NCOBS Fall 2016 Trail Tales Newsletter
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"Outward Bound is an amazing experience. It has changed me in so many ways physically and mentally. I never would have thought that at the end of course I would feel so satisfied and proud of myself."
-Edibel, Age 15
TAKING A LOOK BACK AT 2016: Annual Report
With nearly 50 years and 100,000 alumni served since our founding almost 50 years ago, NCOBS’ commitment to service is as strong as ever. With your support, 4,709 students attended our programs in fiscal year 2016 – 49% of whom received scholarships and other financial support to do so. On behalf of our military veterans, students of all ages, educators, struggling youth, parents and children, we thank you for your commitment to share Outward Bound with others. With utter conviction in the power of the NCOBS experience to change lives and contribute to the greater good, we strive to serve as our founders did, providing life-changing experiences to people of all backgrounds.
NCOBS BOARD MEMBER RECEIVES NATIONAL OUTWARD BOUND AWARD
Tom James, Provost and Dean of the Teachers College at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Education and NCOBS board member, was the recipient of the 2016 Kurt Hahn Award.
This award, named in honor of Outward Bound’s founder, is presented by Outward Bound USA annually to a person who exemplifies outstanding service to the mission. It is awarded to an individual who has made a contribution through his or her life’s work on behalf of others, while demonstrating the values and ideals of Kurt Hahn and is the highest honor given by Outward Bound in the US.
For the past 40 years, Tom has played an active role in furthering the mission of Outward Bound, from his days as an editor and researcher in Colorado to his current role as an NCOBS Board member. Tom has also contributed to the establishment of several Outward Bound programs in the United States, including the New York City Outward Bound Center and Expeditionary Learning.
Outward Bound’s Kurt Hahn Award Committee called him “a living embodiment of the values of Kurt Hahn” and “the first eminent scholar in America to take Outward Bound seriously as a form of education.”
Please join the NCOBS family in congratulating Tom on this honor. We are grateful for his dedication to Outward Bound and to the ideals of Kurt Hahn, and for his ongoing pursuit of upholding the Four Pillars.
NEW PARTNER TAKES EIGHTH GRADERS OUTWARD BOUND
In September, 58 eighth graders from Sampson Middle School, joined NCOBS on a four-day backpacking course in the Blue Ridge Mountains, funded by the generosity of the Simple Gifts Fund.
Originally, the Simple Gifts Fund, whose mission is to promote enriching experiential education opportunities and access to higher education, reached out to NCOBS because one of their staff members suggested the partnership when her daughter had such a transformational time while on course.
One 13 year-old who attended the course reflected on her time in the field, “This course will impact me a lot in school because I have learned how to get along better with people and work together. What I learned about myself: I am capable of doing more things than I thought I could.”
Alumni Blog | By: Cathy Capron, NCOBS Alumna, 1989
In the fall of 1989 (26 years ago!), I was a student on a 90-day semester course with NC Outward Bound School. I chose the semester course because I wanted to be an Outward Bound instructor. I had always loved the outdoors and had been involved in the outdoor program at school, registering for an Outward Bound course seemed like the logical next step. What better way to immerse myself in the program then to sign up for the longest course they offered? There were 13 of us that started out on course and eight of us that finished. All if us were between 18 and 21 years old, and we were all there for different reasons. As I reminisce about my expedition, there are a few memories that I still remember vividly to this day…
TO SERVE, TO STRIVE
Service is an important part of Outward Bound's mission. Each year students complete service projects around the community as part of longer expeditions. This year, NCOBS participants completed 3,331 hours of service. Here is a highlight of one of our amazing partners:
Heart of Horse Sense's vision is that every veteran and at-risk youth get access to the therapeutic opportunities that horses offer. Since its inception, Heart of Horse Sense has supported over 500 veterans and 100 youth in more than 1000 hours of quality, professional equine assisted therapy.
"Outward Bound offers true experiential education. This is our classroom. When we are out here, everything is real." - Corey Winstead, NCOBS Instructor
MARK YOUR CALENDARS - YOU'RE INVITED!
Next year our school will be turning 50 years old! To celebrate this historic occasion, we have some exciting initiatives and events planned. Whether you are a former staff member, board member, friend, or one of the tens of thousands of NCOBS alumni, we invite you to join the celebration!
*ATTENTION ALUMS: We are compiling stories, photos and journal entries! Tell us your NCOBS story today at info@ncobs.org.
CAREERS WITH NCOBS - NEVER DREAD MONDAY AGAIN!
Why not turn your passion for the outdoors, working with kids, serving vets, paddling, climbing or backpacking into a career? 'Tis the season for hiring at NCOBS and we are looking for all kinds of different passionate and skilled people to join our team. From base camp managers, skilled climbers, and instructors who are focused on working with at-risk youth, there is something for everyone. Join the team today!
VOTE NCOBS FOR PRESIDENT
Okay, so maybe we can't be president, but with your help we can be Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine's Best Outdoor Company to Work For on their Best of the Blue Ridge poll. NCOBS has been nominated, now we need your help to be number one! You can vote every 24 hours, from multiple devices or browsers until Oct. 31. Voting takes less than a minute!
