IMPACT REPORT 2017
“My daughter just came back from the Flatwater Adventure trip and I’m so amazed at the change in her. She’s now happier, less anxious, more engaged and more positive than I’ve seen her in ages. She was really at risk and now I feel positive for the future. Amazing program.”
- Sho s han a, Pa re nt re v i e w o n Face b o o k
EXPLORE WITH US
5 - REMARKS FROM SARAH WILEY 6 - AUTHENTIC ADVENTURE 6 - MISSION, VISION & VALUES 8 - A YEAR IN REVIEW 9 - IMPACT OF ADVENTURE 10 - EVALUATION AIMS 12 - TEST OF MISSION 14 - RESILIENCE 16 - LEADERSHIP 18 - CONNECTEDNESS 20 - COMPASSION 23 - FINDINGS OF MISSION TEST 24 - RESEARCH ABSTRACTS 30 - METHODOLOGY AND MOVING FORWARD 31 - RESEARCH ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND REFERENCES 32 - DONOR AND IMPACT PROFILES 36 - CHARITABLE PROGRAMS
“THAT TRIP WAS THE SINGLE MOST CHALLENGING THING I HAD DONE UNTIL THAT POINT IN MY LIFE. I CAME OUT OF IT A MORE HONEST AND PATIENT PERSON. NOW I MAKE A PRIORITY OF RECREATING THAT SENSE OF CHALLENGE SO I CAN BE A BETTER PERSON TO MYSELF, MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND MY COMMUNITY. I OWE YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU FOR HELPING TO CREATE THE BETTER PERSON I AM TODAY.” - Cisca, Neil Falkner Bursary Recipient
REMARKS FROM SARAH WILEY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR It was nearly 50 years ago that Outward Bound Canada ran its first course in Keremeos, BC, in 1969. We’ve come a long way since that first expedition in the Cathedral Mountain Range of BC. We are extremely proud of the fact that, in the years that have followed, we’ve been able to work with close to 175,000 Canadians through adventurous and challenging programs taking place from coast to coast. As we approach our 50th anniversary in 2019, we are tuned in more than ever to the impact we are able to have on these individuals. In a time when so many aspects of our personal and professional lives are pulling us towards the digital world, it is becoming increasingly important to take a pause – to unplug from the digital world and plug in to the natural one – in order to help us refocus, re-energize, and reboot. At Outward Bound Canada, it is our mission to cultivate resilience, leadership, connections and compassion through inspiring and challenging journeys of self-discovery in the natural world. But do we really do what we say? Do our wilderness programs actually succeed in cultivating these things in those who actively take part in them? As part of our research for the 2017 Impact Report, our national research coordinator, Nevin Harper, conducted a study to measure whether or not our programs achieve our mission. I am delighted to share our findings with you in this report, as well as to share three research abstracts from graduate students who studied specific programs or aspects of those programs and their impact on participants. As a mission-driven charity with a passion for facilitating impactful and authentic educational journeys, we strongly believe in the lasting power of learning through adventure. We’re proud of the outcomes of our programs and their lasting influence on our alumni, and we know our success in this area is due in no small part to the exceptional work of our staff. Outward Bound Canada’s highly-qualified, passionate instructors are at the core of our outdoor experiences. Not only are they armed with the qualifications, knowledge and experience necessary to ensure exceptional safety and guidance; they also bring with them a kind and compassionate spirit that truly resonates with our participants. As we get out, look in and look ahead to the future, striving to reach even more Canadians with our distinct brand of transformative adventures of discovery, we will never forget where we came from, what’s intrinsically important to us, and what makes us authentically Outward Bound.
