April 1, 2014–

The Outward Bound movement in the United States started with us: in Marble Colorado, a little speck on the map. We won’t be shy about it. COBS had 4 visionary founders, whose names you might recognize, who worked to make the dream of an Outward Bound school in the United States possible: Bill Coors, Charlie Gates, Ruth Humphreys Brown, and Chuck Froelicher.

The little piece of property they purchased in 1962 in Marble, remains. Now that Colorado Outward Bound School is once again based in Colorado, a dedicated group of legacy instructors, alumni, and supporters – the Friends of Marble – is working to help COBS acquire the property once again. This group is nearly there.

Gifts from the Gates Frontiers Fund, Friends of Marble group, COBS, Nat and Sarah Cobb, Roger and Kris Wilson, and lead gifts from many others have raised $378,500 of the $400,000 necessary to buy Marble back. Friends of Marble and COBS will make a final push to raise the remaining $21,500 starting on April 1.

This group knows how special this place is to the school, and to so many of their own lives. These Friends of Marble have worked diligently to care for the property. They have completely replaced the sewer system, repainted almost every building on the site, and have built a strong community by giving of their skills and sweat on service weekends.

COBS plans on closing on the property early this summer. To support this effort, you can make a donation to COBS, by mailing a check to 5161 Sheridan Blvd, Denver, CO 80212 with Marble in the memo, or by clicking here and selecting “Marble Fund.”

 

 

It is not disappearing. I was so worried that Marble would be gone and that no one else would get to experience it. Now future COBS generations will know what Marble is and how important it is to all of us at Outward Bound.  

–Emily Casebeer, Rocky Mountain Program instructor and Friends of Marble board member

 

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