Philadelphia Outward Bound School

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Philadelphia Outward Bound School

Philadelphia Outward Bound School (POBS) changes lives through challenge and discovery. in 1962.

We deliver our world renowned experiential learning programs to people of all ages and all walks of life. We help our students to discover that ‘there is more in them then they thought, to discover a strength of character, ability to lead and desire to serve to have a positive impact on their lives and the lives of those around them. We employ a diverse and compassionate staff of highly trained, s

killed and dedicated instructors, facilitators and educators through a national network of regional Schools. We partner with educational institutions, businesses, civic organizations and parents to serve all who wish to participate. We seek innovative ways to apply our Educational Framework to address emerging social needs. That’s how Outward Bound has used challenge and discovery to change lives and prepare people to be capable, compassionate and engaged leaders since our founding in the U.S.

08/25/2026

Williamson College of the Trades has been sending their incoming class to us since 2019. This year 124 freshmen came out to the Discovery Center over two days to start the year together.

Most of them showed up barely knowing each other's names. By the afternoon they were talking each other across the aerial teams course, taking on whatever level of challenge they'd chosen, and celebrating every crossing.

One student bonded with a new classmate who'd climbed alongside him: "He's going to be in my wedding,” he told an instructor. “I know every guy here has my back."

Planning orientation or a first-year experience at your college or trade program? Let's talk about what Outward Bound Professional programming for adults can do for you. Visit obpro.org or see link in bio.

08/12/2026

Alumni, you've got a plus one.

On Saturday, August 29, the challenge course at The Discovery Center is open to Outward Bound alumni and one guest each. Bring a friend, a sibling, a parent, anyone who has never clipped into a harness, and climb it together.

Saturday, August 29
10:00am to 3:00pm
The Discovery Center, 3401 Reservoir Drive
$10 per person, pizza lunch included
Ages 14 and up

40 spots, first come first served. Sign up now at pobs.org/alum

08/10/2026

On October 1, our base camp on the Strawberry Mansion Reservoir stays open past dark for the first-ever POBS Jamboree, and all tickets are now on sale!
General admission is $250 and includes dinner, drinks, live music, a silent auction, s'mores at the bonfire, and the chance to explore base camp after dark.

Your participation supports Outward Bound experiential learning programs for students from Philadelphia-area public and charter schools. These courses get them outside, where supported challenges build resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

We're expecting the Jamboree to sell out, so grab your tickets while there's still room!

Sponsors and Trailblazers send even more students outside, and start the night early with an exclusive pre-Jamboree Adventure Happy Hour: a live band, drinks, light bites and, if you wish, canoeing with friends on the reservoir with a drink in hand. Sponsorships and limited Trailblazer VIP tickets remain.

We'll be honoring BLBB Charitable, the giving arm of BLBB Advisors, whose generosity has opened the outdoors to thousands of Philadelphia's young people.

For details and tickets visit pobs.org/jamboree.

Thank you to our sponsors!
BLBB Advisors
Haverford Trust
Jamie & Meg McLane
Kimley Horn
Radius Global Solutions
John & Janet Haas
Liz & Henry Harris

08/07/2026

Hey Philly! Our last Sunset Paddle was so much fun that we're doing it again. Join us Tuesday, August 11, 2026 from 5:00–8:00 pm at the Discovery Center.

We will offer instruction in basic paddling skills and canoe safety. Ages 8 and up, and registration is first come, first served!

See you there!

08/04/2026

Twelve educators returned last weekend from seven days on the Delaware River, and they earned every mile.

It rained most of the week. The river came up three feet overnight. The instructors rethought the plan more than once, and the crew took direction, made up songs, and got each other through the hard parts. They paddled 37 miles, spent their last night in the Wissahickon, and finished by climbing the Goal Pole and naming a goal for the year ahead.

Teachers spend the school year holding steady for everyone else. On course they are the ones trying something unfamiliar, being uncomfortable, and figuring it out with a crew. That is what we ask of students every day. Educators who have felt it firsthand teach it differently.

The Educators Course is a yearly tuition-free scholarship program for teachers, administrators, and youth-serving professionals across PA, NJ, and DE.