5
Authentic Adventure Since 1969, Outward Bound Canada has inspired Canadians across the country to “Get out. Look in.” Today, close to 175,000 Canadians have done just that, placing their trust in us to lead them on challenging journeys of self-discovery in the natural world. For all who participate in our wilderness expeditions and urban programs, Outward Bound Canada is all about the experience of stepping out of your comfort zone and actively participating in an incredible adventure that connects you to self, to others, and to the environment around you. We work personally with each and every one of our participants to help ensure that they emerge on the other side of their Outward Bound Canada experience with a better understanding of who they are and what they’re capable of. We’re extremely proud of our ability to impact the lives of so many individuals across the country and from all walks of life, and to be part of a global network of Outward Bound schools that recently celebrated 75 years. Through this international movement, we’re able to collectively help millions of individuals across the planet to achieve their potential and contribute to a better, bolder and more resilient society. Through our funded programs, we bring together some of society’s most vulnerable: women survivors of abuse, underserved youth, Indigenous youth and adults, and military veterans re-entering civilian life. To best serve these individuals - and all those who come along on a transformative journey of discovery with us - we constantly strive to be bolder and stronger, to offer the most impactful, authentic adventures possible, and to truly show participants that “there is more in you than you know.”
MISSION
VISION
To cultivate resilience, leadership, connections and compassion through inspiring and challenging journeys of self-discovery in the natural world.
A healthy, resilient society formed through lasting connections to self, others and the natural world.
CORE VALUES AUTHENTICITY Being true to our roots and mission. Approaching all we do with honest self-awareness and purpose.
ADVENTURE Embracing challenge and positive risk-taking in our daily lives, and modelling and encouraging the same within our community.
CONNECTION Inviting and sustaining meaningful connections with self, others and the natural world.
COMPASSION Demonstrating care and respect for self, others and the natural world.
TRUST Firmly believing and having confidence in each other and in the core purpose of the organization.
A YEAR IN REVIEW
2016 COURSE DATA
OPEN
GROUP
FUNDED INDIVIDUALS
6
8
Impact of Adventure OBC alumni survey and customer experience survey
9/10 9/10
Would recommend an Outward Bound Canada course to a family member, friend or colleague. Would consider taking another course with Outward Bound Canada.
Did this course meet your expectations? VALUE
PERCENT
Exceeded expectations
61.1%
Satisfied
31.1%
Neutral
5.2%
A bit disappointed
1.6%
No. Disappointed
1.0%
My instructors were outstanding professionals. VALUE
PERCENT
Strongly agree
81.3%
Agree
14.5%
Neutral
2.1%
Disagree
1.0%
Strongly disagree
1.0%
My instructors cared about my learning and well-being. VALUE
PERCENT
Strongly agree
79.3%
Agree
17.6%
Neutral
1.0%
Strongly disagree
2.1%
9
EVALUATION AIMS
Mission Possible This Impact Report shares the results of an internal evaluation in which Outward Bound Canada asked whether it is fulfilling its mission. Using the key elements expressed publicly — resilience, leadership, connections, and compassion — an online survey tool was used to identify if participants increased scores after completing an OBC course of five days or longer. Total pre-course scores were ~45.9 of a maximum 60, and post-course scores were ~50. These scores showed an overall increase of 4.1 points. T-tests were completed on all questions pre-post and found to be statistically significant with p values being less than 0.001. For more information on methodology, see page 30 of this report. The second section of this report highlights three recent external research studies conducted in conjunction with Outward Bound Canada programs. The diversity of these studies is apparent in their titles below: • The OBC Process and its Effect on Stigma (OBC Veterans) • Assessing the Divide between Humans and the Natural World: Impacts and Effects of Increased Experience in Natural Areas • The Conceptualization of Safety in Adventure Therapy Programs
11
TEST OF MISSION
Organizations craft statements they believe clearly identify how they conduct themselves. The mission drives day-to-day operations and conceptually guides organizations forward. At Outward Bound Canada, we asked ourselves: Do we really live our mission?
Our Mission: To cultivate resilience, leadership, connections and compassion through inspiring and challenging journeys of self-discovery in the natural world. We broke down the mission into four measurable characteristics: resilience, leadership, connections and compassion. Using a short online survey, we were able to collect data from Outward Bound Canada participants at the end of their program. Our survey included questions from validated surveys on each of the four characteristics that best aligned with Outward Bound Canada’s curriculum and philosophy. The following pages will explore the results and provide brief descriptions of each characteristic and the questions asked.
