Pioneering educator and little-known Outward Bound co-founder, Marina Ewald, is credited with designing and leading the very first Outward Bound expedition, sustaining and advancing the Salem school through WWII and beyond, and co-founding the original Outward Bound Sea School in Aberdovey with Kurt Hahn. Yet Ewald’s name went largely unmentioned in Outward Bound circles for many years. Like Ewald, the deep competency and daily commitment of Outward Bound’s very best student-facing staff too often goes unnoticed by those outside of the directly impacted student or staff group.  

In an effort to recognize and celebrate the daily, persistent influence of student-facing staff, and in the spirit of broad program excellence and innovation, this award aims to honor an Outward Bound staff who has advanced and improved the Outward Bound student experience by courageously approaching problems through the lens of innovation and inclusion, ensuring the persistent improvement of the Outward Bound program model, a model originating with Ewald and Hahn and continually evolving under the skillful and constant watch of everyday Outward Bound staff.  

This award honors Outward Bound employees who reflect the character, values, and enduring legacy of Founding Trustee Joshua L. Miner III. It recognizes those whose commitment to Outward Bound goes beyond their role and whose contributions meaningfully improve the lives of students and staff, while strengthening the organization’s ability to live its mission.

John McGrory’s leadership helped fundamentally reshape how Outward Bound approaches safety, both in practice and in culture. As Chair of the Outward Bound Safety Committee, John played a critical role in moving the organization toward a clearer, more consistent, and values grounded understanding of risk. As the architect of the Outward Bound USA Safety Policy, his work created a strong, enduring framework that continues to guide operations across the network and influence the broader field of adventure education.

Established by the Outward Bound National Board of Directors in 1982, the Kurt Hahn Award is the highest form of recognition bestowed by Outward Bound. It honors individuals whose life’s work reflects a deep and lasting commitment to serving others, in ways that would have resonated with Outward Bound’s founder, Kurt Hahn himself.