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Philadelphia Outward Bound School
  • About
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      • Watershed Education
    • Videos
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    • Outward Bound USA
  • Programs
    • Classic Expeditions
    • Insight: One-Day Programs
    • Schools and Groups
    • Educators
    • The Urban Expedition
    • OB Professional
    • Veterans
    • Grieving Teens
    • Merit Award Courses
      • Get Out And Lead (GOAL)
      • Philadelphia Youth Leadership Corps (PYLC)
      • New Jersey Youth Leadership Corps (NJYLC)
      • Educators Expedition
    • Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
    • Community Events
  • Planning
    • Preparing for a Course
    • Scholarships & Financial Aid
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    • Academic Credit + 529 College Savings Plans
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      • What It Takes To Be An Outward Bound Instructor
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  • Ways to Give
    • How to Support POBS
    • Donate
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Donate

Merit Award Application


Step 1 of 5

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  • Thank you for your interest in our Merit Award Courses!

    Please complete this application form in its entirety. Contact us with any questions or issues.

  • Applicant Information

  • MM/DD/YYYY
  • Parent / Caregiver

  • Second Parent / Caregiver

  • 2. PERSONAL INTENT ESSAY

  • Max. file size: 512 MB.
    Please upload a one-page (500 word) essay indicating why you should be considered for this merit award.

    Topic: How have you demonstrated, or struggled with, compassion, integrity, excellence, and/or inclusion & diversity?

  • 3. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

  • Two letters (250-500 words each) of recommendation from non-family members. Each letter should provide information about your background, leadership skills, and potential areas for growth. Letters may be 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: 512 MB.
  • Max. file size: 512 MB.
  • 4. APPLICATION FEE - Please select an option below. You can pay with credit card, check, or apply for a fee waiver.

  • You can send a check for $50 made payable to Philadelphia Outward Bound School. Include the applicant's name and course title in the memo line.

    Send check to:

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

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    Supported Credit Cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
     
  • If the application fee presents a hardship for you or your family, the application fee will be waived. Please contact us to request a fee waiver!

  • In addition to the application fee, I would like to support Merit Award Scholarships at POBS with an additional donation.

  • Thank you for your support!
  • Contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations underwrite merit award expeditions at POBS. If you would like to support this work with a check, please mail to:

    Development Office
    Philadelphia Outward Bound School
    3401 Reservoir Drive
    Philadelphia, PA 19121

    POBS is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and your gift may be tax deductible. The official registration and financial information of the Philadelphia Outward Bound Center may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • 5. INTERVIEW & SELECTION

  • After your information is received, our Merit Award Selection Committee will review your materials and invite you to an interview session. Decisions will be made and selected students will be informed shortly after.

    Those selected will receive a Welcome Packet via email containing course documents including medical and liability forms, packing list, and FAQs.

    Thank you for your application. We look forward to guiding you in your challenge to go Outward Bound!

  • About
    • Our Story
    • Meet the Crew
      • Program Staff
      • Administrative Staff
      • Board of Trustees
    • Educational Approach
    • Equity
    • Partners
      • Watershed Education
    • Videos
    • Course Locations
    • The Discovery Center
    • Annual Reports
    • Outward Bound USA
  • Programs
    • Classic Expeditions
    • Insight: One-Day Programs
    • Schools and Groups
    • Educators
    • The Urban Expedition
    • OB Professional
    • Veterans
    • Grieving Teens
    • Merit Award Courses
      • Get Out And Lead (GOAL)
      • Philadelphia Youth Leadership Corps (PYLC)
      • New Jersey Youth Leadership Corps (NJYLC)
      • Educators Expedition
    • Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
    • Community Events
  • Planning
    • Preparing for a Course
    • Scholarships & Financial Aid
    • Payment Information
    • Academic Credit + 529 College Savings Plans
    • Safety & Risk Management
    • Course FAQs
    • COVID-19 Health & Safety Practices
  • Connect
    • Alumni
    • Blog
    • Careers
      • What It Takes To Be An Outward Bound Instructor
    • Course Photos
    • School Store
    • Newsletter
    • POBS in the News
    • Testimonials
    • Group Service Projects
    • Discovery Fest
    • Contact Us
  • Ways to Give
    • How to Support POBS
    • Donate
    • Thru-Hiker Program
    • Building Adventure
WHAT'S GOING ON AT POBS
Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons
Philadelphia Outward Bound School is feeling excited.
6 hours ago
Philadelphia Outward Bound School

Act before midnight tonight! Each person who signs up for a monthly donation of $10 or more by midnight will trigger an immediate $250 match from an anonymous donor!

In addition, you'll receive great benefits like invites to special POBS programming, a 50% discount on a day pass to Philadelphia Rock Gyms, and free Outward Bound swag.

This is a great chance to support POBS, double or triple your gift, and get great benefits for you - it's a win win win! But you have to ACT NOW!

Thank you for your support! 🙏

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Become a Thru-Hiker with Philadelphia Outward Bound School

outwardboundphiladelphia.org

Thru-hikers make a monthly donation in support of their vision of a world where every student has access to nature and the outdoors.
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