Organization · Stewardship & Education
Outward Bound USA
Outward Bound USA has spent more than sixty years taking young people and families into the wilderness to discover what they are made of. Their expeditions cover everything from week-long solo canoe trips to family courses that parents and kids tackle together. The organization runs courses across the country through regional schools, making it accessible from the Cascades to the Everglades.
This page from Outside, the family adventure app, profiles Outward Bound USA for families considering wilderness education programs. It covers what Outward Bound does, how its regional schools operate, what programs are available for teens and families, and who the organization serves best. Key facts include course types, age ranges, scholarship availability, and ways families can get involved beyond enrollment. Outside presents Outward Bound as a factual, generous resource for parents planning meaningful outdoor experiences with children ages roughly 4 to 14 and older teens.
| Cost | Sliding scale; substantial scholarships available |
|---|---|
| Region | Nationwide, multiple regional schools |
| Season | Year-round depending on school and location |
| Age range | 12 and up for most courses; 14-16 for solo teen expeditions |
| Course length | 4 days to full semester |
What Outward Bound actually does
Outward Bound USA is a nonprofit wilderness education organization founded in 1961. Its core belief is straightforward: put a young person in a demanding natural setting, surround them with a small group and skilled instructors, and something lasting happens. Courses run from a few days to several weeks and take place in wild terrain across the country. Participants paddle rivers, climb rock faces, backpack mountain routes, and camp in conditions that require real effort. The curriculum is built around challenge, reflection, and service. Outward Bound does not market itself as a survival school or a behavior program. It is an adventure school, and the confidence students carry home is a byproduct of doing hard things well.
Regional schools and where courses run
Outward Bound operates through a network of regional schools, each tied to a specific landscape. North Carolina Outward Bound runs in the Southern Appalachians. Colorado Outward Bound takes students into the Rockies and canyon country. Pacific Crest Outward Bound serves the Cascades and the Oregon coast. Voyageur Outward Bound is based in the Boundary Waters canoe country of Minnesota. Thompson Island Outward Bound operates in Boston Harbor. New York City Outward Bound Schools focuses on urban and wilderness programming for city youth. Each school runs its own course calendar and enrollment, but all share the same standards and instructor training. Families should start by identifying which school is geographically practical for them and browsing that school's specific course listings.
Programs for teens
Most Outward Bound courses are designed for teenagers, typically starting at age 14 or 16 depending on the program. Course lengths range from about a week to a full semester. A standard teen expedition might cover twenty to thirty miles of backcountry travel over ten days, ending with a solo period of quiet, unstructured time in nature. There are also shorter courses built around a single discipline, such as sea kayaking or rock climbing, that serve as a strong first Outward Bound experience. Semester and semester-length courses combine academics with expedition travel and are recognized by some school districts for credit. For parents wondering whether their teenager is ready, the honest answer from most Outward Bound alumni is that readiness is built on the course, not required before it.
Family and parent-child courses
Several Outward Bound schools offer courses specifically designed for families or parent-child pairs. These are not watered-down versions of the teen programs. Parents paddle, climb, and camp alongside their kids under the same instructors and conditions. Course lengths are often shorter, typically four to eight days, making them easier to schedule around school calendars. The minimum age for family courses varies by school and activity but is often around 12. Some programs pair well with a family that has younger teens who are not quite ready for a solo course but want a genuine wilderness challenge. These courses consistently rank among the most cited turning points in family relationships. Check each regional school directly, as family course offerings change by season.
Scholarships and financial aid
Outward Bound USA runs one of the largest scholarship programs in outdoor education. The organization states that no qualified student should be turned away for inability to pay, and they back that up with substantial need-based aid. Families apply for financial assistance directly through the school where they are enrolling. The process is straightforward: submit household income information and the school's admissions team works out an adjusted course fee. Scholarships cover a meaningful portion of course cost for many families and in some cases cover it entirely. Urban schools like New York City Outward Bound Schools direct a large share of their programming to low-income youth at no cost, funded through partnerships with city agencies and private donors. Cost should not be the reason a family rules Outward Bound out before making an inquiry.
Who fits best
Outward Bound works well for teenagers who have hit a plateau, whether that is academic, social, or personal, and who respond better to action than to talk. It also works well for families who want a shared challenge that nobody can sleepwalk through. It is not a therapeutic wilderness program, and families looking for clinical support should seek specialized providers instead. Outward Bound is for kids and parents who are genuinely curious about what they can do, who want a real wilderness experience rather than a guided tour, and who are willing to be uncomfortable in service of something memorable. Prior outdoor experience is helpful but not required. The organization has introduced first-time campers and veteran hikers alike to what a proper expedition feels like.
Think about a time you did something that felt too hard at the start. What helped you get through it, and what would you tell your younger self about that moment now?
Frequently asked questions
What age does a kid need to be for Outward Bound?
Most teen courses start at age 14 or 16, depending on the program and school. Family courses often accept participants as young as 12. A few introductory or shorter courses have lower age minimums. Check the specific course listing at your regional school for exact requirements.
Is Outward Bound safe for teenagers who have never camped?
Yes. Outward Bound instructors are trained to meet students where they are. Many participants arrive with little or no camping experience. The organization is not a survival school, and courses are designed to build skills progressively. Instructors hold wilderness first responder certifications and courses follow strict safety protocols.
How much does Outward Bound cost and is financial aid available?
Course fees vary by length, school, and program type. Outward Bound offers need-based financial aid and has a longstanding commitment to serving students who cannot afford the full fee. Families apply for aid directly through the enrolling school. The organization encourages families to apply regardless of what they expect to qualify for.
Can parents and kids do an Outward Bound course together?
Yes. Several regional schools offer family courses and parent-child programs, typically ranging from four to eight days. These are full expeditions, not tourist trips, and parents participate in all the same activities as the students. Course availability changes seasonally, so check with your nearest regional school for current offerings.