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Atlanta Outward Bound Center: History  History
 Blue Peter Outward Bound was founded in 1941 in the United Kingdom and has since expanded to include over 40 worldwide. From Africa to Hong Kong, students, schools and communities are benefiting from Outward Bound’s innovative and powerful programs. Outward Bound has its origins in World War II. Sir Lawrence Holt, owner of the Blue Funnel shipping line in Great Britain, noticed that when his merchant ships were sunk by German U-boats, the older, more seasoned sailors survived at a rate much higher than the younger, and presumably more fit, sailors. He called upon a progressive educator, Kurt Hahn, to help him understand why that was happening. Hahn identified the problem as a lack of confidence rather than a shortage of skill or equipment. He recognized that the younger sailors had not yet developed an understanding of their own physical, emotional and psychological resources. The older men were able to draw on their life experiences and inner resources to survive the hardships presented to them. Also, the older men had spent significant time at sea as part of tight-knit crews accustomed to relying upon one-another. They knew how to use their collective skills to succeed together. To address this issue, Hahn opened the first Outward Bound school in Aberdovey, Wales, in 1941, providing students with a series of progressively challenging opportunities for success. Through achievement, they discovered that they possessed "far more then they knew." The school was an immediate success. Hahn attributed the success of Outward Bound to students' innate yearning to master challenges and uncover latent physical, spiritual and moral strengths. He saw these strengths as central to survival not only in the North Atlantic but in all aspects of a complex modern society.  Today, Outward Bound consists of programs that change lives, build teams and transform schools. Through adventure in the wilderness, urban settings, workrooms and classrooms, we help students achieve their possibilities and inspire them to serve others and care for the world around them. Outward Bound’s nautical origins can be seen in its name, the nautical term that describes the moment a ship leaves the safety of the harbor for the unknown challenges and adventures of the open sea. A ship will fly the Blue Peter flag when heading “Outward Bound.” The Atlanta Outward Bound Center is a part of North Carolina Outward Bound School and Outward Bound USA. Find out more… |  |
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