Why Philadelphia Outward Bound School?


Philadelphia Outward Bound School (est.1992) is a non-profit educational organization serving people of all ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic status through challenging learning expeditions that inspire self-discovery, both in and out of the classroom.

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The experience of helping a fellow in danger, or even of training in a realistic manner to be ready to give this help, tends to change the balance of power in a youth's inner life with the result that compassion can become the master motive.
Kurt Hahn

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A Year of Growth with the School District of Philadelphia

As summer winds down and we prepare to welcome students and educators [...]

Building Adventure: All Your Questions Answered

Thinking about rappelling down a skyscraper? We’ve got you covered. Here are [...]

Legacy in the Wilderness: A Father-Son Outward Bound Story

When 13-year-old Gibran Freeman joined Philadelphia Outward Bound School’s GOAL course this [...]

Russel Byers Charter School Staff Teambuilding at POBS

Just before the 2025-26 school year began, more than 100 teachers, administrators, [...]

Bernardsville Teen Gains Leadership Skills Through Outward Bound Experience

By Olga Christie Published August 16, 2025 BERNARDSVILLE, NJ – Penny Christie, a student [...]

How Outward Bound Changed Me: Diego’s Reflection After 3 Courses

At the Philadelphia Outward Bound School (POBS), we believe in the power [...]

The Power of the Climb: Build Strength, Focus, and Confidence

Whether on the climbing wall at The Discovery Center or on a [...]

Building Belonging and More With 9th Grade Academies

The School District of Philadelphia’s Ninth Grade Academies are designed to ease [...]

Outward Bound’s Blue Heron Awards Celebrate Philly Educators

Philadelphia Outward Bound School proudly announces the 2025 Blue Heron Educator Award [...]

Philadelphia Student Malcolm Bullock Awarded Prestigious Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award

Malcolm Bullock, a junior at George Washington Carver High School of Engineering [...]