Here are some scholarship letters we love from summer 2015.
The best experience
Due to your kind efforts, I was able to have the best experience I have ever had. I was able to meet many people and bond with them. I feel as if we have become brothers.
I have overcome many fears and completed many challenges that I would have never expected myself to do. The toughest challenges (physically) were the three-mile canoe portage, climbing to the peak of Old Speck Mountain (the third highest mountain in Maine) and the 1am hikes. We complained and were tired, yet we completed them. We broke our psychological barriers and limits.
Although we completed the extremely physically demanding activities, the most strenuous were the emotional challenging moments. Throughout the course, I gained the confidence and power to lead a group. Emotional confidence is the key for a healthy mind as a human, yet I was lacking it before I entered this course at Outward Bound. The skills I have learned at Outward Bound will stay with me forever. My plans for the future are to stay a physically and mentally healthy person who continues to strive for peace, harmony and excellence. The lessons and skills I have learned here will help me achieve my goals because it has put a positive impact on me, such as allowing me to get strong and try new activities.
– Kio, 14, HNIF-562 graduate
Pushing limits
For these three weeks I have had the best time of my life. I have met many new friends and had the most awesome experience while on this trip. I learned how to appreciate more of the stuff I used to ignore in my life. I also learned how to handle different situations at times when needed, and how to push my limits.
While on this trip I had doubts about finishing because of how long it was and all the gear we had to carry while hiking but my team, “The Dream Team,” motivated me to keep on going forward and to never give up because every day is a training day.
My future plans are to let everyone know about my experience and to motivate others to join this program to do the same fun things I did. For example, I hiked up the Appalachian Trail, paddled a canoe, climbed a rock wall, and went through rapid water and capsized in the water on purpose.
– Lirette, 17, HNXF-551
Discovery
Prior to the start of this course, I didn’t really know who I was as a person, but now I feel like I’m simply one step closer to this discovery. This course was both challenging and fun. Not only did I push myself physically, this trip helped me experience life in a whole different view. From this trip, I learned to be more compassionate, more driven, more hungry for my passions, leadership, and most importantly, appreciation and gratitude.
– Michael, 15, HNYF-551
Valuable lessons
The experience has been life-changing. I have learned valuable lessons that I will take with me for the rest of the my life. I am now aware of what I’m capable of. Although some parts challenging, I am glad to say that I have now completed a course. The past two weeks have been amazing. Learning to sail was unforgettable. Solo was an especially interesting. I have never spent so much time separated from others, and to my surprise; I enjoyed it. It allowed me to think, journal, and really observe, in depth the living things that surround me. I am thrilled to have completed this course, through hard times, and great times. Thank you.
– Sophia, 14, HWYS-544
What it means to lead
On this course, I truly feel I have learned an immense amount about what it means to lead others. I have also learned a great deal about myself. I have learned more about my most effective leadership methods, as well as a greater appreciation for the outdoors. But above all, I learned that I truly love to serve others in whatever situation possible.
I think you for the opportunity to push myself not only physically, but mentally as well. The challenges began early and by the third day, we were hiking off trail in the rain from 8:30am to 11:30 at night. I was not only physically pushed, but the mental exercise of navigating, communicating, and (quite frankly) overcoming the cold showed me how much inner strength I have – a demonstration oft repeated throughout the trip.
I will forever be indebted to you for this chance to see myself through a new lens. I truly thank you for this opportunity you afforded me and cannot wait to experience all those yet to come at Carolina and in future summers.
– Mary Beth, 18, HNXF-551
The greatest challenge
Dear Trustees of the Morehead-Cain Foundation,
To say I was terrified of the Outdoor Leadership summer would be an understatement. Twenty-two days in the wilderness was not a concept I could even comprehend; I was in a place in my life where a chip in my manicure could send me into tears (it really happened before Finalist Weekend). But now, on Day 17, I’ve been challenged more than I even knew possible—mentally, physically, and emotionally. Mentally, I have overcome the strong held conviction I could not complete this course and physically I have overcome being swarmed by hornets and an infected toe.
The greatest challenge, however, has been overcoming my emotional attachment to home and comforts; I am still working on my independence. But after this experience I am no longer fearful of going off the path I had planned – ten weeks living in a hut next summer in Madagascar or working with HIV positive orphans without contact with the outside world does not seem that terrifying because of the experience you gave me here. And that is something I will never be able to truly express my complete gratitude for.
– Carly, 18, HNXG-551