At Voyageur Outward Bound School, we believe in the potential of every individual. We believe when people discover strength of character, an aptitude for leadership and a desire to serve, it has a positive impact on their lives and the lives of those around them. And that discovery has the power to make the world a better place.
Our mission is to change lives through challenge and discovery. We offer life-changing expeditions for everyone, regardless of social or economic status, race or gender, from struggling teens, to first generation urban youth, adults in transition or veterans integrating back into life outside of active duty.
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...
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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:...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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....
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Q: Please tell us a little about yourself and how you are connected to Voyageur Outward Bound School (VOBS). Lisa: I joined a VOBS dog sledding course in late December 2018 with a main goal to learn how to dog...
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After seven years of committed leadership, Board Chair and former Executive Director, Ted Moores passed the paddle to incoming Board Chair Cindy Holker. Over his tenure with Voyageur Outward Bound School (VOBS), Ted provided invaluable wisdom and steady leadership, most...
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