Educator Expedition Application

Outward Bound Educators Expeditions are designed to develop experiential education skills that teachers and administrators can take back into their classrooms. Experiential education is learning by doing. Outward Bound’s challenging multi-day courses encourage growth, build courage to take risks, inspire a sense of compassion, expand curiosity, and develop personal strength, self-confidence, and self-reliance. All courses foster solid communication, teamwork and leadership skills.

Course Dates:

  • July 27, 2023 – August 2, 2023

Apply using the form below. After we receive your materials, you will be contacted for a brief interview. Feel free to contact us with questions in the meantime.

  • 1. APPLICANT INFORMATION

  • MM/DD/YYYY

  • 2. PERSONAL INTENT ESSAY

  • Max. file size: 10 MB.
    Please upload a one-page (500 word) essay indicating why you should be considered for this merit award.

    Topic: How would participation in an Outward Bound Educator Expedition benefit your professional development and your interactions with your "students" in and outside of the learning environment.

  • 3. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

  • Two letters (250-500 words each) of recommendation from a supervisor or coworker. Each letter should provide information about your background, leadership skills, and potential areas for growth. Letters may be uploaded with your online application, emailed to [email protected] or sent to our office by the person writing them and must include the applicant's name and merit award in the subject line. Be sure these arrive by the due date.

  • Max. file size: 10 MB.
  • Max. file size: 10 MB.

  • 4. APPLICATION FEE

  • A check for $250 made payable to Philadelphia Outward Bound School. Checks will only be deposited if you are accepted. Include your name and course title in the memo line.

    Checks from applicants who are interviewed but who are not accepted into the program will be returned.

    Please have checks and letters of recommendation sent to:

    Jennifer Raymond | Philadelphia Outward Bound School | 3401 Reservoir Drive | Philadelphia, PA 19121

  • 5. INTERVIEW & SELECTION

  • After your information is received, our Merit Award Selection Committee will review your materials and invite you to a phone interview. Decisions will be made and selected educators will be informed in early May.

    Those selected will receive a Welcome Packet via email (or mail if necessary) from Jennifer Raymond containing course documents including medical and liability forms, packing list, FAQs, and instructions for return.

    We look forward to guiding you in your challenge to go Outward Bound.

  • The cost of a 7-day canoe expedition is $2,200. The merit based scholarship fund for this course covers the cost of transportation, food, two highly-trained Outward Bound instructors per crew, gear and equipment, and the Outward Bound canoeing experience.

    As it is the aim of Outward Bound that educators from all backgrounds are eligible to apply for and receive the merit scholarship, we ask each applicant’s to fill out the information below, specifying their ability to contribute toward the application fee.

    *All applicants are considered on the basis of merit, not on their financial ability to cover their application cost.