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... READ MORE

What inspired Jason Birr, a recruiter for Securian Financial and dad of two teenagers, to want to support VOBS? Even having never experienced a VOBS course for himself, Jason has learned enough about the Outward Bound philosophy to know that... READ MORE

Reflections from VOBS Alumni Chris Coleman Chris Coleman, President and CEO of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity and former Mayor of St. Paul, has an Outward Bound story; a story that changed his life. A St. Paul native, Chris enjoyed... READ MORE

We sat down with VOBS Staffing Director Abby Dare to learn about her VOBS journey and her reaction to receiving the Marina Ewald Award from Outward Bound USA. Q. Tell us about your background and your early VOBS career. Abby:... READ MORE

VOBS holds a special place in Ryan and Megan Welty’s hearts. They met as instructors at Homeplace, fell in love, got married, and took many lessons of Outward Bound into their work, family life, and service to community. “Lots of... READ MORE

As a college senior in 1989, Nichole Young already knew she wanted a career that incorporated the outdoors and psychology. As an Outdoor Leadership/Recreation major at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, the invitation to do practicum training at VOBS felt like... READ MORE

We caught up with Ely, Minnesota residents Linda Ganister and Sue Duffy, who shared their history with VOBS and their motivation to expand the circle of people who can experience Outward Bound. Q: Tell us a little bit about your... READ MORE

Omar “Cito” Santos-Vega, first-year instructor at VOBS Twin Cities Center, was awarded the Lt. Col. Mark Weber Service Above Self Award for leadership and outstanding service in August. Nominated by his peers, Cito is known as a team player who... READ MORE

Throw people together, give them a task, give them some skills and guide them to figure it out. It’s the process of figuring it out where they do some of the intense learning that gets incorporated into their lives. That... READ MORE

Homeplace instructor Benji Blumenstock has received the Lt. Col. Mark Weber Service Above Self Award. He was nominated by his VOBS peers for exemplary service and dedication to Outward Bound’s mission.  The award, named for the late Army Lt. Col.... READ MORE