The work of youth education is challenging for staff and students during this unique time. Last year, our staff asked us to invest in staff wellness and to address burnout, and we are listening. We're excited to be partnering with Healing Schools Project (HSP) this year. HSP was created by educator Wenimo Okoya early in the pandemic to address high burnout rates amongst educators of color. Their program has been effective in increasing a sense of well-being for all staff in various educational settings including work with New York Outward Bound School.

This year, we are engaging with HSP to facilitate Healing Circles with members of our Beloved Crew (our equity, inclusion, and diversity committee) and Program Administrators. The primary goal will be transferring our learning to the broader community at base camps and beyond.

NWOBS works with businesses and organizations to offer Outward Bound courses for professionals. Our courses are tailored to your goals and focus on leadership, team skills, effective communication, and trust. We offer single day programs in the Portland area and wilderness expeditions near Redmond, OR and Mazama, WA--no wilderness experience necessary!

For more information or to schedule a course for your team, email Rachel Johnson, Partnerships Manager, or call 503-946-3404. 

While all our courses are inclusive for all identities, we understand the value of affinity spaces, too. Outward Bound affinity spaces are designed for students to build and celebrate community with peers who have similar identities and to share the joy of being outdoors and learning new things together.

Last summer, Rachel traveled from New York across the country for Northwest Outward Bound School's North Cascades Alpine Backpacking course and spent 15 days backpacking through the beautiful alpine wilderness.

What's it like to spend 15 days backpacking in the North Cascades? Hear it from Rachel!