About
Outward Bound California offers outdoor programs where students backpack, rock climb, and tackle a challenge course. Programs include high and low ropes and other challenge course experiences, single-day rock climbing programs in Joshua Tree, Basecamp programs that stay in one location with day trips, and expedition-style courses where students travel with all their gear. Courses include rock climbing and/or backpacking experiences in California’s desert and alpine landscapes and in forests, deserts, national parks, and urban parks.
• Ages: 13–18 years old
Outward Bound California states that its mission is to empower people of all ages to take on challenges, reflect on their experiences, and grow skills like confidence and compassion. Programs are offered for different groups, goals, and time commitments, and more than 3,000 students participate in Outward Bound California programs each year. More than 50% of these students receive scholarships, and the organization states that adventure is for everyone regardless of financial situation, with scholarships opening the door for those who might not otherwise get the chance. Outward Bound California also offers custom team adventures for professional and team programs, and measures its impact through what it calls the Domains of Thriving.
Outward Bound California partners with schools and organizations across California, including charter, government, independent, private, and public schools, as well as nonprofit organizations such as Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco Mission Clubhouse, California Academy of Sciences, Chinatown YMCA, City of Richmond Youth Outdoors, Community Youth Center, Friends of the Urban Forest (FUF), Girl Scouts Heart of Central California, Larkin Street Youth Services, and the Mayor's Youth Employment and Education Program, among others explicitly listed. One testimonial from Eric Witherbee, Wilderness Program Director, states that students who go on course connect with one another, create traditions around meals, are encouraged to reach new heights, and bring those skills back to camp and home, and that older students return with confidence and are ready to be role models for the next generation of campers.
Last updated March 7, 2026.
• Ages: 13–18 years old
Outward Bound California states that its mission is to empower people of all ages to take on challenges, reflect on their experiences, and grow skills like confidence and compassion. Programs are offered for different groups, goals, and time commitments, and more than 3,000 students participate in Outward Bound California programs each year. More than 50% of these students receive scholarships, and the organization states that adventure is for everyone regardless of financial situation, with scholarships opening the door for those who might not otherwise get the chance. Outward Bound California also offers custom team adventures for professional and team programs, and measures its impact through what it calls the Domains of Thriving.
Outward Bound California partners with schools and organizations across California, including charter, government, independent, private, and public schools, as well as nonprofit organizations such as Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco Mission Clubhouse, California Academy of Sciences, Chinatown YMCA, City of Richmond Youth Outdoors, Community Youth Center, Friends of the Urban Forest (FUF), Girl Scouts Heart of Central California, Larkin Street Youth Services, and the Mayor's Youth Employment and Education Program, among others explicitly listed. One testimonial from Eric Witherbee, Wilderness Program Director, states that students who go on course connect with one another, create traditions around meals, are encouraged to reach new heights, and bring those skills back to camp and home, and that older students return with confidence and are ready to be role models for the next generation of campers.
Last updated March 7, 2026.
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