Our Impact

Social Challenge

I feel that being able to talk, interact, eat, and backpack with a diverse group has made me more intentional about talking to as many different people as possible. I strive to learn more about other worldviews and cultures because the knowledge is so valuable."

- Outward Bound Canada Participant 2022

"The trip gave me a new perspective and confidence. I can better appreciate the importance of challenges and obstacles and overcome them with confidence and ease."

- Outward Bound Canada 2022 participant

2022 was a challenging year for youth in Canada. From the affordability crisis, to the growing concern about the climate emergency, to the increasing understanding of the pandemic impact on mental health, good news sometimes seemed out of reach.

That's why, here at Outward Bound Canada, we did what we do best: We’ve focused on helping young people who have been hit hard in recent years get outside and have life-changing experiences in nature. We created new programs and funding opportunities, which allowed us to fund over 60% of our total youth served.

Thanks to your support, hundreds of youth benefited from our courses and support in 2022. They report that their resilience, confidence, leadership skills, and overall well-being have improved, and that they're more engaged with the environment and conservation.

Indigenous youth are at higher risk for mental health challenges due to the lingering effects of colonialism, residential schools, and intergenerational trauma.

One in five youth aged 12-24 suffers from a mental illness in the course of a year.

A 2020 study found that youth who reported spending less time in nature were more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. The study found that for every additional hour per week that youth spent in nature, they were 8% and 6% less likely to experience depression and anxiety.

Depression and anxiety have steadily increased in recent years, with 35% of youth reporting anxiety and 25% reporting depression.

2SLGBTQ+ youth are significantly more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts than other youth.

Lack of access to nature can contribute to social isolation, which is a risk factor for mental illness. In a 2019 survey, 43% of youth reported feeling disconnected from nature.

Social isolation was a major problem for youth even before the pandemic: in a 2019 survey, 23% of youth in Canada reported feeling lonely or socially isolated on a regular basis. In 2021, 61% of youth reported feeling socially isolated during the pandemic.

Facts about youth in Canada today

Canadian Mental Health Association. (2023). Youth mental health statistics.
Assembly of First Nations. (2023). Mental wellness.
Mental Health Commission of Canada. (2023). Youth mental health.
Canadian Paediatric Society. (2023). COVID-19: Information for parents about mental health.
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. (2023). Mental illness and addiction: Facts and statistics.
Canadian Mental Health Association. (2021). COVID-19: Impacts on youth mental health.
University of British Columbia. (2020). New study links duration of daily outdoor playtime to reduced rates of myopia and mental health issues in children.
Nature Sacred. (2019). The effects of nature on children's mental health and wellbeing.
Ipsos. (2019). Spotlight on Canadian youth: A national survey of Canadian youth aged 16-22.
University of British Columbia. (2020). New survey shows social isolation negatively impacting youth during pandemic.

Sources

How OBC helps

Outward Bound Canada’s programs are more relevant than ever. Our programs provide students with genuine outdoor experiences that promote personal growth, community building, academic progress and diversity. We foster cooperation and respect among participants to build self-esteem and confidence, which are critical to education. Through various opportunities and support systems, we help students reach their full potential in the following areas:

Social and emotional skills for success in school, work, and life
We're committed to helping students overcome their limitations and reach their full potential. They become confident, cooperative, and courageous team players who form meaningful friendships and strong social bonds that last a lifetime.

Strengthened resilience
Our programs cultivate physical and mental well-being, equipping participants with resilience that will serve them throughout their lives.

Environmental responsibility
OBC programs foster a love and appreciation for the environment and instill in youth a sense of responsibility to protect and preserve it for future generations.

Outward Bound Canada 2022 alumni speak: How our programs catalyzed positive change

My experience has helped me realize my own strength and my ability to overcome obstacles. When I think back to carrying more than half my body weight on my back for over 8 kms, it reminds me how much I can do when challenges come. I've found that I'm more resourceful when it comes to my clothes and food. By getting by with just a few pieces of clothing, I'm now more aware of how to dress without being too consumed by consumer culture. Most importantly, I can say that I'm more in tune with myself because of my OBC experience."

- Outward Bound Canada 2022 Participant

Resilience & Self-confidence

Outward Bound Canada 2022 alumni speak: How our programs catalyzed positive change

Social Competence

Outward Bound Canada 2022 alumni speak: How our programs catalyzed positive change

It gave me a different perspective on how much we really need to survive. We're constantly bombarded with advertisements that create a sense of lack in us, but we're so privileged to want and then have all these things. Many people don't have the opportunity to experience nature in this way. The adventurous backcountry isn't accessible to much of the world. Many people live in poverty and have no choice but to live in cold tents and boil water to survive. Warmth, hearty food, clean water and toilets are necessities we take for granted. Whenever I'm cold, I tell myself that I've slept in colder places. And then I tell myself that I'm grateful that I've a place to stay warm at night. I'm so privileged to be humbled in this way."

- Outward Bound Canada 2022 Participant

Compassion for Others

Outward Bound Canada 2022 alumni speak: How our programs catalyzed positive change

Environmental Responsibility

I appreciate nature much more and feel more confident in leadership roles. My time backpacking sparked my passion for the outdoors. Even though I won't be on the front lines, I want to work in environmental policy and do my part to preserve our beautiful natural world."

- Outward Bound Canada 2022 Participant

How life changed after their OBC experience

75%

Have more of the skills and experiences necessary to thrive in the workplace

75%

More likely to be physically active

77%

Actively make more environmentally conscious decisions in life

When I started my trip with Outward Bound, I was at a very difficult point in my life and didn't think anything would work for me. The connection I've made with everyone on my team has given me more confidence than I ever had before. Since the trip, everything has worked out in my favour, I've gotten new job offers, made new friends and am just living a better life.”

- Outward Bound Canada 2022 Participant

86%

More likely to step outside of their comfort zone and take advantage of new opportunities

In 2022, 15% of OBC participants identified as being within the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and 17% described themselves as First Nations, Inuit, or Metis.

^{Sources available on following page.}