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.
Endre Bodoni, the Vice President of Outward Bound Romania, welcomed the guests and stated that over the three decades, OB Romania has served nearly fifty thousand young people. Throughout the years, despite facing numerous challenges, the organization has evolved. Today, the team boasts many more skilled trainers, employees and volunteers. And of course, they continue their work with the ambition to engage a hundred thousand young people and assist more youngsters in need.
Outward Bound Hong Kong's Vertical 1000 Abseiling Challenge was a great success. This was the 2nd abseil event for OB Hong Kong, the first being run in 2017. On November 26th, 30 courageous individuals rappelled down one of the tallest buildings on the island, demonstrating courage, determination, and passion for adventure all for an amazing cause! The technical coordination and management for the event was once again provided by the world-leading highly experienced team of professional mountain guides from the UK led by OBI Executive Director Iain Peter.
Money raised from this event will directly support and provide opportunities to underprivileged youth to participate in courses at Outward Bound Hong Kong.
The Technical Team led by Iain Peter
Olympian Sara Lee celebrating her abseil
OB HK ED Nick Cotton with some of the abseilers
OB HK Champion and OB Global Ambassador Winston Lo
A team of 9 enthusiastic mountaineers (with a combined age of more than 600 years!) from OB Hong Kong and OB International spent a great few days climbing and scrambling in Glencoe, Scotland from August 1st to 4th. The trip was led by staff from the Outward Bound Trust.
The group stayed at the Lagangarbh Hut and climbed Curved Ridge on Buachaille Etive Mor and the Zig Zags on Gearr Aonach. The purpose of the trip was to share experiences of Outward Bound and raise some funds to support OBHK's activities. Participants included OB Hong Kong and OBI Board members and also OB Global Ambassadors.
The weather was kind, the dreaded Scottish midges were absent and everyone agreed that they would like to return for further adventures next year!
Lagangarbh Hut, Glencoe Scotland
Inglehart–Welzel Cultural Map of the World
Researcher Pete Allison with Participants on an OB Oman course
In 2023, OBI developed a comprehensive Risk Management Guidance document intended to support Outward Bound Schools’ risk management efforts. The guidance is organized in a similar format to how Outward Bound International structures and conducts School Risk Management Reviews. It will support individual Outward Bound Schools in building and assessing their capacity to manage four risk areas; Safety Risk, Financial Risk, Legal Risk, and Reputational Risk, examined and explained at the Governance, Management and Operational levels.
Outward Bound International conducted 20 Risk Management Reviews in 2023. All Outward Bound Schools receive an in-person external Risk Management Review, coordinated by Outward Bound International, every two years. This is a condition of maintaining an Outward Bound license. Schools reviewed in 2023 included OB Trust UK, OB USA, OB Canada, OB Vietnam, OB Belgium, OB Croatia, OB Germany, OB Singapore, OB Oman, OB Costa Rica, OB Brazil & OB Malaysia. Trained Reviewers from OBI and from the global network led these in-depth, in-person reviews.
OB Singapore - "Command Central"
OB Malaysia - Great Organization!
OB Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Risk Management Review
OB Hubei Board with Review Team
On December 8, 2023, Outward Bound Oman took center stage at COP28 in Dubai. The OB Oman delegation showcased potential solutions for climate adaptation based on the OBI Environmental Charter. The presented solutions were based on the OBI Environmental Charter and on enhancing environmental education outcomes for students across four focus areas:
(Re)connecting students with themselves, with each other, with nature, and place.
Developing ecological understanding.
Fostering a sense of environmental stewardship and empowerment.
Education for the climate crisis.
These solutions generated significant attention and were recognized for their potential in addressing climate challenges.
In explaining Outdoor and Experiential Learning, the OB Oman team briefly reviewed the importance of experiential learning in environmental education, referencing three relevant OBI education models.
Concluding their presentation, the Outward Bound Oman team examined the educational opportunities inherent in students' broader interactions with various aspects of their experience with Outward Bound Oman and with the various systems for managing environmental impact including vehicles, clothing, equipment, the management of waste, recycling systems, and food choices. This comprehensive approach highlighted how every element of Outward Bound's operation could contribute to a deeper understanding and management of environmental impact, thus reinforcing the organization's commitment to sustainability and environmental education.
OB Oman Staff Maha Al Habsi presenting at COP28
