“As the self-conceived perceptions of who I was melted away, I was left with the bare elements that made me up, and I liked what I found: I am a strong, competent young woman, able to survive and to succeed at anything that comes my way.�
Je s s ica, y ou th participant
A LETTER FROM DAVID REEVE BOARD CHAIR:
For 50 years, Outward Bound Canada has been changing lives through challenge and discovery, using the great Canadian wilderness as our classroom to provide unique opportunities for personal growth, community building, and the cultivation of resilience, leadership, connections, and compassion. Many participants will tell you that their Outward Bound experience transformed their life. For those who require financial support from our generous donors, a changed life is a priceless investment. Outward Bound Canada serves students of all ages and walks of life. We take pride in offering individuals the chance to discover, experience and believe in newfound capabilities, and to envision a future well beyond what they ever dreamed possible. Reflecting on our achievements over the past 50 years, it is important to recognize that Outward Bound Canada would not be here today if it were not for the dedicated support, guidance and leadership of our passionate instructors, staff, Board of Directors, donors, and community partners. Looking ahead to the next 50 years, it is equally important that the Outward Bound community come together to encourage support of the mission and vision of the organization, ensuring that it can continue to survive and thrive and be able to impact the lives of even more Canadians for decades to come. Impact will not happen without generous donations from alumni, parents, individuals, corporations, foundations, and government partners. Your support means a sustainable future for Outward Bound in Canada. More importantly, it leads to a future for those who need our programs most, allowing them to reach their full potential so that they can make a meaningful contribution to their families, their communities, and to society. Thank you for your passion, commitment, and support of these life-transforming programs. Here’s to 50 great years, and to the next 50 to come! David Reeve Chair Outward Bound Canada Board of Directors
Our Impact Since 1969, Outward Bound Canada has inspired Canadians across the country to “Get out. Look in.” Today, 150,000 Canadians have done just that, placing their trust in us to lead them on challenging journeys of self-discovery in the natural world, and emerging on the other side of the experience with a better understanding of who they are and what they are capable of. Our diverse outdoor programs impact the lives of Canadians in many ways: developing and shaping leadership and communication skills, building resilience and self-confidence, nurturing physical and mental health, and developing an appreciation for connections to self, others, and the natural world. Through our funded programs, we are able to work with vulnerable populations to support healing, recovery, and personal growth, in ways that leave a powerful and lasting impression on participants – changing their lives for the better, forever. We’re extremely proud of our ability to impact the lives of so many individuals across the country and from all walks of life. As part of a global network of Outward Bound schools that has recently celebrated 75 years, we’re also extremely proud to be part of an international movement that has helped millions of individuals across the planet to achieve their potential and contribute to a better, bolder, and more resilient society. As a mission-driven charity with a passion for facilitating impactful, authentic educational journeys, we strongly believe in the lasting power of learning through adventure. Our highly-qualified, passionate instructors are at the core of each and every one of our experiences – equipped on one hand with the qualifications, knowledge, and experience necessary to ensure exceptional safety and guidance, and on the other with the warm, kind, and compassionate spirit that sets us apart from our imitators. As we 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.
“You have no idea the impact these programs have on those of us who take them – ‘life changing’ is an understatement. They help us go from surviving to thriving. I can not say enough about how amazing that is.” - Suzanne, Women of Courage participant
MISSION
To cultivate resilience, leadership, connections, and compassion through inspiring and challenging journeys of self-discovery in the natural world.
“Liam is a popular kid at our school and most kids would believe that he leads a pretty blessed life. He played AAA hockey this past year and has a bright hockey future ahead of him. Yesterday 700 kids were silent as he explained the issues he has had with anxiety and depression and the path he has travelled so far in dealing with those. I think he did more in 10 minutes for mental health awareness and acceptance in our school than we have managed to do in the past few years. After the presentation, many marginalized kids were coming up to him and talking to him and hugging him – things they never would have done prior to his talk. He handled the whole situation with maturity and grace that are beyond his 17 years and he was specific about how Outward Bound helped him. Teachers and students alike were moved to tears! One of our Associate Principals commented that usually we pay speakers thousands of dollars to come in and talk as Liam did.� - Karen, teacher, Strathmore High School
Why Canada needs more Outward Bound Outward Bound started over 75 years ago in Great Britain as an authentic, rigorous, and adventurous “training for life” program, designed to build the resilience required by young people to withstand life’s challenges. Today, in the face of increasingly complex and always-evolving challenges, Outward Bound programs are more relevant than ever. People of all walks of life are plugged in constantly and yet increasingly disconnected – disconnected from ourselves, from one another, and from the world around us. So many of us suffer from a lack of confidence, a lack of leadership and employability skills, of mentorship, physical activity, and the benefits of time spent in nature. Collectively, these challenges are leading to decreases in well-being and consequently, a loss in capacity for achieving one’s full potential. It is crucial that these negative impacts – which are becoming more and more pervasive – be met with swift and focused counteraction. The need to respond with solutions is more and more pressing. Research suggests that youth and adults alike are becoming increasingly vulnerable to mental health challenges. A 2017 Ipsos report indicates that 41% of all Canadians fall into the high-risk classification for mental health vulnerability, up from 35% only the year before and up from 33% the year before that. Within this high-risk group, millennials, women, and people with low incomes are the most susceptible*. This susceptibility amongst some of the country’s most vulnerable populations is extremely concerning. Everyone deserves the chance to live up to their true potential, to be Bound for Greatness; and so now is the time for action. We need to work together to do something about it.
