WELCOME
A Letter from the Chair & ED of Outward Bound International
**photo courtesy of Outward Bound Romania
Welcome to our 2024 Year in Review. The purpose of the Review is to share foundational information about Outward Bound and the global Outward Bound network and to share information about significant activities over the last year.
As we reflect on 2024, we are grateful for the remarkable efforts of the Outward Bound community. This year has reaffirmed the importance of our shared purpose – to challenge, inspire, and connect people with themselves, others, and the natural world. Across the globe, our instructors and staff have brought this mission to life with exceptional dedication, providing experiences that build resilience, spark self-discovery, and deepen a sense of responsibility to the world around them. Through their tireless work, we continue to create meaningful change and prepare individuals to thrive in an ever-changing world.
One of the standout moments of 2024 was The Big Rappel in New York City, a monumental collaboration between OBI, OB Trust UK, OB USA and the NYC OB Schools, that not only challenged participants to step outside their comfort zones but also brought our mission of fostering resilience and adventure into the spotlight. This event raised USD $3 Million, supporting 10,000 young people to participate in their own Outward Bound experience.
This year also saw dynamic staff symposiums in India and Romania, where instructors and staff from across the network came together to share expertise, foster collaboration, and strengthen the bonds that make Outward Bound a truly global family.
Another highlight was the development of a global Social Return on Investment (SROI) framework, in consultation with Accenture Development Partnerships, which will help us measure and communicate the transformative impact of our programs worldwide with greater clarity and precision.
Finally, this issue of the “Year In Review” shares other highlights from the year including our first ever global social media campaign, the awarding of a full license to Outward Bound Central China and updates on global projects related to research, risk management and the environment.
As we look to the future, we are more committed than ever to making the Outward Bound experience accessible to a diverse range of participants. We believe in the power of our programs to bridge cultural and social divides, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic global community.
"More Relevant Than Ever," is not just a reflection of our past; it is a call to action for the future. As the world evolves, so do the challenges we face.
We hope that you find this edition of the Year In Review informative and inspiring and that you share it widely with your network; helping us to spread the word about how Outward Bound continues to make a difference.
For over 80 years we have shared our knowledge, our experience and our inspirations and most importantly, for over 80 years we have been changing the lives of young people. As we look forward we can be sure that the need and demand for Outward Bound is stronger than ever.
