Berkeley Parents Network: Outward Bound

Berkeley Parents Network

Outward Bound

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Summer Camps & School Breaks > Outward Bound

June 2007

Our 14 year old son is going on an Outward Bound course this summer. We're wondering if anyone has had experience with them. Thanks! Debbi

My partner was an Outward Bound instructor until a few years ago and he still talks about that as being the best time of his life. To put your mind at ease, safety is the first and foremost consideration in creating the courses. Your kid might be uncomfortable, maybe wet, tired or a little cold at some point, but he will never be put at risk. Outward Bound can be a life changing experience for young people. It was for my partner who first went on a scholarship at 19 and then returned as an instructor a few years later. anon

Re: Looking for suggestions for summer camps (April 2004)
If your teen is resisting your wishes to send him/her to summer camp this year, then maybe it's time to check out something that will challenge your child---mentally, physically, and even emotionally. Outward Bound has been offering year-round wilderness programs to youth in the U.S. for the last 40 years. This non-profit school uses the wilderness and activities such as rock-climbing, rafting, sea kayaking, and backpacking to encourage growth and the discovery of new capabilities, self-confidence and responsibility. For information about open-enrollment, family, parent/child, and special focus courses go to: www.outwardboundwest.org Informative presentations offered throughout the Bay Area and California. For information call (415) 537-0869 or 1-800-862-4454 Scott

Reply to "Depressed 14-year-old" (June 2001)
My son did a three week High Sierra Outward Bound trip during the summer of his 14th year (he's now 16). If I had unlimited funds, I would do it again for him; however, I don't and that one time was good enough. It was a very challenging course where they learned many aspects of mountaineering as well as "leave no trace" wilderness camping and had a three day "solo". For him it was perfect timing as a kind of "rite of passage", which our boys don't have in this culture. It really boosted his self-confidence. I've only heard good things about OB over the many years they've been in existence and they far exceeded my expectations. It was well worth the expense. Joan

July 2001

My experience with Outward Bound is strangely mixed. Sixteen years ago my oldest son went and was able to continue his drugged torpor throughout their trip. However he has since presented it on his resume as a watershed event in leadership. At the time it did not change either his hostility or depression. Allen

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