Why Outward Bound? Insights from An Adult Backpacking Crew

Why Outward Bound? There is no simple answer. Everyone comes on course with different questions, challenges and previous experiences. On a recent expedition in Big Bend, Texas, adult students each had unique reasons for going Outward Bound. Despite their varied backgrounds and motivations, they gelled quickly and supported each other on what started as their own individual journeys. 

We caught up with a few crew members to learn more about why they came to Outward Bound and what they gained from the experience.

Andy Tousignant – Making a career transition

Andy Tousignant lives in Chicago, Illinois, and is an independent nonprofit consultant and leadership coach who wanted to take time away ahead of a career transition.

Q. Why did you sign up for an Outward Bound course?

Andy: I had two main reasons, I was contemplating some new career choices and wanted to take time out of my routine and get some time and space in a new setting. I was ready for a really big adventure with physical challenge and the chance to meet interesting people and have meaningful conversations.

Q. What were some of the highlights of the course for you?

Andy: Our 4:45 a.m. hike in the dark up to the peak of Mt. Emory with headlamps on was definitely a highlight. That, and watching the sunrise, sitting under the stars and spending time with my dear friends. I also enjoyed evening circles with appreciations and thinking about the day. I want other people to know that you can have a really profound experience with complete strangers when you’re put in a challenging situation together.

Q. What surprised you about Outward Bound?

It was the most extraordinary week of my life.

Andy: It was the most extraordinary week of my life. From the physical challenge every day, to being in nature, to having deeply authentic conversations with sincere people who were all wrestling with different issues. It was a chance to really be fully human.

I was surprised by this collective sense of doubt and uncertainty about everything we needed to achieve, from gaining 6,000 feet in elevation to carrying 50-pound packs. We found that when you encourage one another and take your time, you can endure and persist and succeed. These little steps in confidence are really deeply empowering.

Who would have ever thought that you can sleep outside without a tent every night in near freezing weather? On course, you do it every day, and you build this belief that you can do something really hard. The surprise is how powerful it is for your self esteem and self confidence. 

Q. What are you taking away from the experience?

Andy: I’m leaving with a love and connection with nature, with the vastness of the desert landscape, and how powerful it is to have those moments of awe with other people. 

Our instructors thought about our individual reasons for coming on the trip ahead of time and brought us three shared themes for the trip: Belonging, Self-discovery and Adventure. Setting the stage with these themes helped create a collective sense that we’re all here for a shared experience. The instructors would bring up a topic and then let us discuss. This allowed us to have rich conversations in a way that felt very natural.

Q. Why is Outward Bound important in 2023 and beyond?

Andy: The pace of life is only increasing, and we need places and spaces where we can take a timeout, unplug and be a part of something. We need fun and joy in natural settings. Outward Bound provides us a special place to unplug, recharge and renew our spirit. 

Outward Bound provides us a special place to unplug, recharge and renew our spirit. 

Q. Why do you recommend VOBS to others and support VOBS financially?

Andy: Everyone needs to have a profound experience like this at least once in their lives. Expeditions are expensive and people can be priced out of the experience. Donors have a chance to invest in people transforming their lives in positive ways. Outward Bound is something that you’ll have with you for a lifetime. 

Vicki Williams – Yearning for winter sun and physical challenge

Vicki (Vic) Williams, a 67 year old retired contractor for the U.S. intelligence and mapping agency, now lives in Oshkosh, Wisconsin and manages her family farm. 

Q. Why did you sign up for an Outward Bound course?

Vic: I was looking for sunshine and warmth in January and an interesting place to visit. I’ve traveled as a solo traveler a few times before. When my friends aren’t up for an adventure, I just go it alone.

Q. What were some of the highlights of the course for you?

Vic: Rock climbing was a lot of fun. It was nice to be on a course where I was challenged a little bit more. I’ve been on some other trips with other organizations that have not been challenging enough. I was able to lead on navigation on a couple of our more difficult days. Since getting home, I’ve done some online courses on navigation to learn more about navigating in areas without cell phone service (for future trips). The more I read, the more I realize that’s a key safety consideration. 

