Outward Bound USA Home
Our Approach
Our approach to programming focuses on Adventurous Learning — daring exploration, real-world engagement and meaningful challenge, whether in schools, in the outdoors, or in our local communities.
CB10 Secondary Banner
Photo credit
Lisa Berg
CB13 Repeatable Callout
Our Approach
Adventurous Learning
Adventurous learning centers students, empowering them to own their learning experience through complex problem-solving, inquiry, and engaging in immersive experiences that extend beyond the traditional classroom. Students learn to lead with confidence and curiosity, persist in the face of challenge, and reflect deeply on both successes and failures — fostering the belief that there is more in us than we know.
This approach is rooted in the understanding that social, emotional and academic learning are interconnected to support young people to thrive. Adventurous learning recognizes that growth is never isolated, and happens in communities where young people find belonging, agency and build collaborative relationships across differences.
We commit to the joy of this work, cultivating a more just and equitable world for all.
/NYCOBS Sharpe Day 1-2.jpg?vh=abd4f7?vh=abd4f7&w=800)
Photo credit
Colleen Meas
CB28 Multi CTA
Explore our Work
Programs for Students
Programs for Educators
CB13 Repeatable Callout
SEAD Competencies
Our programs focus on creating immersive, deeper learning experiences that help students develop social, emotional and academic competencies in their classrooms, Crew, communities and the outdoors. All of our work leads to SEAD.
CB17 FAQs
Social competencies
Collaboration
- Value the power of different and diverse perspectives, and that everyone contributes to collective success and learning
- Find balance between taking initiative, leading, and stepping back to let others lead
- Engage with disagreement and conflict constructively, understanding their role in learning and growth
Communication
- Recognize the power of your words to lift up others and support change
- Demonstrate integrity, sensitivity, and respect for different perspectives in all communication
- Share your thoughts, questions, ideas, and solutions with clarity and purpose
Adaptability
- Make decisions informed by the expectations of social interactions in a variety of settings
- Seek help for yourself or others when needed
- Demonstrate a reflective openness to change your mind and actions, even as you stay grounded in your own integrity and identities
Emotional competencies
Self-Awareness
- Identify and name your thoughts and feelings; recognize how they impact your actions
- Develop and practice strategies for managing your emotions, thoughts, and actions
- Recognize your personal strengths and assets, as well as growth areas
Empathy
- Recognize that others may have different perspectives and feelings than you and consider alternate viewpoints with respect and curiosity
- Learn about and demonstrate your understanding of others’ cultural backgrounds
- Identify and interrogate your prejudices and biases
- Show compassion for the feelings and circumstances of others; offer support when needed
Agency
- Believe in and cultivate your capacity to make a difference
- Identify how your actions affect those you interact with, your larger communities, and the world
- Stand up for yourself, others and the issues that matter
- Examine and take action against social inequities, using your power to help make the world a more just and equitable place
Academic competencies
Critical Thinking
- Seek truths that are grounded in evidence and experiences, reasoning, and logic, rather than accepting things without question
- Approach sources of information with curiosity and inquisitiveness in order to avoid flaws in reasoning
- Compare different viewpoints and arguments in order to understand their strengths and weaknesses
Problem Solving
- Ask questions and explore resources in order to accurately define a problem and build hypotheses
- Ideate, test, and evaluate possible methods or solutions
- Collaborate with others and adjust your approach based on new information and feedback
Making Connections
- Seek opportunities to apply knowledge and skills learned in school to life outside of school and vice versa
- Consider outcomes and implications of actions, past and future
- Identify patterns, relationships, and themes across subjects, experiences, and communities to deepen understanding and inspire new ideas
Purposeful Planning
- Set ambitious and achievable goals that challenge you
- Identify the resources and support systems you need to help you reach your goals
- Manage your time to reach your challenge goals
- Track your progress toward your goals and develop resilience by learning from failures
CB04 Quick Course Search
Fieldwork
Crew Adventure
.jpg?vh=96be41?vh=96be41&w=800)
Crew Olympics
Youth Development
Crew
Service Learning
City as a Classroom
Climbing
Student Leadership
Belonging
Outdoor Adventure
Professional Development
.jpg?vh=cdae25?vh=cdae25&w=800)
Crew Connect
Deeper Learning
Agency
Adventurous learning gives way to unlimited possibility.
