Sunshine, cheers, and courage filled the air at Commerce Square on October 17 as more than 120 rappellers took the leap for Philadelphia Outward Bound School’s 10th Building Adventure. From the moment the first ropes went live, the energy was electric, a perfect day to celebrate challenge, discovery, and community support for Philadelphia students. Rappellers… READ MORE >
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… READ MORE >
As summer winds down and we prepare to welcome students and educators back this fall, we are reflecting on the incredible journeys, challenges, and growth that unfolded during the 2024-25 school year through the partnership between the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) and Philadelphia Outward Bound School (POBS). From one-day team-building programs to week-long wilderness… READ MORE >
Thinking about rappelling down a skyscraper? We’ve got you covered. Here are answers to the questions first-timers (and their friends, family, and sponsors) ask most often. The Basics What is Building Adventure? Building Adventure is Philadelphia Outward Bound School’s signature fundraiser where you rappel 30 stories (315 feet) down a skyscraper (Two Commerce Square) in… READ MORE >
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 >