History of Outward Bound

The first Outward Bound school was opened in Aberdovey, Wales in 1941 by Kurt Hahn, and Lawrence Holt with the support of the Blue Funnel Line. Outward Bound grew out of Hahn's work in the development of the Gordonstoun school and what is now known as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Outward Bound's founding mission was to give young seamen the ability to survive harsh conditions at sea by teaching confidence, tenacity, perseverance and to build experience of harsh conditions. Jim Hogan served as warden for the first year of the school. This mission was established and then expanded by Capt. J. F. 'Freddy' Fuller took over the leadership of the Aberdovey school in 1942 and served the Outward Bound movement as senior warden until 1971. Fuller had been seconded from the Blue Funnel Line following wartime experience of surviving two successive torpedo attacks and commanding an open lifeboat in the Atlantic ocean for thirty-five days without losing a single member of the crew. From the inception of Outward Bound, community service was an integral part of the program, especially in the areas of sea and mountain rescues and this remains an important part of the training for both staff and students in Outward Bound, Wales. The first Outward Bound program for females was conducted in 1951. Fuller was seconded to the USA in the early sixties to help establish Outward Bound USA in Colorado and the first Peace Corps training camp in Puerto Rico.

- Outward Bound Wikipedia.

Outward Bound International
Outward Bound International, an incorporated non profit organization, was set up in 1997 to oversee the Outward Bound schools internationally. Outward Bound International’s mission statement is:

“To help people discover and develop their potential to care for themselves, others, and the world around them through challenging experiences in unfamiliar settings – self discovery through adventure”

Outward Bound is based on core values of courage, integrity, trust, compassion and cooperation. The courses incorporate the following five key components:

• Character development.
• Compassion & service.
• Social & environmental responsibility.
• Adventure & Challenge.
• Learning through experience.    

Outward Bound Today
Outward Bound has grown as a worldwide association and today operates in 40 countries through its 56 centers with 230 training locations. More than 200,000 individuals participate in different Outward Bound activities annually.

www.outwardbound.net