In 1964, Outward Bound launched its first sea-based school on the rugged coast of Maine. Hurricane Island—remote, windswept, and located 75 miles northeast of Portland—became the summer basecamp for sailing, sea kayaking, and rock climbing programs.
What started as a bold experiment in experiential education quickly became something more: a place where challenge and adventure met purpose, and where the ocean itself became a classroom.
In Maine and beyond
Building on the success of our sea-based programs, we soon expanded our reach and impact, adding land-based expeditions in Maine featuring backpacking and canoeing, and semester programming in the Bahamas. Our newest addition, an international base in Costa Rica, now offers the opportunity for cultural immersion and service as well as trekking, surfing, scuba diving, and whitewater rafting.
HIOBS now operates a network of programs stretching from Maine to the Caribbean and Central America—each grounded in the same belief that meaningful challenge in the natural world builds character, leadership, and resilience.
Our Founder
In 1964, Peter O. Willauer transformed a rugged island in Penobscot Bay, Maine, into a place where challenge and discovery could change lives. A sailor, teacher, and visionary leader, he believed that true learning begins when we step beyond what we know. Under his guidance, HIOBS grew from a single island base to a network of programs along the East Coast and beyond—empowering generations of students and instructors to lead with courage, integrity, and compassion.
Outward Bound’s approach to teaching and learning is rooted in the classroom and places equal emphasis on the development of character and intellect. By navigating outdoor challenges in supportive environments, our students find courage, compassion, and connection that lasts a lifetime.
Outward Bound expeditionary learning can occur nearly anywhere, with nearly anyone: in the classroom; on a grueling mountain ascent; in the post-course debrief, or in the days following a return from the wild. The positive outcomes our students experience—whether they are middle and high school age, college age, or adults—manifest as increased self-confidence, awareness, and respect for the interdependence of individuals and a desire to make a positive difference in their own lives and in the lives of others.
Strangers become lifelong friends. Small accomplishments on a course become lifelong habits. Through shared challenges, adversity, failure, and success, students discover and develop new skills, confidence, and passion.
The idea that “you are needed,” no matter who you are, is a critical ingredient to the success of Outward Bound programs. And it is this element of inclusiveness and reliance on teamwork that sets an Outward Bound expedition apart from any other learning experience; expedition members are “crew not passengers.”
Outward Bound doesn’t only encourage students to contribute to the group; we require it. After all, on an Outward Bound expedition, awareness, and respect of others is not optional—it is necessary for success.
The Journey Continues
Today, Hurricane Island Outward Bound School is one of nine independent organizations chartered by Outward Bound USA, delivering programs across Maine and internationally in Costa Rica, Panama, and the Bahamas.
We serve middle school, high school, gap year, and college students, as well as adults seeking wilderness adventure and Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. For more than 60 years, our strength has come from the passion, resilience, and commitment shown by the individuals and families who choose challenge, growth, and discovery with us—again and again.
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