Q. What surprised you about Outward Bound?

Vic: I knew the park was remote, but it was interesting that we only saw one or two people for the first six days. I didn’t realize that there was such a strong focus on teamwork. I learned a lot from people sharing different life experiences and what they want to accomplish. It surprised me that being in a close community for so many hours out of the day worked as well as it did. I was impressed by our instructors and their experience and ability to work with such a diverse group of all ages.

Q. What are you taking away from the experience?

Vic: I’m taking away personal development. It was nice to take time out of my schedule and think about ways to be more loving to myself and others. I also learned more about backpacking, navigating, gear choices and rock climbing.

Q. Why is Outward Bound important in 2023 and beyond?

Vic: It was helpful to talk to our instructors about their experiences with the Intercept program. These courses are very beneficial to the kids and their parents, especially in times of high anxiety and public health problems. This is a great outlet.

Q. Would you recommend VOBS to others?

Vic: I would definitely recommend it, and would especially encourage women my age to try it. People tend to think they can’t handle these trips, but they can.

Bryan Carr – Entering a time of independence

Bryan Carr is an entrepreneur from Cleveland, Ohio and in a period of life transition. 

Q. Why did you sign up for an Outward Bound course?

Bryan: I’m embarking on a new chapter entering the unknown as I go through a separation and divorce. I was looking for an experience to rediscover who I am and what is important to me. I felt it would be beneficial putting myself in an uncomfortable environment to find a reservoir of strength.

Q. What were some of the highlights of the course for you?

Bryan: The natural beauty and vastness of the landscape was way beyond my comprehension. The group dynamic was also a highlight. I expected the group part to be fine, but I didn’t expect to click with the whole group and to keep in touch. I will keep these memories for a long time.

Q. What surprised you about Outward Bound?

Bryan: The course was more physically challenging than I anticipated. It was at the upper limit of my physical capabilities. This gave me confidence, strength and resiliency that I can draw upon later. Belonging was another unanticipated outcome. I hadn’t been on a team in a long time. 

Q. Why is Outward Bound important in 2023?

Bryan: VOBS is such a unique experience in terms of unplugging from the world, the digital world and existing relationship networks. It’s a unique combination of nature, physical challenge and disconnection from the world that allows for introspection, self-reflection and the chance to envision who you are and where you want to go. 

Q. Why do you recommend VOBS to others and support VOBS financially?

Bryan: I would highly recommend VOBS to anyone going through a transition who needs to reconnect with themselves.

“If donors are really looking to impact people’s lives in terms of reigniting the human spirit, Outward Bound is the place to donate. That has ripple effects throughout people’s lives. It magnifies the impact of your dollars.”

Viraj Gandhi – Rediscovering himself beyond leadership roles

Viraj Gandhi is chief executive officer of a government contracting IT firm in Washington, DC, and was looking to unplug, get away and focus on himself.

Q. What were some of the highlights of the course for you?

Viraj: Highlights were the people, the instructors, the early morning hike and summiting the mountain. Creating a group goal and accomplishing it was memorable.

Q. What surprised you about Outward Bound?

Viraj: Most surprising were the weight of the packs, the physical challenge and the fact that I was able to do it. Also, I was struck by the deep learning about myself and the depth of relationships that developed so quickly among us. We all went with the flow and got what we needed out of the experience.

Q. What are you taking away from the experience?

Viraj: Some simple things will stay with me, like being more present and living with gratitude. The biggest takeaway was the concept of taking life one step at a time. My brain can often be on overdrive and think many steps ahead. I learned how to slow down.

Q. Why is Outward Bound important in 2023 and beyond?

Viraj: The intersection of nature and self reflection is underestimated. VOBS serves people from teens to seniors and gives them access to nature and self-discovery. 

Q. Why do you recommend VOBS to others?

Viraj: VOBS gets people to open up areas of themselves they didn’t even know existed. It provides the ability to strengthen parts of themselves they want to focus on. 

“VOBS gets people to open up areas of themselves they didn’t even know existed.”

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