In 2024, we teamed up with The Fellowship Initiative (TFI) to host one of our largest youth crews of the summer. Thirty teen boys from Dallas joined us on a week-long rafting trip on the Yampa River, many of them experiencing camping and boating for the first time. 

For these young men, every day brought something new. From paddling rapids to setting up meals and shelters outside, the trip was full of “firsts.”

But as challenging as it was, the experience left a lasting impression. 

Throughout the course, our Instructors used every opportunity to create teachable moments. One student reflected on how these lessons helped him face difficult days: 

Throughout the long days, we came across a lot of challenges where most of us felt like giving up. Although, our instructors brought us together every time. As [one Instructor] said, “you are the engine of the raft, if one part is not working, it gets harder on everybody. But if everyone is working together, it’s smooth sailing.” 

Our Instructors are always there to create teachable moments, but the most transformational moments happen because each student is empowered to chart their path and take time for reflection. For example, at the end of the expedition, one Fellow summed up his takeaway with a simple but powerful metaphor: 

I think I will look at things from a different perspective, like in raft terms, I’ll hit challenges in my life with the bow of my raft. 

He concluded by reflecting:

In life, always scout before you do.

The experience also transformed how the Fellows related to each other. As one student put it, he returned home with: 

 …a new perspective on nature, memories, and most importantly, an unbreakable brotherhood.

At Outward Bound, our goal is to give youth the environment and the tools to grow—together. The TFI crew proved that with trust, teamwork, and support, these young leaders are ready to embark on bold futures. 

Our expedition with The Fellowship Initiative was one of the many Partnership Programs we facilitated in 2024. Thank you to The Fellowship Initiative for making this adventure possible! If you are interested in learning more about our Partnership Programs, visit our program information page or contact us at [email protected]. If you would like to make more of these programs possible through a scholarship fund contribution, make a donation today!

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