Outdoor Education is one of the most practical ways of learning about the environment, whilst at the same time inculcating strong values in young people.  At its core, Outward Bound is about the delivery of values-based education, in a challenging but safe outdoor environment.  We have been delivering life changing educational programs in the outdoors now for over 50 years, and as our lead article testifies, Outward Bound has been an industry leader in training the next generation of Outdoor Educators since 1999.

Our approach to education is tried and proven.  We do this through the conduct of a “learning journey” (usually an expedition); by creating a ‘place apart’; by creating time and space for young people to be with nature; by developing self-reliance and teamwork; and by providing opportunities for meaningful projects and service.  Over 20 years of research proves that Outward Bound works.

Reconnecting with Nature

Many of us know innately how important it is to remain connected to nature.  There has been much written about nature’s ability to heal our various human conditions, yet increasingly we (and our kids) are becoming disconnected from the natural world.  In his recent book called “Last Child in the Woods”, Richard Louv, coined the term “nature-deficit disorder”.  Louv directly links the lack of nature in the lives of today’s children to attention disorders, depression, obesity and a host of other emotional problems. 

When young people come on Outward Bound they learn to live without mobile phones, ipods, shopping malls and the internet.  In the silence of the bush, they learn to listen to the natural sounds around them, to listen to themselves (and each other), they learn to be sustained by the environment and by their own basic resources. 

When the future health of our species and perhaps even our survival is dependent on our young people gaining a true understanding of environmental issues, surely now is the time to try and give all of our kids an “Outward Bound” experience, to help them connect with nature and themselves - this cannot be done solely in the classroom.