13
RESILIENCE
“
I BELIEVE I HAVE GROWN AS A PERSON. I BELIEVE THE TERM ‘RESILIENCE’ IS A PERFECT FIT. I KNOW THAT IN THE FUTURE I WILL OVERCOME A GREATER AMOUNT OF CHALLENGES, AND FAILURE WILL NOT BE A WORD OR CONCEPT I WILL USE LIGHTLY.” – Beatriz on Northern Ontario Adventure
Often described as “the ability to bounce back,” resilience has long been promoted as a common outcome of Outward Bound Canada and other outdoor adventure programs. Rather than letting life challenges drain their resolve, people who demonstrate resilience find a way for their challenges to build them up and make them stronger. In our survey, three items relating to the resilience scale were measured wherein participants self-identified as feeling significantly more resilient post-course.
ITEMS ON THE RESILIENCE SCALE
Average Score Pre-OBC
Average Score Post-OBC
Average Score Difference
I tend to bounce back quickly after hard times.
3.6
4.1
.5
I deal with stressful events fairly well.
3.4
4.0
.6
It doesn’t take me long to recover from stressful events.
3.5
4.0
.5
15
LEADERSHIP
TRIP HAS GIVEN ME THE NEW SKILL “ THIS OF BEING AN EFFECTIVE LEADER.
I’VE LEARNED HOW TO HAVE A VOICE, EVEN IN A GROUP OF PEOPLE I WAS INTIMIDATED BY. I WILL USE THESE SKILLS BACK HOME BY USING MY VOICE TO MAKE CHANGE IN THE COMMUNITY. I WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO SHARE MY KNOWLEDGE OF THE WILDERNESS AND HOW TO WORK WITH A GROUP WITH MY PEERS.” - Hanna on West Coast Discovery
Leadership is generally acknowledged to be a hard-to-research subject. We chose to specifically measure the motivation of individuals to lead. In our survey, three items relating to the motivation-to-lead scale were measured wherein participants self-identified as feeling more motivated to take on leadership roles post-course.
ITEMS ON MOTIVATION TO LEAD SCALE
Average Score Pre-OBC
Average Score Post-OBC
Average Score Difference
Most of the time, I prefer being a leader rather than a follower in groups.
3.6
3.9
.3
I have tendency to take charge in most groups I work in.
3.5
3.9
.4
I would agree to lead others even with no special rewards or benefits as part of the role.
4.0
4.4
.4
17
CONNECTEDNESS
“
I FEEL THAT I AM GOING TO COME BACK FROM THIS TRIP A MORE UNDERSTANDING PERSON. THE NEW FRIENDS I HAVE MADE MAKE ME FEEL LIKE I HAVE CONNECTED WITH PEOPLE. I USUALLY WOULDN’T HAVE REACHED SO FAR OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND IT HAS MADE ME A MUCH BETTER PERSON. I FEEL LIKE I AM GOING TO TAKE MORE RESPONSIBILITY IN MY LIFE AND APPRECIATE A LOT MORE THAN I USED TO.” - Anyka on Rocky Mountain Discovery
Connectedness is defined as sensations of comfort and well-being that come from being actively involved with others or environments. It is a feeling of belonging, trust and partnership with self, others, and the natural world. In our survey, three items relating to the connectedness scale were measured, wherein participants self-identified as feeling somewhat more trusting and less concerned about others’ perception of them post-course. ITEMS ON THE CONNECTEDNESS SCALE
Average Score Pre-OBC
Average Score Post-OBC
Average Score Difference
I care what my friends and colleagues think of me.
3.9
3.7
-.2
I have friends I’m really close to and trust completely.
4.1
4.5
.4
It is important that my friends and peers trust me.
4.4
4.6
.2
19
COMPASSION
“
I WAS A WEAK PERSON, ALWAYS RUNNING AWAY FROM ANY CHALLENGES. BUT NOW I FEEL COMPLETELY LIKE A NEW PERSON – A STRONGER, COMPASSIONATE PERSON. I EXPERIENCED THINGS I NEVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE… WHICH PUSHED ME TO MY LIMITS, DRAGGED ME OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND PRESENTED ME WITH SOMETHING I NEVER HAD BEFORE; THE ABILITY TO NEVER GIVE UP!” - Amna on West Coast Discovery
Compassion is similar to yet distinct from empathy. While empathy is described as the ability to take the perspective of, and feel the emotions of another person, compassion encompasses the ability to feel the emotions of another and the motivation to help. Items on this scale allowed students to identify their compassion - or ‘altruistic love’ - for others in their groups. ITEMS ON THE COMPASSIONATE LOVE OF CLOSE OTHERS SCALE
Average Score Pre-OBC
Average Score Post-OBC
Average Score Difference
I spend a lot of time concerned about the well-being of those close to me.
