"There is more in us than we know. If we can be made to see it, perhaps for the rest of our lives we will be unwilling to settle for less." Kurt Hahn, Outward Bound Founder

For over 60 years, Colorado Outward Bound School (COBS) has been delivering challenging outdoor adventure programs for people of all ages and walks of life. Every Outward Bound course is built around a progression that delivers powerful life lessons by encouraging participants to safely and confidently step outside their comfort zones while traveling in spectacular wilderness areas.

The distinction - training through rather than for - is at the essence of the Outward Bound dynamic. The mountains and desert provide training that no institute or university can offer. These landscapes, in tandem with Outward Bound principles, teach the technical skills necessary for survival, but also teach the relevant skills necessary for life.

A large part of Outward Bound focuses on group dynamics and development. However, it can be a very personal experience as well. By conquering their own challenges, participants discover their true potential and realize they are capable of more than they ever imagined.

Colorado Outward Bound School is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and is proud to be part of a national network of Outward Bound schools in the US and all over the world. Outward Bound collectively serves around a quarter of a million people a year in over 30 countries. Since its inception, Outward Bound has reached over seven million people.

Watch: The Student Journey

Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity

At the Colorado Outward Bound School (COBS), 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 to support our values of integrity, excellence, compassion, and equity, diversity, and inclusion:

• 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 opportunities;

• 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; and,

• Be a growth-oriented organization.

As we engage in this ongoing process and continue to refine our approach, we are using resources and support from partners and organizations like The Avarna Group to support us.