“I truly felt at peace and almost all of my stress melted away…I felt alive.” – Nate, age 22
Have you been yearning to hit the “rejuvenate” button and try something a bit outside of your comfort zone? Maybe an adventure that connects you with new activities and people, opens you up to different ways of looking at the world, and gives you the tools and insight to help you move through challenges differently? Well, we happen to have just the solution for you!
While some people may think of Outward Bound as expeditionary learning for youth alone, that is far from the truth. From adult backpacking and sailing to veterans and semester courses, HIOBS offers numerous programs for adults (age 18+) looking to get away, try something new, and venture beyond their day-to-day responsibilities.
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of going Outward Bound as an adult!
1. Step away from the daily grind and rejuvenate by exploring the backcountry — without your phone, email, or other distractions getting in the way. How often do you get the opportunity to spend more than seven days adventuring to new places, taking in your surroundings, and being fully present for the experience?
2. Learn skills that you can apply to your everyday life —like leadership, teamwork, time management, how to make delicious meals in the field, rock climbing, navigating, and even knot tying (you never know when you’ll need to tie something to the roof of your car!).
3. Challenge yourself in a new environment. It’s not very often that you have the opportunity to gain insight, understanding, and valuable life lessons in a completely new setting. Being comfortable with being uncomfortable is an incredible skill to learn.
4. Embrace the unknown. It wouldn’t be an Outward Bound course without fun — and a little uncertainty too. Going into the field can help individuals adapt to new situations, embrace changes, work through challenges, and have a great time in the process.
5. Meet like-minded people of all ages. All of our adult courses are geared toward people ages 18 and up. So, whatever stage you’re at in life, we believe you’re never too old to go Outward Bound! These expeditions are your chance to connect and collaborate with a diverse group of people, learn from each other, and gain new perspectives along the way.
6. Develop an appreciation for the world around you. Being fully immersed in the backcountry provides the opportunity for you to gain a new (or newfound) love and appreciation for the outdoors. Whether you’re hiking through the Appalachian Mountains or sailing on a pulling boat in Penobscot Bay, you will have the incredible opportunity to see wildlife, explore remote areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the environment around you.
“This was one of the best experiences of my entire life.” – Jaime, age 66