3.9
4.2
.3
If a person close to me needs help, I would do almost anything I could to help them.
4.3
4.6
.3
I am willing to make sacrifices in order to let people important to me achieve their goals.
3.7
4.1
.4
21
“THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN REALLY GROW IS TO BE PUSHED OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE AND TO EXTEND YOUR COMFORT ZONE. THAT’S BASICALLY WHAT I SEE OUTWARD BOUND DOES. IT MAKES YOUR COMFORT ZONE BIGGER. YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT, YOU’VE NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE, SO YOU DON’T KNOW IF YOU HAVE THE STRENGTH IN YOU OR THE WILLPOWER IN YOU TO DO IT. WHEN YOU DO GET IT DONE IT’S JUST LIKE, ‘WOW I CAN ACTUALLY DO THIS!’... YOU GET TO BE PROUD OF YOURSELF… IT’S AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE.” – Kiyanaw on Bay of Fundy Discovery
Findings of the Missions Test A mission statement inspires the focus of the organization and provides a statement of intent for our external stakeholders. Testing it and sharing findings can be a risky proposition. In this case, Outward Bound Canada has empirical support suggesting that our programs do in fact achieve what they set out to do. The bigger question is, how do we ensure that each participant, under the leadership of Outward Bound staff, is aiming to grow in those four constructs: compassion, resilience, leadership and connectedness? It is the design of Outward Bound Canada programs, the education and training of field staff, and the diligence of our leadership, that will ensure these four areas are prioritized in our curriculum design, staff development, and program delivery. As an organization, growth in the sophistication of how these ends are met is paramount. The research conducted as part of this 2017 Impact Report allows us to have a better understanding of the changes that are possible through participation in Outward Bound Canada adventures. Thanks to all who played a part in bringing this study to light.
Additional Research Over the next few pages, we’ve included abstracts of research conducted by academics from across the country who have studied Outward Bound Canada programs in order to evaluate specific outcomes. We are happy to share some of the results of these studies with you.
23
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: THE OBC PROCESS AND ITS EFFECT ON STIGMA
ASHLEIGH FORSYTH MSc in Rehabilitation Science Candidate 2017, Queens University Outward Bound Canada (OBC) offers a number of courses for military veterans from sea kayaking in New Brunswick or rock climbing in British Columbia. These life-affirming experiences are designed by OBC with veterans to help participants face the transition to civilian life with renewed confidence. The Outward Bound Canada veterans’ (OBCV) program provides safe, structured experiential wilderness courses for participants dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, operational stress injuries, or other issues related to transition from combat/military service to civilian life. The program is designed to help participants build confidence and learn new technical skills in a supportive environment with their peers. One study found that participants felt the OBC course environment was judgment or stigma-free. The current research aims to explore the concept of the stigma-free environment, the perceptions and experiences of participants, and what processes are in place that facilitate a stigma-free program. Based on primary data analysis, we found that veterans may feel a “fear of stigma” prior to or during the course; however, unconditional support on OBCV trips allowed participants to discover “it’s okay to not be okay.” The OBCV program’s openness and accessibility allows veterans new opportunities to travel, reconnect with the veterans’ community, and support their health and well-being. This focus on well-being and self-care allowed veterans to realize they may need further support with mental health issues.
