Outward Bound

"Outward Bound delivers programs using unfamiliar settings as a way for students to experience adventure and challenge in a way that helps participants discover that they can do more than they thought possible. Outward Bound helps individuals and teams discover strength of character and an aptitude for leadership needed to serve others in their community and care for the world around them."

Last semester, I went on the LEAP retreat here at Saint Michael's College. It was a wonderful experience, and there were many aspects of it that have stuck with me. Relevant to this aspect of my life though, was my discussion with a man that was there with his wife to give a talk on their marriage. In that talk, one thing that stuck out to me was that a challenge they faced in their marriage was that he spent his summers working with Outward Bound, a program that teaches leadership and self-discovery in a natural setting. It was a challenge for them, as the two spent many weeks apart, but they were strong enough to both make it through.
However, what intrigued me the most was the idea of a program like Outward Bound, as it seems to be something that combines a great deal of concepts that I am interested in. Having been a Boy Scout, I greatly enjoy any chance to get out into nature, as evidenced by one of my personal goals. I also like having the chance to work in a smaller group setting, as I feel that is one of my great strengths, connecting with individuals on a personal level. 
Outward Bound prides itself on instilling certain ideals in those who undertake their challenge. It is designed to challenge and create adventure, to give students a chance to learn by experience, and to do all this in a supportive environment. Outward Bound values compassion, integrity, excellence, inclusion, and diversity. By the end of the program, students should have an increased strength in leadership and character development, as well as a greater desire to serve. All of these aspects of the educational model are very important to me, as again it was something that was instilled in me through my time in the Scouting program. I think learning by doing is the best way to learn anything, and the strengths gained on a trip like this are innumerable. I am especially interested in the programs for students with varying challenges, such as grieving teens or other at-risk teens. To have the opportunity to help out students that are struggling in such a way would be well worth the challenges I may face in working for Outward Bound.