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Partnerships That Deepen Learning
Philadelphia Outward Bound School (POBS) partners with schools, colleges, non-profit and community organizations to create local outdoor and wilderness programs, for youth and adults ages 12 and over, that deeply enrich the learning process through experience and participation.
Through collaboration, we deliver inclusive and progressive experiential programs tailored to meet the specific and unique learning objectives and developmental needs of our partners and their learning communities.
Building Character Through Challenge
POBS recognizes the potential in every participant and challenges them to build self-awareness, strengthen leadership skills, and develop the character needed to nurture healthy communities. We meet people where they are, offering single-day programs and multi-day expeditions that support growth in school, at work, and in life.
Backed by the expertise of the nation’s oldest and most respected provider of outdoor and experiential education, our local outdoor and wilderness programs reflect a deep commitment to character, craftsmanship, leadership development, and safety.
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LEARNING IN THE OUTDOORS: Single and Multi-Day Programs
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One-Day Insight Program
Insight is just that, it gives participants insight into what is possible. By participating in activities and challenges they extend their comfort zone and interactions with peers; they discover the power and strength in themselves and in the group. Each participant deserves the opportunity to challenge their comfort zone and experience the power of “I did it.” When individuals and groups find success, they seek it in other aspects of their life. Insight programs can take place at POBS’ Challenge Courses, school settings, local parks, trails, or recreation centers.
Activities Include: Ground Initiatives and Low Ropes Challenges, Challenge Course Climb, Trail Hike
Peer Leadership 5-Day Expeditions
What can participants learn from carrying a heavy backpack on the Appalachian Train or navigating the waterways of the Delaware Water Gap? Locating a campsite at night or building a shelter in the rain? They discover that there is more in them than they ever thought possible — they build strength and confidence, resilience and hope, and become socially and emotionally stronger. This is no ordinary camping trip; it is a journey with purpose. The expedition experiences extend far beyond the course and leverage the power of “mountain top” moments for both the crew and individual.
Activities Include: Canoeing, Backpacking, Rock Climbing
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Why Outward Bound is Essential
An Outward Bound experience is about more than adventure. It is about finding innovative ways to educate and engage youth and adults and instill a sense of purpose, confidence, compassion and a desire to make a positive, meaningful difference in educational spaces, communities, workplaces and in the world.
We facilitate engaging, relevant and sequential experiences for skills mastery, communication, conflict resolution and goal setting. Our lens is participant-centered and we use moments of success, as well as failure, to translate challenge for positive personal development.
The transferrable life lessons and takeaways from Outward Bound experiences are highly relevant to any individual or group, and can last a lifetime.
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In this video, educators share what it’s like to bring students to a Philadelphia Outward Bound day program on the Aerial Team Challenge Course - and the growth they see as a result.
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