Outward Bound Canada

Background

Outward Bound was founded in 1941 by the inspired educator, Kurt Hahn, who was also instrumental in founding Gordonstoun School in Scotland, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and the United World Colleges. Today, the 50 Outward Bound schools around the world engage more than 200,000 people annually in outdoor experiential education programs that develop participants’ life and leadership skills.

Since its founding in 1969, Outward Bound Canada (OBC) has run programs across the country for more than 150,000 young people, community organizations, and corporate teams.

Full Description

Recognizing that inner city youth face significant geographical, financial, and cultural barriers around participating in OBC wilderness programs – and building on the success of a similar initiative tested in 10 cities by Outward Bound USA –OBC launched an urban adventure program in 2009. It includes canoeing and camping on the Toronto Islands, hiking and climbing in the area’s ravines, and exploring the ecological and cultural diversity of Toronto.

A grant from the Foundation will support the growth of OBC’s urban adventure program, enabling OBC to: hire staff to continue building program and financial partnerships; capture lessons, evaluate impact, and communicate them effectively; convene experiential education specialists from across the country; and provide lower income youth with bursaries. Foundation support will also enable OBC to offer 75% of participants in its urban adventure program a bursary, up from the current level of 40%.

This grant will also support OBC in expanding the program to Vancouver and preparing a third city to launch a program.

Visit www.outwardbound.ca for more information