At the Philadelphia Outward Bound School (POBS), we partner with schools, colleges, and community organizations to design transformative outdoor programs, from local day experiences to immersive wilderness expeditions. These hands-on, nature-based courses help students grow in confidence, leadership, and connection far beyond what’s possible inside a traditional classroom.
At POBS, we see how time in nature changes students – on the trail, on the ropes course, and back in the classroom. Below are three of the most powerful benefits.
1. Emotional Reset and Mental Resilience
The connection between nature and mental health is clear: just 20 minutes in green space can reduce stress hormones like cortisol. But at POBS, we take it a step further.
Our one-day Insight programs, held at our headquarters The Discovery Center or at our challenge course in the Wissahickon, are intentionally designed to get students off screens and into connection – with nature, with each other, and with themselves. Through team challenges, reflection circles, and high ropes elements, students practice trust, communication, and empathy.
For many, it’s their first experience in an environment free from phones and judgment. The results speak for themselves: in 2025, 87% of our students said they felt more connected to their group after participating.
2. Focus, Retention, and Real-World Learning
Spending time in nature improves focus, restores attention, and boosts memory. On Outward Bound expeditions, students don’t just talk about leadership, they live it.
On a multi-day expedition, they navigate unfamiliar trails, cook group meals, manage gear, and set goals together. These tasks provide hands-on lessons in focus, responsibility, and persistence.
In post-program surveys, students consistently report greater confidence, better teamwork, and a stronger sense of purpose. They don’t just feel changed, they are changed.
3. Long-Term Growth, Health, and Belonging
The benefits of being in nature extend well beyond school. Outdoor programs build habits that support mental and physical well-being for life.
At POBS, we design experiences that grow over time, utilizing a progression model along a multi-year pathway that includes professional development for educators, as well as day programs and multi-day expeditions for students.
Bringing outdoor learning into the school year helps build a culture where students feel seen, challenged, and capable of more than they imagined.
Ready to Bring These Benefits to Your Students?
If you’re looking for an evidence-based way to support your students’ growth, mental health, and leadership development, let’s start the conversation.