School Programs
Outward Bound Canada’s school and group programs use the challenges and inspiration of the natural environment to allow students to uncover their true potential. We employ adventure-oriented, 21st-century learning methodologies to help students build a strong sense of self and community through active and authentic experiences that foster social competence, resilience and environmental responsibility.
Outward Bound Canada can partner with schools and community groups in the Metro Vancouver Regional Area, Calgary, the Greater Toronto Area and Halton Region to provide a wide range of programs so that youth from diverse backgrounds can explore nature with the support of highly skilled instructors who ensure that these authentic adventures happen in a safe, challenging and supportive manner. Through charitable and government support, we offer a mix of co-pay and fully funded programs for schools and groups across the country.
Today’s youth are facing significant challenges as they navigate their future. With a heavy reliance on technology for both school and leisure, many lack the necessary social and emotional skills required to thrive when they enter post-secondary education and the workforce. They are also disconnected from the natural world and the holistic benefits that come from participating in outdoor activities.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, youth are even more isolated than before, due to restrictions on physical interaction and a focus on remote learning. As the impact of COVID-19 continues, we know that youth from low-income households, as well as many who are Black, Indigenous, people of colour, and LGBTQ2+, will be impacted disproportionately. This will leave them at a disadvantage without additional access to critical resources and supports.
What We Do
1. Provide Outdoor Adventure Education to Youth
We enable youth in Canada to get away from their daily lives, creating space in nature to engage in self-discovery and experiential learning. Expert instructors lead participants through novel, real-life experiences that require groups to collaboratively problem solve through challenge, failure, and success.
2. Employ a Curriculum Promoting Personal Growth
Using nature as our classroom, we focus on three primary attributes: building resilience; developing social competence; and fostering environmental awareness. These require skills often missed in the traditional classroom, and essential for future success at school, work and in life.
3. Reduce Financial Barriers So That All Can Benefit
Through the support of our generous donors, government and corporate partners, we raise funds to ensure as many youth as possible from all socio-economic backgrounds can partake in these life-changing educational programs.
Our Impact
Outward Bound Canada leaves a lasting and measurable impact on participants’ lives in three key areas:
1. Improved sense of resiliency
• OBC is building a generation of physically and mentally healthy citizens
• Participants choose to improve their physical and mental health
2. Greater leadership skills and social connectedness
• OBC is teaching the skills needed to succeed at school, work and in life
• Participants become more confident, collaborative and respectful team members
3. Stronger connection with nature
• OBC is promoting greater levels of environmentalism
• Participants develop stronger life-long connections to the natural world
To learn more about our programs for schools and community groups, please contact us at groups@outwardbound.ca.
