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 >
By Olga Christie Published August 16, 2025 BERNARDSVILLE, NJ – Penny Christie, a student at Bernards High School in Bernardsville, has completed the Outward Bound Backpacking, Canoeing & Leadership Program where students trade screens and schedules for the silence of the woods: a stretch of time meant to strip away comfort and teach what resilience really feels like. Each… 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 >
Malcolm Bullock, a junior at George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science, was recently honored with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, one of the world’s most prestigious achievements for young people. As part of this internationally recognized program, Malcolm was invited to personally meet Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, during a… 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 >
by Griffy Whitman and Benje Whitman (SCH students) On the first day of school at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, most Upper School students go to their classes and meet their new teachers — but not everyone. Every year, while 10th through 12th graders read over their syllabi and start getting back into the swing of… READ MORE >
Founded in 1956 by HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is the world’s leading youth development award with over a million-youth participating in over 130 countries. The Philadelphia Outward Bound School is proud to be one of 34 partners across the country licensed by the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award USA to… READ MORE >