This past weekend, 24 Philadelphia Outward Bound School alumni coming from more than 20 POBS partner schools teamed up with OB staff for a fun overnight gathering in the Wissahickon.
Saturday kicked off with games and a service project alongside Friends of the Wissahickon, where alumni removed invasive multiflora rose around the Wigard Avenue ropes course. The group then set up camp, shared meals of pasta and s’mores, and filled the evening with scavenger hunts, ghost stories, sparklers, and laughter by the fire.
“I came because I haven’t been to an Outward Bound event for a long time. My Highlight was climbing super fast. My Lowlight was burnt marshmallows.”
Many participants chose to sleep under the stars on what turned out to be a perfect night for it.
On Sunday morning, alumni warmed up with hot chocolate and tea before taking on the ropes course together. With plenty of cheers and support from their peers, participants climbed the Goal Pole and the High Y, two classic Outward Bound challenges.
“I didn’t want to come, my mom signed me up! But it was 10/10. My Highlight was climbing the pole and hitting the griddy while dancing on the moon.”
The weekend wrapped up with reflections, shout-outs, and a reminder of what connects this community across schools, ages, and experiences.
“I wanted the chance to sleep outside and climb. Talking with the instructors about their lives was a Highlight. Outward Bound gave me a deeper love for nature and camping. I never would’ve gone camping if it wasn’t for OB.”
Thanks to all who attended!
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