Way back in 1976, Bruce Spender, a young Naval Officer, was assigned by his Commanding Officer, a former UK Outward Bound participant, to examine Outward Bound methodology. After 26 grueling days of Standard Challenge Course, Bruce returned totally sold on the personal changes he experienced and witnessed in others. He recalls the lasting impression of leadership skills emerging, as disparate groups bonded into effective teams focused on supporting one another. His report resulted in the implementation of Expedition Training for the RAN, based entirely on the Outward Bound model; the same philosophical model for Outward Bound courses around the world today.

Thirteen years later in 1989, as President of the Nowra Lions Club, he introduced the concept of sponsoring local youth to attend an Outward Bound Course. This was the birth of the Nowra Lions Outward Bound Project that still thrives today under the chairmanship of Geoff Stanton, a true Outward Bound champion, who, as of 2011, is in his sixteenth consecutive year of nurturing and driving the Nowra commitment, also actively assists and encourages other Lions Clubs who are interested in taking up the challenge.

By utilising the proceeds of an annual dedicated fundraising event and in later years enlisting the support of neighbouring Bomaderry Lions and more recently Shoalhaven Lioness Clubs as co-sponsors, the Nowra Project has delivered groups of four and five and up to eight participants year after year.

In the spirit of true community involvement, a perfect example being the repetitive sponsorship provided by the Bomaderry Bowling Club, the Nowra Lions Outward Bound Project will, in April 2012, pass the 100 mark of young Australians to be granted the unique experience of a 12–day Outward Bound Navigator Course. This is an outstanding achievement by any measure and a genuine community investment!

Geoff Stanton and wife Janelle

Good news travels freely within the Lions Club District network and N2 District is no exception. The achievements of the Nowra Outward Bound Project became the catalyst for nearby Gerringong, Ulladulla-Milton, Minnamurra and Kiama to become involved, independently sponsoring their own teenagers. Other N2 District Clubs, Bega, Pambula-Merimbula, Queanbeyan, Wollongong, Canberra Kambah and Tahmoor now have active Outward Bound Partnerships.

Are you one of the Nowra Lions Outward Bound Project "One Hundred"? To read testimonials of others sponsored by Nowra Lions club since 1989 and more recently Bomaderry Lions Club and share your own story click here.

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