Every year Outward Bound speaks with thousands of parents. We have listened to many stories, concerns and questions. We understand how important each decision is in the future and welfare of your children. Outward Bound exists to help young people make the transition to adulthood with the confidence and resilience to live meaningful and responsible lives. If you have any questions that are not answered on this page or site, please contact us as we would be more than happy to chat.
Parents consistently tell us that they want their young people to grow into confident, resilient and responsible adults. That is why they have chosen to send their children to Outward Bound for over 50 years.
Outward Bound challenges young people to discover talents and resources within themselves. Our courses build on success and achievement to empower students to assume responsibility and develop life skills such as peer leadership, decision-making, problem-solving, goal-setting, and clear and honest communication.
While our courses are mentally and physically rigorous and do strengthen individual character, Outward Bound is not a survival school, nor is it therapy: we do not "fix" kids. Our courses are not designed to correct errant behavior. If you believe your child is an "at-risk" youth and needs specific help, please call us to discuss whether an Outward Bound course would be suitable for your child.
Outward Bound's reputation is built upon it's exceptional staff. We employ inspiring leaders for their compassion, integrity and passion for helping people discover their potential. Our staff are highly skilled outdoor professionals who bring to Outward Bound diverse life experience. Their discipline and dedicated professionalism ensures that your child's safety and well-being is their number one concern.
Outward Bound's safety and operating procedures have become recognised as being amongst the highest in adventure-based education. Safety protocols in all of our programs ensure that risk is more perceived than real. We train your sons and daughters in the skills, responsibilities and discernment necessary for safe wilderness adventure. Instructors closely supervise students until they demonstrate the proficiency and confidence required for greater self-reliance. The process of students taking responsibility and learning to assess risk is an integral part of every Outward Bound course.
Student safety is our number one priority.
Here's what some of our parents have said about us:
"Encourage your child to go. The experience is truly worthwhile and the organisation of the whole trip was exceptional."
"I cannot praise it enough. I sent my son on an adventure that brought the best out in him. He returned a well adjusted young man full of hope and optimism."
Help support Outward Bound by purchasing merchandise from our Outward Bound store Trek Inn. Your support enables Outward Bound to continue its mission to provide personal development programs. There are a variety of logo items that can be purchased from the Trek Inn shop. An item may assist you on a course or simply be a mememto of those special memories. The Trek Inn range includes Rain Jackets, Fleece Jumpers and Vests, Thermals, Hats, Mugs, Pens, Wrist Bands, 50th Anniversary Merchandise, and Outward Bound Books.
We know and respect that parents have concerns for their children's safety and well-being. Here are some frequently asked questions by parents. If your question is not answered here, please contact us .
My child is not a strong swimmer, will this be a problem on the river? NO! Weak or non-swimmers will be in the same craft as the Instructor.We have a compulsory swim to assess each participant’s swimming ability prior to the river trip. All instructors are trained in river rescue, which is a nationally accredited certificate, so your child will be safely cared for.Rivers are not very wide, making bank access easier. We use a grade one PFD (personal floatation device), worn at all times on the river, which is the maximum lift of a life-jacket designed for open water.
