“Never quit on a bad day,” says Madeline Troyer, a Field Instructor for the Philadelphia Outward Bound School (POBS). That’s the mantra which anchored Troyer as she trekked all 2,190 miles of the Appalachian Trail (AT). It took Troyer 128 days of continuous hiking and camping underneath the stars to walk from Springer Mountain in… READ MORE >
The Philadelphia Urban Expedition was designed in the early days of the Philadelphia Outward Bound School (POBS) to offer participants a complete Outward Bound course within the rich cultural, historical and natural environment of one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States. As Nancy Goldenberg, one of the founders of POBS, explains, “We… READ MORE >
If you’ve ever been to our headquarters at The Discovery Center, you’ve likely noticed the large wooden structure with ropes and wires and wondered what it is and how it’s used. That is the James McLane Family Challenge Course, our high-element aerial teams course (ATC). The ATC is our “classroom” designed to foster lessons in… READ MORE >
Time spent in the wilderness gives students a much needed break and a valuable opportunity to reflect on who they are and who they want to become. We often ask students to reflect on their course experience and write about it. A student recently sent us the letter below (edited for brevity and privacy). Dear… READ MORE >
For many, experiential education is not a preordained career path; it’s often found through one’s lived experiences. According to Emily Della Fera, a 29-year old Center-Based Faculty Instructor, that’s the kind of path worth taking. “You learn from the bad ideas just as much as you learn from the good ones,” said Della Fera with… READ MORE >
Minutes after hiking several miles in the wilderness with a 45 pound pack on his back, 12 year old Riehle (“Riley”) is beaming with excitement in anticipation of what comes next. “I’ve never done rock climbing before, but I think it’s going to be really fun!” said Riehle. Not all members of the crew are… READ MORE >
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 >
Article and photos by POBS instructor Joe K. To return to POBS as an expedition instructor after a winter of rest means to hit the ground running. Within a day of our spring season beginning, we’re back on the Appalachian Trail. I get to share meals with people I have been missing, and return to… READ MORE >