Get out. Look in. * Ipsos, April 2017. Public Perspectives 3 rd Annual Canadian Mental Health Check-Up.
WHY WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT Outward Bound Canada has a proven track record of working with Canadians from all walks of life, including vulnerable groups, to implement innovative and bold solutions that allow people to overcome obstacles and reconnect with themselves, with others, and with the world around them. Our programs tap into the power of the natural world as a place of education, healing and empowerment. Here, individuals are able to fully explore their authentic selves, to tap into their own power and potential, and to emerge on the other side of their experience with a renewed sense of self, ready to face life head on. For individuals to be able to succeed in education and employment, be fulfilled in their everyday life, and become active and engaged contributors within their communities, they need the space and the opportunity to truly develop. With your support, this is what Outward Bound Canada can authentically provide.
OUTWARD BOUND CANADA
Bound For Greatness
Goal: $12.5 million With commitments already in place from both new and long-time supporters, we are undertaking a three-year campaign. In addition to delivering our ongoing charitable programs over this period (valued at $9.3 million), the campaign will focus on three priority areas, valued at $3.2 million.
With the right opportunities, all Canadians can be
Bound For Greatness. Outward Bound Canada’s Bound for Greatness campaign aims to leverage the success of the past 50 years by expanding our impact and our accessibility to a greater number of individuals. Your investment will support initiatives that will increase program access, improve the ability of our programs to impact the lives of even more Canadians, and stimulate the expansion of programming from coast to coast to coast. Your investment in the Bound for Greatness campaign is crucial to building a strong foundation for the future of Outward Bound in Canada.
Priority Areas Scholarship & Bursary Fund: Target $1.2 million We strive to make participation in our programs possible for all those who are eligible, regardless of their financial situation. A robust portfolio of scholarship and bursary funds is critical to the overall accessibility and relevancy of our programs, providing access to life-changing Outward Bound experiences for families that lack the financial resources to afford full tuition.
Opportunity Fund: Target $1 million At the heart of our Bound for Greatness campaign is a strong desire to stimulate the expansion of Outward Bound programming across Canada, lessening geographical barriers and allowing for greater impact from coast to coast to coast. This fund holds unrestricted investments, which will provide Outward Bound Canada with the means to grow and build capacity sustainably, as well as the ability to take advantage of innovative partnership and programming opportunities.
Leaders in Education Fund: Target $1 million Our highly qualified, passionate instructors are at the core of all that we do. It is truly they who make us great: a roster of dedicated and passionate individuals who commit themselves to the demanding work of delivering exceptional learning through adventure. This fund will support creative, valuable career development opportunities designed to ensure that our instructors receive the training, mentorship and professional development required to be leaders in education.
Financial Targets VALUE
2017
2018
2019
2020
Total Students
3,500
3,850
4,200
4,500
Fee-based Revenues (est)
$2.4M
$2.8M
$3.2M
$3.3M
Charitable Revenues (est)
$2.4M
$2.8M
$3.2M
$3.3M
Total OBC Revenue
$4.8M
$5.6M
$6.4M
$6.6M
Annual Charitable Revenues (18-20)
-
-
-
$9.3M
Additional Campaign Target
-
-
-
$3.2M
Total Campaign Goal
-
-
-
$12.5M
“My Outward Bound course helped me rediscover my strength and resilience, and started me on the path that changed the direction of my life. I found part of the person I used to be up on that glacier.”
Mi ke , Ve te ran s’ Pro g ram participant
CHARITABLE PROGRAMS Outward Bound Canada courses provide life-transforming experiences. Our specialized charitable programs – funded by individuals, foundations, corporations, and fundraising initiatives – ensure that those who have the potential to benefit most from our adventures have the opportunity to do so.
VULNERABLE YOUTH We have 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 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. Our 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, we have partnered with Indigenous communities across Canada to co-create dynamic expeditions in the Canadian wilderness to help Indigenous People of Canada discover their personal and leadership capacity. We also offer innovative community-based and urban expedition programs for Indigenous youth, focused on both cultural connections and high school retention.
outwardbound.ca/donate
development@outwardbound.ca
1 888 OUTWARD (688-9273) x228
© 2018 Outward Bound Canada 1601-2200 Yonge Street, Toronto ON M4S 2C6 | Charitable Registration No. 89251 1692RR0001
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