Welcome to the Outward Bound Alumni Community!

As someone who's completed a Philadelphia Outward Bound School course or day program, you can count yourself among a special group of people who have pushed themselves far beyond what they ever thought possible. (If you just completed an expedition, check and see if your course photos have been posted!)

UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

All Outward Bound alumni and POBS students are invited to join us for any of our alumni events!

Rock Wall Climbing Night at Movement Gym in Fishtown

Thursday, February 19, 2026
4:30 - 7:30 pm
Join POBS alum and staff for climbing and pizza! No experience necessary. Learn more and sign up >

We have lots more events coming for 2026, including challenge course climbing, Dragon Boat racing, alumni overnight, and more! Details will be posted soon.

Check out upcoming Discovery Days at The Discovery Center

Discovery Days are special free events at The Discovery Center where POBS and Audubon Mid-Atlantic team up to provide the community with the best that nature has to offer, including ziplining, birding, nature walks, indoor rock climbing, canoeing the reservoir, and more!

Check out The Discovery Center Events calendar to see what's coming up >

STAY CONNECTED: Fill out this Alumni form

ALUMNI STORIES

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 summer, he was continuing a family tradition. Years earlier, his father, Meko, had instructed the very same program...

30 Years Later, She's Still Committed to Outward Bound
Danielle Merritt was an 8th grader in 1993 when she embarked on POBS' very first expedition! Later she became a teacher and brought her students on POBS courses, and now she is a vice-principal with a doctorate in eduction,  and a POBS board member! Read about Danielle's amazing journey >

Taj Murdock, Man of Courage
This community leader from North Philadelphia has embraced the Outward Bound philosophy and providing unforgettable experiences to his young proteges.

Learning the Magic of it All: From Student to Instructor
From Nick's very first Outward Bound course at age 15, he knew he wanted to be an instructor. Now he thrives as one.

Noam's Story: “He Came Back a Different Kid”
One student's parent reached out to us after noticing a change in him.

POBS Alum Receives Infinite Potential Commendation
A student from our Get Out And Lead (GOAL) course enrolled in the Duke of Edinburgh program and won accolades.

Letter from a Student: Reflections on My Outward Bound Experience
A student shares what was learned on her course in the Delaware Water Gap.

"Don't Limit Your Challenges, Challenge your Limits."
A student wrote about why he keeps coming back for more Outward Bound courses.

A Letter to Future Students
An alum writes years later that some lessons take time to notice.

Alumni Dragon Boating 

The POBS Dragons have been going strong for four years now. Join us - no experience necessary! 

Learn more and view photos >

SCHOOL STORE

Get yourself some Outward Bound gear!
Visit the POBS School Store >

GET INVOLVED

Explore What's Next
Apply for one of our Merit Award Courses to go on expedition at no cost to you, or check out the Duke of Edinburgh program.

Show Your Outward Bound Pride
Visit the POBS School Store and order some gear for yourself - you deserve it!

Share Your Story
Write a guest blog post about your Outward Bound experience - it is a great way to share your story, publish some of your writing, and engage fellow alums. Contact us to get started.

Work with Us!
If you're interested in working in the outdoor industry, why not consider joining the POBS crew? Check out our Careers page to learn more.

Give Back
Check out our Service page to see if there any upcoming Service Days you can join.  Or donate to POBS and support our life-changing programs.