The Outward Bound International 2023 World Conference, hosted by Outward Bound Brazil, was a significant gathering of Outward Bound Schools from across the world which provided a platform for community building and collaboration.
The conference was a journey that crossed borders and cultures, connecting Outward Bound leaders from around the world with shared purpose: delivering quality outdoor experiential education programs, developing our staff and leadership teams, and cementing our commitment to a sustainable future. With stories of resilience, learning, and meaningful connections, the conference demonstrated that, regardless of our backgrounds,
We all share a belief in the positive and transformative potential of Outward Bound.
The successful organization of the event was largely attributed to the passionate and engaged OB Brazil staff team, the OBI Operations Committee and the team at Outward Bound International.
CLICK TO VIEW the 2023 World Conference Video - A Showcase of Schools
OB Brazil ED, Andreas Martin
Thanks to our Key note presenters Pete Allison, Jim Sibthorp and Theresa Melton who led us through a review of Kurt Hahn's vision leading up to a review of contemporary research themes in outdoor education to consider…
Outward Bound's Relevance for Today.
This team of researchers are leading on OBI's Global Research Project, funded by the John Templeton Foundation.
Click to View the Presentation
Pete Allison, Penn State University
Jim Sibthorp, The University of Utah
The World Conference provided an opportunity to celebrate and recognize David Kong, who has been the Board Chair of Outward Bound International (OBI) for the past 6 years. Past Chair of Outward Bound Hong Kong, David became Chair of OBI in 2017 at which time he led the Board and Management of OBI through the development of their first Strategic Plan. David was known for his calm, steady and inclusive style and his enthusiasm to move the strategic work of OBI forward. He never missed a Board meeting and would always attend calls whether at 5 am or 12 midnight! One of the inaugural members of the Outward Bound Global Ambassadors, David has always been and continues to be one of our greatest champions, both in Hong Kong and around the globe. David received the Kurt Hahn Award, OBI's highest honour, for his service as OBI Board Chair.
Thank you David for your service to Outward Bound!
David Kong receiving the Kurt Hahn Award
New OBI Chair, Colin Maund
Adam Horvath-Kovacs receiving recognition for his service to OBI
Click to view this Conference Video, created by OB Hubei
The Americas Staff Symposium, jointly hosted by OB USA and the Colorado Outward Bound School (COBS), was held in 2023 at the COBS Leadville base. A fabulous time was had by up to 60 staff from OB Schools around the Americas - USA, Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico and Brazil - as well as some staff from OB Hong Kong and OB Germany. Also in attendance were Iain Peter, Mike Armstrong and Sarah Wiley from OBI. The Symposium brought together staff involved in program and also some non-operational staff including EDs from OB USA, OB Peacebuilding, OB Costa Rica, COBS and CBOBS. Delta Dental generously provided support to cover the costs of OB staff outside the USA to attend the Symposium.
Photo Op for Symposium Sponsor Delta Dental
Organizer Tyler Fish from OB USA
In 2023, Outward Bound Romania celebrated a significant milestone: its 30th anniversary. This occasion also marked three decades of steadfast leadership by the organization's founding Executive Director, Adam Horvath-Kovacs. Over these years, OB Romania has significantly influenced both local and international youth, mirrored also by Adam's considerable impact at both the local and global levels. Beyond his role with OB Romania, Adam has played an active role in Outward Bound International. His contributions include participating in School Risk Management Reviews and serving on the Operations Committee, a sub-committee of the OBI Board, since 2011
Adam Horvath-Kovacs at the OB Romania Centre
Founding Members of OB Romania
Today, OB Romania serves an average of 2000 participants annually. For the past 20 years, OB Romania has also been running “Train the Trainers” programs which have contributed largely to the spread of outdoor education in Eastern Europe and has supported the development and growth of new Outward Bound Schools in the region.
Highlights for Adam have been the joint programs run in collaboration with other OB schools. Most recently, OB Romania coordinated a multi-year youth capacity building project, the TIMY Project, in collaboration with OB India, OB Brazil and OB Belgium.
To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Outward Bound Romania hosted an enriching Adventure and Learning Conference at its office in Tîrgu Mureș/Marosvásárhely and at its Youth Center in Sovata/Szováta. With a blend of international collaboration, knowledge sharing, and celebration, the event drew 31 representatives from various partner organizations across Europe. Representatives from Romania, Croatia, Slovakia, The Netherlands, Germany, Hungary, France and UK and around 60 local youth workers and teachers converged in Târgu Mureș to exchange experiences as outdoor professionals. The conference was co financed by the Erasmus+ program of the European Union.
