Outward Bound has been contacted by Hugh Riminton, Alumni from an Outward Bound course in 1987 and Channel Ten's Political Editor and Bureau Chief in Canberra. He shared his story how his Outward Bound influenced his life and career as a foreign correspondent.

"Next week, I head out again. This trip, Afghanistan. In the 23 years since my Outward Bound course, I have packed more times than I can remember to travel to places where my nerve, ingenuity, endurance and humour would be tested once again.

I have worked as a television reporter in conflict zones from Somalia and Rwanda, to East Timor, Northern Ireland, the Middle East, Iraq, the Balkans.. pretty much everywhere.

Every time I pack up to go, carefully measuring the weight against the utility, trying to judge the nature of the challenges ahead, I am drawn back to the memories and the lessons learned in the rugged hills south-west of Canberra.

Outward Bound gave me a far deeper sense of belief that I, of no particular athletic talent or macho propensity, could take on profound experiences and flourish, or at least manage.

I am tremendously grateful for the experience of OB and the experiences that have led from it. Anyone reading this and wondering whether to sign up, I say, don't hesitate. The course is much easier than the decision to go.

I kept in touch with my course instructor, Sue Aitkin, and together we trekked and climbed in the Himalayas in 1991. She lives these days in Nepal, I believe, working for the UN. Anyone else from my course who happens to read this, please drop me a line, I'd love to hear how things have gone over the last near-quarter century.

Travel safe, but travel."

Hugh Riminton

Nothing pleases us more at Outward Bound, than hearing stories on how your experience has helped you in life. Please get in touch with us to share your stories!