The School District of Philadelphia’s Ninth Grade Academies are designed to ease the transition from middle school to high school for ninth-grade students. Academy objectives are to build peer-to-peer connections and student-staff relationships, get students working together, and pushing through new challenges. As a key partner to these schools, POBS delivers a mix of single-day Insight… READ MORE >
Philadelphia Outward Bound School proudly announces the 2025 Blue Heron Educator Award recipients: Andrew Adams of Northeast High School and Liz Biagioli of Wissahickon Charter School. These two outstanding educators exemplify the values at the heart of Outward Bound – courage, compassion, and a deep belief in the potential of every student. Whether in the… READ MORE >
9th Grader Chidera O. Reflects on Her (Rainy) Outward Bound Expedition Each year, thousands of students embark on Outward Bound expeditions without fully knowing what they’ll face or how much they’ll grow. Behind every program are instructors, school partners, and staff who believe in the power of new experiences, compassionate guidance, and time for reflection…. READ MORE >
From wilderness expeditions to a meeting with Prince Edward, Madelyn’s story shows what young people can achieve through Outward Bound and the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. Last month, sixteen Philadelphia Outward Bound School (POBS) alumni participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: a visit and celebration with His Royal… READ MORE >
Highlights from the 2nd Annual POBS Partner Breakfast Earlier this month, more than 50 guests, including current and prospective school partners, funders, and community stakeholders, gathered for an engaging conversation on Advancing Access to the Outdoors. The morning featured compelling insights from Brandon Hoover of Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), who shared… READ MORE >
Now that spring has arrived, our amazing school and community partners — as well as new groups looking to join the adventure — are heading outdoors to embrace the challenge, growth, and self-discovery that await with Outward Bound! In just the next two months, POBS will serve more than 2,000 students through its single-day programs… READ MORE >
The Philadelphia Outward Bound School (POBS) is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with Valley Forge Military Academy (VFMA), an international leadership institution where young men discover their potential, fortify their character, and develop into leaders of positive change within their communities and nationwide. Launched in early 2025 as part of VFMA’s ambitious strategic… READ MORE >
Article courtesy of Outward Bound International. Established in 1941 amidst the harrowing circumstances of World War II, Outward Bound was a trailblazer in offering an “authentic, rigorous, and adventurous ‘training for life’ program.” This initiative stood out as a significant departure from the conventional educational models of the time, focusing on equipping young people with… READ MORE >