For more than 30 years, Outward Bound has been proud to deliver wilderness expeditions for our nations' veterans. These expeditions, customized specifically for veterans and active duty service men and women, are designed to help ease the often difficult transition home by drawing on the healing benefit of the wilderness, teamwork and challenge.
Thanks to generous support of our donors, these courses are available tuition and travel-expense free to any veteran or active duty service member that has deployed to a combat area.
These expeditions are designed to be fun and challenging. They are suited for those in good physical condition and are opportunities for veterans to:
Re-experience many of the positive aspects of military service through challenge and teamwork
Develop skills to assist them in adjusting to life at home
Candidly discuss obstacles faced by veterans
Rediscover their physical and emotional strengths
Help translate military values and commitment to service in a civilian environment
Enjoy a unique and inspiring adventure surrounded by fellow veterans in the beauty of the country for which they have served
Why We Serve
Every day, men and women in uniform return from active duty only to face the unexpected challenges of readjusting to life at home. Here are some quick facts about what US veterans are facing today:
2-2.5 million soldiers, served in Afghanistan and Iraq
6,500 veterans committed suicide in 2012
27% met the criteria for drug/alcohol abuse 4 months after returning from deployment
20% of veterans have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Results and Outcomes
A study conducted by the University of Texas invited veteran course participants to participate in a web-based survey two days prior to their course, within 48 hours after their course and then again 30-45 days after their course. Outcomes were then measured against a control group of veterans that did not attend an Outward Bound course. Findings concluded that NCOBS program attendees noticed significant:
Reduction in mental health symptoms
Increase in openness to seek professional psychological help
Increase in life satisfaction Significant increase in motivation or behavior that promotes personal growth in one’s life
Hearing their stories and being able to share my own in a peaceful and breathtaking environment does more than heal. It brings joy, laughter, comraderie, friendship and trust. As I transition from the military this spring, this trip was just what I wanted and needed, to ensure that my head and heart are in the right place.
~ Sarah Kuehl
Reconnect
With the outdoors, challenge, teamwork and your fellow comrades.