As summer winds down and we prepare to welcome students and educators back this fall, we are reflecting on the incredible journeys, challenges, and growth that unfolded during the 2024-25 school year through the partnership between the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) and Philadelphia Outward Bound School (POBS).
From one-day team-building programs to week-long wilderness expeditions, every course offered SDP students and educators the chance to discover their strengths, deepen their connections, and prove to themselves that they are capable of more than they imagined.
By the Numbers
This past school year marked one of our busiest and most impactful collaborations with the District:
- 2,346 SDP students experienced POBS programming
- 177 SDP educators participated in professional development programs or expeditions
- 88 programs were hosted, including 18 expeditions and 70 day programs
- 606 students and educators completed surveys, giving us valuable insights into impact and growth
Growth That Lasts
Survey responses highlighted measurable gains in confidence, resilience, and teamwork:
After an Outward Bound program:
- 91% of students felt more aware of how to support those around them
- 84% felt more connected to their peers
- 90% gained confidence to try new things
- 89% were excited to keep learning about themselves
According to SDP educators and chaperones:
- 98% saw students realize they can do hard things and even enjoy the challenge
- 100% agreed students discovered they could help others and recognized they were stronger than they thought
- 96% observed students working well in groups
Our data also showed significant growth in key areas such as group relationships, teamwork, perseverance, and physical confidence. These are skills that will continue to support students in school, at home, and beyond.
Voices from the Field
While the numbers tell one story, the words of SDP educators bring the impact to life:
- “It is remarkable to see how much they grow when they are given the opportunity to take ownership of their needs. I need to figure out how to emulate that more in my own practice.”
- “Challenges bring students together.”
- “Granting students more autonomy and room to struggle or fail was an important reminder.”
- “I loved watching students use skills from their home countries and cultures to support the group.”
One teacher reflected on how the experience reshaped their view of students:
- “I was reminded how creative, thoughtful, and kind our students are. I need to think through ways to create similar group challenges in the classroom.”
Looking Ahead
Every program we run is rooted in the belief that challenge and discovery build character, leadership, and resilience. This past year with the School District of Philadelphia reaffirmed that belief across thousands of moments, from a student conquering homesickness on expedition, to a group cheering each other through a ropes course, to an educator rediscovering the joy of learning alongside their students.
We are deeply grateful to the students, educators, families, and District partners who made the 2024-25 school year such a success. As we look toward Fall 2025, we cannot wait to welcome new groups and continue building stronger individuals and communities through Outward Bound experiences.
👉 Want to learn more about how your school or organization can get involved? Contact us to start a conversation about partnering with POBS!