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Outward Bound In The Nation's Capital

It’s official! We’re proud to share some big news from Southeast D.C.

The image shows a modern building with a glass facade and the word "THE ARC" prominently displayed. A banner with a logo and text that reads "TOWN HALL EDUCATION ARTS RECREATION CAMPUS" is visible on the left. The building's architecture features curved lines and a light-colored exterior, suggesting it is a public or community center.
A young girl with dreadlocks and a yellow helmet is ziplining through a forest. She is wearing a black sweatshirt and a harness. Other people wearing helmets can be seen in the background, some on the ground and some on the zipline course. The trees are lush and green, suggesting it is a warm day.
A person is participating in a high ropes course. They are standing on a wooden platform suspended between trees, secured with ropes and wearing a helmet. The course is set amongst lush green foliage, with sunlight filtering through the leaves. The person appears to be focused and balanced as they navigate the challenge.
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Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School is opening a permanent outdoor learning campus in Ward 8 of Washington, D.C. in partnership with THEARC (Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus).

This new space marks a major milestone: the first-ever experiential outdoor classroom of its kind in D.C., purpose-built with climbing elements and immersive team-based programs to help students build the confidence, connection, and mindsets to thrive.

We’ve worked with over 6,000 students across all eight Wards since 2020—and now we’re bringing Outward Bound right to the heart of where D.C. students live and learn.

This project is made possible by a $2 million investment from the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation, the largest in our history.

We’re deeply grateful to the Clark Foundation, our longtime partners at THEARC, and the many leaders and champions who helped turn this bold vision into reality.

The image shows three people posing indoors. A man in a brown checkered blazer stands on the left. In the center is a man in a maroon suit jacket and white shirt. A woman in a black dress stands on the right. They are all smiling and appear to be at an event or gathering.
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CBOBS will reach students through partnerships with schools and community-based organizations, which will be charged a fraction of the programs’ costs.

CBOBS has served over 100,000 students from across the greater region since 1986, and since 2020, over 6,000 D.C. students through 50+ D.C. community partners, spanning all eight Wards. Until now, D.C. students traveled to the organization’s founding basecamp in Baltimore. The new campus at THEARC removes barriers by bringing programming to where students live and learn, embedded within a vibrant hub of educational, health, and arts nonprofits. With this partnership and investment, CBOBS takes a step toward its goal of doubling its impact by 2030 and reaching 10,000 young people annually across Baltimore and D.C.

 

Now Welcoming New School & Community Partners

Rooted in Outward Bound’s unique educational approach, the new campus is designed to help youth to re-connect with themselves, others, and the natural world. Through evidence-based methods, students build upon skills in four key social domains- courage, belonging, physical engagement, and reflection. CBOBS instructors help them develop these skills and connections and bring them to tackling challenges and opportunities at home, school, and in their community.

6,000

DC Students served since 2020

2,227

DC Outward Bound participants

27

Community partners across all 8 wards

10,000

Our 2030 goal for young people served each year across Baltimore and Washington D.C.

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Our Programs

We offer a range of programs, from youth focused one-day Insight and multi-day Peer Leadership programs. For adults, we run corporate teambuilding through Outward Bound Professional, and support teachers and school personnel with our Educator’s Programs.

A group of young people are participating in a ropes course activity in a forest. They are wearing helmets and harnesses, and are connected to ropes that are strung between trees. The participants appear to be focused and determined as they navigate the course. The forest provides a natural and challenging environment for the activity.

One Day Programs

Youth-Serving Organizations
In the image, a young climber is scaling a rock face, wearing a helmet and climbing gear. Below, another person, also helmeted, is supporting the climber by providing a boost. The climber is partway up the rock, with their foot placed on the supporter's shoulders for leverage. The rock face is textured and rugged, suggesting an outdoor climbing environment.

Multi Day Expeditions

Youth-Serving Organizations
A group of people are gathered outdoors, seemingly engaged in a learning activity. A woman in a green top is holding a magnifying glass, while others around her are looking at something in her hands. The setting appears to be a park or garden, with lush greenery in the background. The atmosphere seems friendly and educational.

Outward Bound Professional

Professional Teams
A group of people are gathered around a campfire near several tents. Some individuals are standing and smiling, while others are seated. The atmosphere appears to be one of camaraderie and outdoor enjoyment. The tents suggest they are camping, and the campfire indicates they might be cooking or simply enjoying the warmth and light.

Educator's Programs

Educators
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Spotlighting our DC Alumni and Partners

CBOBS has served over 100,000 students from across the greater region since 1986, and since 2020, over 6,000 D.C. students through 50+ D.C. community partners, spanning all eight Wards. Until now, D.C. students traveled to the organization’s founding basecamp in Baltimore. The new campus at THEARC removes barriers by bringing programming to where students live and learn, embedded within a vibrant hub of educational, health, and arts nonprofits.

A woman with dreadlocks and a blue t-shirt stands in front of a brick building. She is gesturing with her hands, and there are picnic tables visible in the background. The area appears to be an outdoor courtyard or patio. The woman's t-shirt has some text on it, but it's not entirely clear what it says.
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Sojourner Truth School Educator, Coach Ty, shares the unique relationship between educators and students that forms through Outward Bound programs.

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Archbishop Carroll H.S. students walk you through their Outward Bound expedition along with their classmates.

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Our 2025 DC Partners

Archbishop Carroll High School | Center City Public Charter Schools | City Kids Wilderness Project |

Colin Powell Academy | DC Police Foundation | DC Prep – Anacostia |

DC Prep – Benning | DC Prep – Edgewood | Episcopal High School |

General James Gholson Middle School | Georgetown Day School | Identity, Inc. |

John Hayden Johnson Middle School | Kelly Miller Middle | Kenmoore Middle School |

KIPP DC | The Lab School of Washington | Martha’s Table |

Phelps ACE High School | Prince George’s County Public Schools | Prince George’s County Police Athletic League |

Robert Goddard Montessori | The Siena School | The Sojourner Truth School |

TRiO Upward Bound, Prince George’s Community College | Two Rivers Public Charter School | Walker Mill Middle |

Washington Latin Charter School | Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy | Youth Guidance – DC

THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE.
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