In these times of such unparalleled economic, environmental, and social challenges, we believe, without a doubt, that North Carolina Outward Bound School is more relevant than ever before. The importance of supporting people to discover their strengths and their capacity for collaborative problem-solving has never been greater. Our expeditions build confidence, teamwork, leadership, and compassion for all participants.

The principle of leadership through service was instilled from the start by our founders. We share their abiding faith in the value of the Outward Bound experience. Only now, unlike then, we have decades of research about positive program impacts to support our conviction. Grit. Resilience. Self-Confidence. Compassion. Leadership. Citizenship. Stewardship. Outward Bound forges qualities that are, named by experts, “most needed” for the times. Our programs remain cutting-edge to this day.

The path ahead, therefore, is clear. Together, we will serve more students than ever before with high-quality programs that change lives and prepare people to address the challenges of our times. One individual at a time, we will continue to forge stronger communities, improve the culture of schools, ignite teachers, motivate high potential youth, and assist the transition of our military veterans into civilian life. With deep appreciation for all the shoulders we stand upon, and with the exuberance and commitment of our founders, we journey on to the next fifty years.