Outward Bound has adjusted its school holiday programs to make them more affordable, accessible and with less time commitment.
We’ve been innovating since its launch in 1956. We’ve always sought to stay relevant and meet the ever-changing needs of the community.
In 2021 we embarked on a mission to Re-imagine OBA. This effort is multifaceted with many exciting changes to come.
This year we set about reviewing our open-enrolment programs to make sure they are staying at the forefront of what young people need. The great news is that our programs are still meeting the needs of young people.
We still consistently hear from participants and parents about the positive changes they see in their lives. And it’s clearer than ever that young people in Australia still need experiences of self-discovery in the Australian bush.
So we’ve made some important adjustments to our open-enrolment programs to make them more affordable and accessible while still providing the same fantastic outcomes. Here’s what we are offering from January 2023.
Outward Bound Junior
- 5-day adventure experience
- Formerly known as “Young Explorer”
- 12-15 years
- Offered in Tharwa, ACT every January, April, and September.
- $997
The Junior program is a great kickstart entry to the outdoors, including a mixed experience of expedition and centre-based programs.
The Outward Bound experience was one of the most important things Ive ever been through in my short life. I learned so much about myself and how I react and interact with others. Its one of the best things thats ever happened to me – it forced me to grow up.–Participant.
Outward Bound is a great challenge that gets them outdoors and experiencing things they wouldn’t otherwise – physically, socially, emotionally.–Parent
Enrol in our upcoming Junior programs in the ACT here.
Outward Bound Expedition
- 10-day adventure experience
- Similar to what was previously our Navigator program
- 15-24 years
- Offered in the Snowy River region of Victoria and Namadgi National Park, ACT.
- $1997
Expeditions are what Outward Bound has been known for since the beginning, only now it has been refreshed.
Expeditions contain all the learnings and experiences that come with adventuring into unknown territory–navigation, teamwork, leadership, being pushed out of your comfort zone.
The 10-day journey fits neatly in the school and university holidays, making it an easy.
The wider age range is a deliberate change to this offering. Young people are increasingly needing to work and collaborate with others across age groups.
The wider age range gives the opportunity to meet people of different stages in the emerging adult journey, and develop skills around leading and working with others.
We are currently offering the Outward Bound Expedition in ACT, Victoria, and Western Australia.
Outward Bound Leadership
- 5-day residential leadership program
- 16-24 years
- Qualifies for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Gold Residential Project
- Offered in Tharwa, ACT every January and June/July
- $997
Outward Bound has been developing leaders since our founding. Traditionally leadership was taught as part of an expedition process. But we have condense our leadership training and development into an accessible 5-day residential format.
In this program, you’ll learn more about your own values and leadership styles. You’ll have the opportunity to practice leading teams and building your confidence and communication skills–essentials for entering the workforce or a professional career.
You don’t need to be participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to participate in this program. We’ve timed this to align with school and university holidays.
