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, guiding young people through the challenges of backpacking, canoeing, and leadership development. This time, Meko was not the instructor but the proud parent, watching his… READ MORE >
At the Philadelphia Outward Bound School (POBS), we believe in the power of challenge and community to transform lives. Diego Rosario, a student from Northeast High School and a Casey Meyer Brecker Memorial Fund Scholarship Student, has completed three Outward Bound experiences with us: an Insight Day in May 2023, a Backpacking Expedition in October… READ MORE >
Whether on the climbing wall at The Discovery Center or on a natural rock face in the wilderness, rock climbing at Philadelphia Outward Bound School is more than a workout. It is a powerful tool for transformation. The health benefits of rock climbing include increased strength in the arms, legs, and core, improved balance and… READ MORE >
by Katie Newsom, Former Executive Director of the Philadelphia Outward Bound School I will never forget my first Advisory Board meeting with the Philadelphia Friends of Outward Bound (PFOB). It was September of 1997, and we met in the meeting room of the Fairmount Park Horticultural Center. Ludlow Miller was the Board Chair of this… READ MORE >
In 2024, students and instructors used course cameras to capture their experience both on expedition and day programs. The results were outstanding — hundreds of photos rolled in from the field and we posted them on our website so students could share, download and preserve their Outward Bound memories. We thought it would be fun… READ MORE >
With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of Michael C. Stanley, known affectionately as “Mike” to so many in the Outward Bound community. Mike passed away peacefully on August 1, leaving behind a legacy of service, passion, and inspiration that will forever be cherished. Mike’s journey with Outward Bound began later in life, after spending… READ MORE >
Our students head out on expedition without their phones, but we do provide each crew with a camera to document their time in nature. There are usually a few wildlife photos that come back, and we thought it would be fun to share them to give you an idea of what kinds of critters students… READ MORE >
Service has always been a cornerstone of the Outward Bound experience. Striving to make a difference in the lives of others and our communities helps cultivate compassion and foster a sense of selflessness. As Kurt Hahn once said, “We learn what it means to be human when we act to help others.” Recently POBS teamed… READ MORE >