Stick Around for Growth: The Jennifer Raymond Story

An experienced Outward Bound instructor, Jennifer Raymond is the Scholarship and Recruitment Manager for the Philadelphia Outward Bound School, where she forms long-lasting relationships with POBS students. Born in Trinidad, Jennifer Raymond says she is thankful for her upbringing in the Caribbean. “It shaped who I am now and how I interact with students. It… READ MORE >

From Desk Jockey to Outward Bound Instructor

The day Aaron Bonfante’s life changed began in the usual manner, with a busy morning in his office at Commerce Square, the high-rise office building complex in Center City Philadelphia where he worked as an auditor with a global accounting firm. Then, just after a lunch spent daydreaming about rock climbing, something caught his eye…. READ MORE >

Instructor Story: Challenge + Fun = Growth

POBS instructor Jeremy Cothran believes challenges can be met with positivity One day while bicycling through Center City, Jeremy Cothran came to Rittenhouse Square where a festival was taking place and what he saw stopped him in his tracks. “There was this large rock-climbing wall set up,” said Jeremy. “I got off my bike and… READ MORE >

POBS 2021 Annual Report

The POBS 2021 Annual Report highlights our accomplishments over the past year and demonstrates our impact through both data and storytelling. It’s chock full of fun facts, photos, updates and stories. You’ll learn a lot just by reading our Executive Director’s message on the first page. But don’t stop there – take a moment and… READ MORE >

Noam’s Story: “He Came Back a Different Kid”

With guidance from an Outward Bound instructor, one student learns lessons in positivity The email came from the parent of a 10th grade student who had been on a two-week expedition a few months ago: “I want you to know how much this program has meant to me and my boys. Noam actually came back… READ MORE >

“Breaking Trail” Film Screening and Panel Discussion

Join Philadelphia Outward Bound School for an in-person screening of the documentary Breaking Trail, the story of Emily Ford’s winter thru-hike of Wisconsin’s 1,200-mile Ice Age Trail with her sled dog, Diggins. She is just the second person – and first woman and first person of color to complete this hike. Afterwards, there will be a… READ MORE >

A Look Back at 2021

What a year! 2021 had its challenges but at POBS we know the best growth and discovery comes from supporting each other through any challenge. This year we experienced that growth, discovery, adventure, and many great memories. As we look forward to the wonderful opportunities and plans for 2022, we also want to take the… READ MORE >

POBS alum Jonathan Sim Receives Infinite Potential Commendation

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award celebrates POBS alum Jonathan Sim with the Infinite Potential Commendation One of the world’s leading youth achievement programs, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, has selected Jonathan Sim and four other US participants out of a pool of 1,000 students in recognition of their perseverance, creativity, and high level… READ MORE >