From public school teacher to Outward Bound instructor

A guest blog post by Kerry Lubin When I was a kid, my elementary school didn’t have a physical education teacher, so I ended up going to the library to get books on how to play football and basketball, and I taught myself how to play. Then I taught the neighborhood kids how to play…. READ MORE >

Why I support Philadelphia Outward Bound School

It’s All About Transforming Lives Through Outdoor Experiential Learning Adventures By Northeast High School Teacher Andrew Adams Hey! Are you an Experiential Learning Advocate? I am. Here’s why: Life’s peaks and valleys are conquered the same way — step by step. It’s the journey, with struggles and triumphs, that shapes our adventure, and in Outward… READ MORE >

“You get used to the weight on your shoulders”

This past summer, 13-year old Blaine Elementary School student Jayden B. embarked on a 10-day Outward Bound expedition as part of the GOAL (Get Out and Lead) program. GOAL is a merit scholarship course that is specifically designed for rising 8th grade students and includes backpacking, canoeing, and rock climbing in the Delaware Water Gap…. READ MORE >

Our Favorite Photos of 2023

In 2023, 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 >

Fearless Philly Educators Go “Over the Edge” For Outward Bound!

Three Philadelphia educators went “Over the Edge” for Building Adventure, Philadelphia Outward Bound School’s (POBS) bi-annual fundraiser which supports outdoor education programs for more than 100 public and charter schools and youth-serving community organizations in and around Philadelphia. The call went out to hundreds of Philly educators to enter the lottery for a chance to… READ MORE >

Meet Erica: Hometown Instructor

“When I first came to The Discovery Center, I immediately had that home-away-from-home moment,” said Erica Wiggins, a lead instructor at Philadelphia Outward Bound School (POBS). Wiggins’ Strawberry Mansion roots run deep – both she and her Mom grew up a few blocks away from what is now The Discovery Center. “The Strawberry Mansion Reservoir… READ MORE >

Your “PAL” in the Community

“When I bring Police Athletic League campers to the Philadelphia Outward Bound School, my goal is simply to open their eyes to something new,” says Officer Glenn Haskins, Center Director of North Penn Police Athletic League (PAL). “I want them to step out of the box, challenge themselves, and be ready to absorb what’s coming…. READ MORE >

POBS Welcomes Justin Ennis as our New Executive Director!

Justin Ennis brings strong Philadelphia roots and more than 15 years championing youth development and equity in public education to leadership position. He will start August 16. The Philadelphia Outward Bound School (POBS) is thrilled to announce the selection of Justin Ennis as new Executive Director. Ennis joins the POBS team with more than 15… READ MORE >