The HIOBS Story

Outward Bound established its first sea-based school on the coast of Maine in 1964.  Hurricane Island, a remote island approximately 75 miles northeast of Portland, served as the summer base camp for sailing, sea kayaking, and rock climbing programs.  

Building on the success of the sea-based programs, Outward Bound eventually added a mountain base in Newry, Maine, the starting point for a backpacking, climbing, and canoeing programs stretching all the way into the Rangeley Lakes region. The island-based school that Peter Willauer started in 1964 gave birth to programs that now extend from Maine to Florida and all the way to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.

We serve middle school, high school, gap year, and college students, as well as adults looking for wilderness adventure and Veterans from our Armed Forces. What has kept the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School strong for years has been the passion and resolve that so many individuals and families have demonstrated time and time again.