“Compassion is my compass because I can feel in my heart that it is the right way of being.” -Sarah Ulmer, Peter’s Mom, VOBS Alum Greetings VOBS Friends, We have a little surprise for you, and I’m wearing it. This... READ MORE

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” Dalai Lama XIV, “The Art of Happiness” Greetings VOBS Friends,  The numbers are in.  This month we release our 2019 Annual Report. It’s a... READ MORE

“Compassion is a verb.” Thich Nhat Hanh Greetings VOBS Friends,  Today we have reason to celebrate. Yesterday, we resumed programming. After a hiatus of more than five months, we welcomed the first students back to the Boundary Waters for in-person expeditions.... READ MORE

Greetings VOBS Friends, Have you found your “why?” Simon Sinek, Peter Docker and David Mead wrote a pretty good book in 2017 called, “Find Your Why: A Practical Guide for Discovering Purpose for You and Your Team.” I have no... READ MORE

Greetings VOBS Friends, This week I’m sharing a story of compassionate leadership.  The VOBS team generally embodies this particular brand of leadership, but our Student Services team operationalizes compassion one person at a time, right from the start. In many... READ MORE

“So many people have gone the extra mile for me. I always wanted to have the same impact on others. I can’t imagine any other life than doing what others have done for me.” Donnie Belcher, Program Director, Ann Bancroft... READ MORE

Charles Shulz: “Happiness is a warm puppy.” Greetings VOBS Friends, Ever wonder where that “dog days of summer” phrase comes from? While it does refer to a time of year that can be hot in the northern hemisphere, the phrase... READ MORE

Greetings VOBS Friends,  Voyageur Outward Bound School has served women and girls in Minnesota since 1965. Our leadership team is majority women. While we strive for greater racial diversity, over half of our field staff identify as female or non-binary. Today... READ MORE

“Imagine a community of joyful, curious, self-directed learners engaged in the world. Imagine every student inspired, challenged, and prepared for the future beyond high school. Imagine every family welcomed, respected, and cared for by a responsive staff.“ This is what Dave... READ MORE

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” –Maya Angelou Greetings VOBS Friends,  My furlough continues this week and while I’m away, I’ve asked our Director of... READ MORE