February 2022 Newsletter: “He Came Back a Different Kid”

This month we take a look at how expeditions spark transformation… Finding Empowerment at 20 Below Our own Development Director John Frisbee underwent a classic Outward Bound experience on a dogsledding expedition where he discovered the truth of our founder Kurt Hahn’s phrase “there is more in you than you know.” Read Johns’ Story > “He… READ MORE >

Frozen Lakes and Steaming Toes: A Winter Trek in the Boundary Waters

It’s about 5 PM, and the temperature is -20℉ and dropping.  Despite this, steam is pouring off of me after four hours of near-continuous cross-country skiing, interspersed with “snubbing” – helping the team ease our 450-pound dogsleds down a steep hill via a frantic game of tug-of-war with gravity, using the “snubline” emerging from the… READ MORE >

Noam’s Story: “He Came Back a Different Kid”

With guidance from an Outward Bound instructor, one student learns lessons in positivity The email came from the parent of a 10th grade student who had been on a two-week expedition a few months ago: “I want you to know how much this program has meant to me and my boys. Noam actually came back… READ MORE >

CB South senior lauded with Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

From the Intelligencer/Bucks County Courier February 14, 2022 Central Bucks High School South senior Jonathan Sim, of Chalfont, was recently recognized with an Infinite Potential Commendation from the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award program. Sim was one of only five candidates selected out of more than 1,000 U.S. program participants. Winners were selected for demonstrating… READ MORE >

“Breaking Trail” Film Screening and Panel Discussion

Join Philadelphia Outward Bound School for an in-person screening of the documentary Breaking Trail, the story of Emily Ford’s winter thru-hike of Wisconsin’s 1,200-mile Ice Age Trail with her sled dog, Diggins. She is just the second person – and first woman and first person of color to complete this hike. Afterwards, there will be a… READ MORE >

POBS and Partner Akin Gump to Receive “Faces of Philanthropy” Honor

We are pleased to share that Akin Gump Philadelphia along with the Philadelphia Outward Bound School have been selected as a Philadelphia Business Journal Faces of Philanthropy honoree for our partnership! Akin Gump is a longtime POBS supporter who recently sponsored the 2021 Building Adventure event, and it was that philanthropic initiative that earned this award. Both… READ MORE >

A Look Back at 2021

What a year! 2021 had its challenges but at POBS we know the best growth and discovery comes from supporting each other through any challenge. This year we experienced that growth, discovery, adventure, and many great memories. As we look forward to the wonderful opportunities and plans for 2022, we also want to take the… READ MORE >

POBS alum Jonathan Sim Receives Infinite Potential Commendation

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award celebrates POBS alum Jonathan Sim with the Infinite Potential Commendation One of the world’s leading youth achievement programs, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, has selected Jonathan Sim and four other US participants out of a pool of 1,000 students in recognition of their perseverance, creativity, and high level… READ MORE >