Outward Bound uses a unique combination of challenging activities and the wilderness setting to achieve the high personal impact of our courses. Outward Bound is much more than a collection of activities. It is a carefully planned sequence of learning environments that draw out different strengths and resources - each time helping participants to step higher and further, to discover and extend personal limitations.
"You hear about it - abseiling, climbing and living in the bush. You experience it and you realise it is all about you."
EXPEDITION & NAVIGATION
Tracks along the way
Bushwalking/expeditioning is an opportunity to experience the bush, and to learn and apply new skills, such as navigation and camp craft. Group communication skills and the development of planning and problem solving skills are emphasised. Individuals are able to further develop self-sufficiency, self-reliance and independence by taking on leadership roles within the group.
CLIMBING & ABSEILING
Through determination and perseverance, individuals are able to meet the challenges that climbing and abseiling offer, push their own boundaries and experience personal growth and achievement. These activities are also great for building trust, teamwork and responsibility.
ROPES COURSE
High Ropes
The Challenge Ropes Course at our National Base in the ACT is one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. It is the perfect place to challenge personal perceptions of what can be achieved as well as develop problem solving skills and initiative. . For the courses that are run in our other operational areas, we set up smaller mobile ropes courses. The ropes courses are fantastic for allowing people to build individual self-confidence in a safe and supportive environment.
WATER ACTIVITIES
Down we go
Water activities such as rafting or canoeing are a fun alternative to bushwalking, with a strong focus on group cooperation, teamwork and communication. We try to run water activities all year round, even in the colder months (this adds to the challenge!) They are also great when the weather is warmer, although this can mean lower water levels for the activity itself. So the actual activities will vary depending on the water levels and area (some areas do not have reliable water activity sites). Water activities offered may be one of the following: rafting, canoeing, funyaking, or raft building initiatives.
CAVING
Caving can be a very powerful and confronting experience. It is an opportunity to enjoy a unique and fragile environment, and overcome personal fears through trust and support. Caving is an activity that can only be offered where there are accessible cave systems. Presently, we have access to caving in Kosciuszko NP in NSW and in the Snowy River NP in Victoria.
INITIATIVES
Where's my shoe?
A variety of games and activities are used to draw out the learnings from an Outward Bound experience. The focus varies depending on the activity, but mostly it is communication, teamwork and fun.
SOLO
Solo is time away from the group to to turn attention inwards to oneself and to reflect on the course experience.
SERVICE
Groups undertake a service initiative where they return something to the environment or to the local community. The service activity develops group cooperation, instills community values and a sense of contribution.
I really do not know where to start. I felt that I had to write a letter because the spoken word would not do you all justice. You are simply and purely amazing. For all the inspiration I have received from my peers around me, along with those beautiful individuals we met on the panel - you were the ones that humbled me the most. You have all worked so hard, and just seem so switched on. This is going to sound somewhat absurd but what really gives away your uniqueness and wisdom are your eyes. You may not realise it, but all of your eyes seem to have this perfect blend of peace and fire within.
It has been through your activities, your support, your kindness and laughter that has made this leadership course what it is, so on behalf of everyone - thankyou. My Dad has always gone on about 'Outward Bound' and how amazing it is, and now I can see what he sees, this organisation is amazing, and that is directly because of all of you. Thankyou.
Outward Bound uses a unique combination of challenging activities and the wilderness setting to achieve the high personal impact of our courses. Outward Bound is much more than a collection of activities. It is a carefully planned sequence of learning environments that draw out different strengths and resources - each time helping participants to step higher and further, to discover and extend personal limitations.
