As we reflect on 2024, one truth stands out with renewed urgency: America is facing an unprecedented youth mental health crisis. Rates of anxiety, depression, and disconnection among our children and teens continue to climb—and amid these challenges, Outward Bound remains a vital source of hope and healing.

Our programs do more than take students into the wilderness. They build belonging in a time when students report feeling isolated. They cultivate resilience when life feels uncertain. They connect students to nature, to their peers, and most importantly, to themselves. Whether summiting a peak, navigating a river, or sitting in quiet reflection beneath the stars, our students discover inner strength and the confidence to meet life’s challenges head-on.

This year, we deepened our commitment to reaching more youth from every background and walk of life. Thanks to the generosity of our philanthropic partners, we expanded access to our transformative programs—reducing barriers, funding scholarships, and forging new community partnerships.

We know that when more young people experience Outward Bound, more young people learn to thrive.

In the pages ahead, you’ll see the outcomes of this important work—stories of courage, connection, and growth. These stories remind us that investing in young people is investing in the future we all share.

Thank you for being part of this movement. Together, we are not only guiding the next generation through the wild—we are helping them come home to themselves.

With deep gratitude,

Ginger Naylor