Learn more and get on next year’s interest list at https://www.outwardbound.org/pobs/our-programs/scholarship-courses/educators-course/

07/31/2026

On October 1, our base camp on the Strawberry Mansion Reservoir stays open past dark. Welcome to the first-ever POBS Jamboree!

Campfire fare with BBQ and vegetarian options, live music, a silent auction, s'mores at the fire, and Outward Bound adventures, spread across the whole base camp from the water to the ropes course.

Trailblazer VIP tickets and sponsorships are open now! (General admission tickets will open August 10).

Trailblazers start early with the 5:30 Adventure Happy Hour at the Michael Stanley Course Launch: paddle out on the reservoir, or take in the view with a drink from the elevated decks where student expeditions push off and land.

Every ticket and sponsorship supports Philadelphia youth getting outside and taking on a challenge.

Respond by August 6 to be listed in the printed invitation and on event signage.

Details and tickets at pobs.org/jamboree.

07/28/2026

Found in the archives. Late 1990s, back when Philadelphia’s Outward Bound program was a satellite of the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School in Maine.

Inside this historic document, the copy warns about the distractions of everyday life, including “television, rock videos, and computers.” Now all of those are served up together in one smartphone, with a side of AI. And Outward Bound still offers up the antidote - something like “a pack a day, frequent paddlings, and exposure to rock groups” - although we might not word it quite the same way today.

If you were on one of these courses all those years ago, tell us in the comments. And if you went any year since, drop the year and where.

07/17/2026

Back in May, we hosted 24 graduating 5th graders from Stephen Girard Elementary School for their culminating field trip in our rocks room, and they brought so much energy. 🧗🏾‍♀️🎉🙌

These soon-to-be middle schoolers showed up for each other all day: coaching classmates through tricky spots, cheering on every attempt, and celebrating each other’s wins, big or small. Then they kept the fun going with games, laughs, and a little quiet time to reflect on how far they’ve come.

Congrats to the Stephen Girard School Class of 2026. Thanks for bringing the energy, and we’re so glad we got to be part of your send-off!

07/08/2026

Ten days. Zero cell phones. One crew. 🛶

Our 2026 Get Out and Lead (GOAL) students just wrapped their expedition through the Delaware Water Gap — backpacking the Appalachian Trail, canoeing the Delaware River, rock climbing, cooking their own meals, and leading each other every step (and paddle stroke) of the way.

They arrived as strangers. They left, in the words of one student, "really, really close friends" who are already making plans to hang out back home.

Or as Madeline, 13, put it: "I learned I've got more resilience than I thought."

We're so proud of this crew. Congratulations, GOAL Class of 2026! 🧭

GOAL is a fully funded scholarship expedition for Philadelphia-area students entering grades 7–8. Interested for next summer? Join the 2027 interest list at pobs.org/goal.

07/07/2026

CONGRATULATIONS KENYA ROBINSON!

We're thrilled to announce that Kenya Robinson has been awarded the prestigious Destination Ready Award, founded by Shuntelle Paynter!

This incredible scholarship recognises students who are committed to pursuing transformative educational experiences beyond the traditional classroom. Kenya's award will help fund her Gold Adventurous Journey with the Philadelphia Outward Bound School through the Appalachian Trail.

Kenya's journey through the Award reflects resilience, leadership, and a genuine willingness to grow through challenge and adventure. Her progression from a reserved student to a Group Leader completing Gold level expedition training is a wonderful achievement and a testament to her dedication and perseverance.

What stood out most was not only Kenya's commitment to the Award itself, but the deeper lessons she gained through the experience: teamwork, adaptability, accountability, empathy, and service to others. These qualities will serve her well as she has just recently graduated from The Berkeley Institute and begins her next chapter at Howard University, where she plans to pursue a career in medicine.

The Destination Ready Award embodies Shuntelle's passion for transformative travel experiences and lifelong learning, supporting students who demonstrate curiosity, courage, and a desire to grow through global experiences. We're incredibly grateful to Shuntelle for her ongoing support of the Award and her dedication to empowering young people in Bermuda.

Congratulations, Kenya! We can't wait to follow your journey as you work towards completing your Gold Adventurous Journey in the Appalachian Mountains!

Discover Your Potential Through Travel

Address

3401 Reservoir Drive
Philadelphia, PA
19121

Website

https://www.pobs.org/

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