs – Sailing, mountaineering, kayaking, backcountry trekking, and service projects
- Global Reach – Over 30 national schools across five continents
- Impact – Tens of thousands of students annually, including school groups, youth at risk, and corporate teams
Learn More
• Official site: outwardbound.org.uk
• US branch: Outward Bound USA
• Glossary: /glossary/outward-bound/
Outward Bound (OB) is an international network of outdoor education organisations that was founded in the United Kingdom by Lawrence Holt in 1941 based on the educational principles of Kurt Hahn. Today there are organisations, called schools, in over 35 countries which are attended by more than 150,000 people each year. Outward Bound International is a non-profit membership and licensing organisation for the international network of Outward Bound schools. The Outward Bound Trust is an educational charity established in 1946 to operate the schools in the United Kingdom. Separate organisations operate the schools in each of the other countries in which Outward Bound operates.
Outward Bound International | |
 Outward Bound Compass Rose Logo used by schools around the world. | |
| Formation | 1941 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Lawrence Holt Kurt Hahn |
| Founded at | United Kingdom |
| Type | Nonprofit organization |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Methods | Kurt Hahn |
| Fields | Outdoor education |
Executive Director | Iain Peter |
| Affiliations | International Union for Conservation of Nature |
| Website | www |
Outward Bound helped to shape the U.S. Peace Corps and numerous other outdoor adventure programs. Its aim is to foster the personal growth and social skills of participants by using challenging expeditions in the outdoors.