Our curriculum and the way we teach supports three main categories of outcomes for students. These are social-emotional learning, environmental leadership, and personal resilience. We encourage educators or group leaders to share with us your desired outcomes as we build your OBC expedition. Other examples are below.
Self-Care in the Wild: During a Group expedition, participants learn the basics of wilderness survival, such as clothing layering systems (staying warm and dry) and how to stay nourished and hydrated. They also learn and practice how to manage energy and comfort levels, and how to advocate for themselves if or when things get tough.
Community and Interpersonal Skills: Together with the group, participants learn and practice how to take care of their own needs and those of others. Participants have the opportunity to develop their leadership and communication skills; recognise and process emotions; and learn conflict resolution strategies. Overall, they strive to strengthen their independence and self-reliance.
In every Outward Bound program, participants learn by doing. They’re challenged as individuals and become effective team members. We allow participants to try new things in an inclusive and supportive environment. Participants are never forced to do anything they don’t want to do, but we’ll give them small steps to take to make progress toward new rewards and experiences – regardless of where they’re starting from.
Your instructors will inform and inspire your group; as the course progresses, the responsibility for tasks shifts from the instructors to the participants (called “Transference”). This is when the technical and decision-making skills of the group develops, grows, and ultimately is owned by participants. Instructors also facilitate the gap between the skills learned on course, and situations at home and in the school community where these skills can be applied.
We take a conservative approach to wildfire risk. The wellbeing of our participants is foremost in our planning. We will relocate a group to an alternate area if the risk is deemed too high. If a course is in a concerning position regarding wildfire or smoke, we will communicate directly with the parents/guardians of students on that course. If no suitable alternate area is available, we may cancel or reschedule the program.
See this page for more information about what we monitor on a daily basis to mitigate the risk of wildfire and wildfire smoke on our courses.
