Our Mission:

To Change Lives Through Challenge and Discovery.

Our Vision: 

More resilient & compassionate individuals. A more resilient and compassionate world.

We believe that ‘there is more in us than we know.'

Founded in 1962, Colorado Outward Bound School (COBS) is a non-profit educational organization that provides transformative life experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds. With the outdoors as our classroom, we empower individuals and teams to step outside their comfort zone to discover that they are stronger than they know.

Hands-on learning and group problem-solving are at the heart of the Outward Bound curriculum. By working together to navigate mountain passes and high ropes courses, students find greater compassion for their peers and for themselves. They gain the leadership, confidence, and communication skills necessary to thrive – in the classroom, in the workplace, in their family and beyond.

At COBS, a students journey is measured not only in mountain passes or river rapids but in pivotal personal growth. Through life-changing experiences outdoors, we’re cultivating more resilient and compassionate individuals for a better tomorrow.

Colorado Outward Bound School is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and is part of an international network of Outward Bound schools. Each year, Outward Bound serves around a quarter of a million people in over 30 countries. Since its inception, Outward Bound has reached over seven million people.

The Student Journey

Our Commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity

We believe there is a wealth of untapped potential in every individual. As such, our programs and actions must be relevant, responsive, and accountable to the places and people we serve. COBS recognizes that social injustices can impact all aspects of our lives, including outdoor engagement. We seek to ensure access for underrepresented youth and young adults to engage in transformational experiences through the outdoor classroom and strive to remove barriers to this access. This requires humility and a commitment to our own learning and growth as it relates to equity, inclusion and diversity.

To this end, we have made the following commitments:

• Ensure culturally responsive and inclusive practices across our organization, including in our programs, services, and policies

• Provide equitable access to our programs, to employment opportunities within our organization, and to vendor and contract opportunitie

• Promote equity in our organization and field

• Serve students and prepare educators who reflect the socioeconomic and cultural diversity of the region/s in which we operate

• Be an authentic community partner

• Be a growth-oriented organization

Learn more about our commitment to DEI in our Strategic Plan and Impact Report.