25
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: ASSESSING THE DIVIDE BETWEEN HUMANS AND THE NATURAL WORLD
NICHOLAS SCHWASS MES in Nature-Based Recreation and Tourism, Lakehead University Outward Bound Canada offers participants the opportunity to reconnect with the natural world in adventurous pursuits, thereby allowing for personal growth. Students are encouraged to continue their relationship with nature through conservation, outdoor adventures, and ecological awareness. There is speculation as to whether humans are able to comprehend, appreciate, and protect natural environments when they have received minimal or no exposure to such areas. There are assumptions for this division between humans and nature; however, a solution to address the issue is absent. Current research strongly emphasizes the health benefits of increased exposure to nature, especially in a technologically driven culture heavily reliant on the urban environment. This study investigates declining connections between humans and the natural world, and the effect nature-based experience has on individual perspectives regarding stewardship and environmental awareness. Interviews were conducted with nine participants across three different OBC expeditions (seven days or longer) in order to determine whether the experience influenced participants’ sense of stewardship and/or environmental connectivity. Participants were not expecting to learn about stewardship, environmental understanding, or to foster future commitment regarding sustainable practices, yet they did. Trips also appear to instill a sense of awe and wonder, curiosity, ecological connectedness, a desire to return to natural areas, reduced fear and anxiety, social cohesiveness, and sense of place, among other perspective-based outcomes.
27
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: THE CONCEPTUALIZATION OF SAFETY IN ADVENTURE THERAPY PROGRAMS
SHANNON HARTWIG MA in Adventure Education, Prescott College Safety - active protection from physical danger, risk, or injury - is identified as a top priority for outdoor adventure programs. This research study indicated that safety is largely regarded as a physical concept in both staff training material and conceptually within the outdoor adventure industry; however, if safety were conceptualized as synonymous with wellness, we would better support the goals of growth, healing and respite within therapeutic adventure programs. The pursuit of wellness would acknowledge the physical, emotional, spiritual, social, intellectual, and environmental aspects of the individual and the group. All training manuals examined included detailed policies and procedures designed to keep participants physically safe. In the field, there was a focus on emotional safety through instructor initiative or organizational culture; however, instructors could be better prepared to promote emotional, spiritual and other types of wellness. Singular focus on physical safety has the capacity to diminish wellness in other areas of a participant’s experience. Outward Bound Canada does an exceptional job creating physically safe experiences for participants while providing them the opportunity to explore their own capacity for growth and healing. While OBC communitybased programs are not explicitly depicted or delivered as therapy, they fall into the realm of therapeutic adventure programs. OBC’s safety and risk management policies/procedures are found in our National Risk Management Policy. An external Safety Committee, composed of international experts, reviews all documentation and advises on OBC risk management processes.
29
METHODOLOGY Mission Test: all survey items were scored from 1 to 5, with 1 being strongly disagree and 5 being strongly agree. A maximum score on the 12 items would be 60 and a minimum score of 12. Total pre-course scores were ~45.9 of a maximum 60, and post-course scores were ~50. These scores showed an overall increase of 4.1 points. T-tests were completed on all questions pre-post and found to be statistically significant with p values being less than 0.001. The strongest increase was in student perception of improved resiliency with ~1.6 score increase on a scale of 5. While limitations to interpreting these results are present, this survey supports the notion that Outward Bound Canada is meeting its mission. Further in-depth analysis is needed to fully understand this data. The inclusion of all items of standardized scales utilized would need to be included to make complete claims about what we found. In short, this evaluation suggests OBC is on track in its pursuit of its mission.
LOOK FORWARD, MOVE AHEAD In 2019, Outward Bound Canada will be celebrating a significant milestone in our organization’s evolution, our 50th anniversary. Fittingly, our 2019 Impact Report will examine the history and philosophy of OBC and its organizational process in order to better understand our roots and traditions. Founded in 1969, OBC has grown and adapted to meet the needs of students while also being influenced by society. As we strive to be current and meaningful in our future offerings, a look back is always insightful, and may provide inspiration and instruction for the future at OBC. 30
RESEARCH ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND REFERENCES Nevin Harper, PhD National Research Coordinator
c
Christopher T. Walker Research Assistant
2017
Ashleigh Forysth: MSc in Rehabilitation Science Candidate 2017, Queens University Nicholas Schwass: MES in Nature-Based Recreation and Tourism, Lakehead University Shannon Hartwig: MA in Adventure Education, Prescott College The Brief Resilience Scale (Smith et al., 2008) The Motivation to Lead Scale (Chan & Drasgow, 2001) The Hemingway Measure of Adolescent Connectedness Scale (Karcher, 1999) The Compassionate Love of Close Others Scale (Sprecher & Fehr, 2005)
31
DONOR & IMPACT PROFILES TORONTO STAR FRESH AIR FUND SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
HAZIEL DAVID-EJOR
I was born in Nigeria, but came to Canada from Ghana. I found out about Outward Bound Canada during my first summer here through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto. When I heard about the camping trip, I thought, “why wouldn’t I go?” It was a chance to get out of the city and be exposed to nature and wildlife. I’m not sure I realized it before but part of what I did with Outward Bound is in me. I built more confidence and learned to work with different kinds of people. You’re literally meeting people who are complete strangers but you make friends. Everyone on the trip had a different background. We had someone from Afghanistan, another was German and Irish, and another was Indigenous – it was very diverse. Meeting different Canadians gave me more experience with how to deal with Canadians. I learned how to be more independent rather than rely on others and it made me trust my gut and do what I think is right. Sometimes things don’t go so well and you just have to keep going, organize yourselves, and don’t give up. My experience is going to be part of my life… probably one of those stories I’ll be telling my kids later on.
