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 son take on the same course and discover his own strengths.
Gibran’s Journey: Challenge and Growth
For Gibran, the GOAL course meant days of backpacking along the Appalachian Trail, paddling 26 miles down the Delaware River, and bonding with a group of peers who quickly became a team.
“It was very hard, especially the canoeing,” he admitted with a grin. “But it was really fun. The instructors were super nice, and I loved the collaboration, the teamwork, and how we were cooperating.”
Like many Outward Bound students, Gibran discovered strengths he had not seen in himself before. “I learned that I’m actually really good at communicating, better than I thought I was,” he said. “Sometimes people were confused, and I was able to step up, explain things, and lead.”
The experience was full of challenges. Bugs, thunderstorms, and heavy packs tested his resilience. But what stood out most were the moments of laughter and connection. He recalled one canoe shortcut gone wrong that left him and a few friends stranded on a different stretch of the river. “We were scared at first, blowing the whistle and yelling at each other. But we could not stop smiling. It was so funny, and such a great time.”
When asked what he would tell a friend who was unsure about signing up, Gibran did not hesitate. “It is challenging, but it is way more fun than hard. You will laugh a lot, and you will be proud of what you can do.”
A Father’s Perspective: From Instructor to Parent
For Meko, watching his son take on the GOAL course was surreal. From 2008 to 2014, he worked as an Outward Bound instructor, guiding students through the same program. He never imagined that one day his own child would carry that tradition forward.
“I knew the experience was going to be meaningful,” Meko said. “I wanted him to see his own leadership qualities, qualities he did not always recognize in himself. I also wanted him to understand responsibility in a new way. Out there, no one is going to clean up your gear or pack your bag for you. You have to take care of your own things.”
Meko explained that the course creates natural consequences and lessons parents cannot always provide at home. “Instead of me being the one saying, ‘Clean your room,’ he had to face challenges on his own and learn how a team functions without a parent stepping in. That is powerful.”
Even in the short time since the expedition, Meko has noticed changes in his son. “The fact that he looked at me and said, ‘I am thinking about what I want to say,’ that was new. Communicating his inner world out loud, that is growth.”
Why Outward Bound Matters
Reflecting on his years as an instructor, Meko spoke passionately about why programs like Outward Bound are essential today.
“We live in a world our ancestors dreamed of. Food is at the grocery store, convenience is everywhere. But we have lost our connection to the earth. Outward Bound helps young people rebuild that relationship. It teaches resiliency, interdependence, and grit by letting nature itself be the teacher.”
He also highlighted the program’s intentional design. “You cannot just drop kids into the woods without support. That is panic, not growth. Outward Bound has the science down. It creates a safe but challenging environment where kids can discover their strength, learn to lead, and connect with others.”
A Legacy Continued
For Meko, seeing his son join the same community he once served was deeply meaningful. “When I started at Outward Bound, the people I worked alongside are now leading the organization. It is like a family. And now my son is part of that story. It is not just a job or a trip. It is a mission that changes lives.”
As Gibran looks ahead, he is already planning hikes with his siblings and carrying his newfound confidence back home. For father and son, the GOAL course has become more than just a shared experience. It is a passing of the torch, ensuring that the spirit of Outward Bound continues to inspire the next generation.