BURSARY SPOTLIGHT
THE PETER CUNDILL FOUNDATION
Established in 2012, The Peter Cundill Foundation honours the legacy of renowned Canadian investment fund manager and philanthropist, F. Peter Cundill, who was passionate about helping young people to fulfill their potential. The Foundation has an emphasis on promoting the health, education and well-being of young people. Their generous multi-year support of Outward Bound Canada gives young Canadians, including newcomer and socially and economically disadvantaged youth, an opportunity to experience Outward Bound’s transformative leadership and resiliency-building experiential outdoor education programs. In 2016, underserved youth from across the country received scholarships from the Foundation to attend life-changing wilderness expeditions – kayaking in Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia; hiking in The Rocky Mountains of Alberta; canoeing and dog-sledding in Northern Ontario; and kayaking in The Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick. Funding from The Peter Cundill Foundation also enables inner-city youth to take part in Outward Bound’s Urban Programs in Vancouver and Toronto.
BOARD MEMBER
EDYTA PACUK
Outward Bound Canada matters. We provide a unique and beautiful backdrop for people to better understand self and others, to embrace self and others with less prejudice and with more confidence. We help people regain their compass and carry on with the knowledge of their “true north.” With that we give - to those who want and to those who have the courage to embrace a new experience and adventure - a chance to transform and a belief that they can meet, bright-eyed, the life challenges that may lie ahead. This is why I am involved with and support the growth, health and well-being of Outward Bound Canada. The commitment of everybody involved to live the organization’s mission - to cultivate resilience, leadership, connections and compassion through inspiring and challenging journeys of self-discovery in the natural world - is simply inspiring. My participation in two Reach Beyond Expeditions (Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp) as a fundraiser has only increased my respect for the loving and thoughtful discipline in which the experiences are led and facilitated. I have been marked by my journeys with Outward Bound Canada and will carry this mark, like so many others, for always.
23 32
VOLUNTEER / INDIVIDUAL DONOR
BOB FOULKES
I believe in adventures; stepping out of my comfort zone, challenging myself, learning and growing are now a vital part of my life. Even now, in my 60s, I am charging ahead. Cycling, marathons, triathlons, travel, pilgrimages, cooking school, sea kayaking, all can be traced back to my first Outward Bound experience - it opened the door to a life of adventure. I have summited Kilimanjaro and paddled the Nahanni. Neither was conceivable without Outward Bound. Trust in their leadership, faith in their skill and dependence on their experience allowed me to transform my fears into faith, my caution into confidence. My small contributions over the past decade have grown to include bigger contributions. Last year, I made a five-year commitment; Outward Bound Canada is now the primary focus of my donation dollars. I want to share this remarkable capacity for personal transformation that Outward Bound programs offer with as many people as possible. I want to support the Veterans’, Women of Courage, Youth-at-Risk and Indigenous programs because those who need Outward Bound the most are the least able to pay. I want more people to find balance, serenity, purpose and self-confidence through Outward Bound Canada.
FUNDRAISING CHAMPION
BRANDON ASHMORE
Throughout my life, spending time in the wilderness, challenging and pushing my physical and mental limits, has and continues to have, a transformative effect on who I am. The connection between taking on outdoor challenges and conquering life’s undulating waves of personal challenges is crystal clear to me. If you can accomplish a challenge in the outdoors – no matter how long, large, or fear invoking – why can’t you apply that mindset, that same level of physical and mental toughness, to other personal challenges? It is no surprise that when I learned of Outward Bound Canada’s charitable programs, I was immediately drawn to the idea that I could use my yearning for adventure to help those in need to experience the empowering effects of the outdoors. For the past three years, my teammates and I have been racing in support of OBC in Wilderness Traverse, Ontario’s toughest 24-hour adventure race. With the extraordinary support of my teammates, friends and family, our team, Muck Dynasty, has been able to raise over $15,000 for OBC’s charitable programs. It is an honour to represent Outward Bound Canada in an ambassador role.
CORPORATE DONOR
GRIP LIMITED
October 14, 2004, two years and ten months into our new agency; a partner team of eight type–A personalities, and an opportunity to take an Outward Bound course and fully live our values (Collaboration, Leadership, Innovation, and Creativity) through an authentic experience in Algonquin Park. It wasn’t “Advertising!” The weather was miserable, but the guides, experience, surroundings, and camaraderie were spectacular. It helped us as a management team, as a company, and as individuals. If not life-changing, it was at the very least perspective-leading. In 2013, we had the chance to help define OBC and reintroduce Canadians to the brand with a refreshed positioning. Born out of inspiration from Bounders’ testimonials, the new brand tagline “Get Out. Look In.” and the insight behind it, serve as the foundation of all our work. From PSAs to social campaigns, we encourage Canadians seeking adventure, change, or challenge to discover OBC’s unparalleled journeys. We’re very proud of the work we have done. Unquestionably, we get immeasurable value in return for the privilege of working on this brand. We can safely say as an agency it has allowed us to “Get Out” and “Look in”.
33
“IT WAS AN ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR WEEK FOR MY DAUGHTER, AND I’M SO APPRECIATIVE OF THE CARE THAT WAS GIVEN TO THE GROUP ON THEIR TRIP. SHE LEARNED SO MUCH, AND HAD SUCH AN AMAZING TIME; IT’S A MOTHER’S DREAM COME TRUE WHEN THEIR DAUGHTER MARVELS AT THE STARS AND THE WONDERS OF NATURE, BUBBLES OVER WITH STORIES ABOUT LAUGHTER AND SINGING AND GAMES AND WORK, READILY HELPS OUT AT MEALS NOW AT HOME… THANK YOU SO MUCH AGAIN. THE EXPERIENCE WAS PROFOUND IN SO MANY WAYS.” - Robyn, parent of Dog Sledding Journey Participant
CHARITABLE PROGRAMS Outward Bound Canada (OBC) courses provide life-transforming experiences, especially for people who are recovering from trauma or facing a major transition in their lives. Our specialized charitable programs – funded by individual donations, grants and fundraising initiatives – ensure that those who have the potential to benefit most from an OBC experience have the opportunity to do so.
VULNERABLE YOUTH OBC has a long history of working with under-resourced youth to help them stay in school and turn away from self-destructive behaviours. Our carefully orchestrated wilderness expeditions and urban programs take young people out of their comfort zone and into situations that awaken self-discovery, self-reliance and a connection with others.
WOMEN OF COURAGE These courses offer women survivors of violence and/or abuse the opportunity to experience adventure in the Canadian wilderness with other women who share a common history. By providing the appropriate challenges and supports within a restorative natural setting, this unique program helps Women of Courage to transition from a position of crisis to a place of strength.
YOUR GENEROSITY CHANGES LIVES. TO DONATE, PLEASE VISIT OUTWARDBOUND.CA
MILITARY VETERANS Many military men and women struggle with the lingering physical and mental impacts of their experiences. OBC’s week-long wilderness expeditions for veterans are life-affirming experiences, specially designed to help soldiers face their challenges with renewed confidence.
INDIGENOUS ADULTS & YOUTH For over 25 years, OBC has partnered with Indigenous communities across Canada to co-create dynamic expeditions in the Canadian wilderness, to help Indigenous people of Canada reconnect with their culture and discover their personal and leadership capacity. We also offer innovative community-based and urban expedition programs for Indigenous youth, focused on both cultural reconnection and high school retention.
O UTWARDBOU ND. CA