outward bound girl
Are your Collier County teens looking for something more significant to do this spring or summer break other than playing video games and hanging around the house? Would you like for them to learn character traits that will get them through a more meaningful life like compassion, self-reliance, leadership, teamwork, goal-setting and social responsibility? Would they enjoy learning such traits while sailing, cross-country skiing, dog-sledding, canoeing, mountain-climbing, camping, kayaking and more?
While this may sound too good to be true, it’s a very real non-profit, educational organization called Outward Bound. There are many different options to choose from as far as length of program, ages that are eligible to attend, location, activity and more. There are even expeditions specifically for struggling teens, grieving teens, families in crisis and more. Kids develop new skills, establish fast friendships and leave the program with a passion for life like never before.
The next Outward Bound opportunity for Collier County Public School (CCPS) students aged 15-17 is the Hurricane Island Outward Bound Leadership Program, March 14-March 21, 2015. Participants will be sailing, snorkeling, swimming and more all while learning valuable lessons about diversity, community and service. No prior experience with any of these activities is needed.
Outward Bound even offers full scholarships. According to the CCPS website, “The Hurricane Island Outward Bound Scholarship Program awards nearly half a million dollars in support of more than 150 students each year.”
Kristen Krowley, an Outward Bound alumnus, shared that, “Outward Bound has changed my life in a way that no other person or group has even come close to doing. I not only acquired skills in outdoor preparedness and leadership, but also discovered a stronger and more confident person inside myself – one I had never before imagined.”
Those who apply to the scholarship program must demonstrate leadership potential, academically, athletically and/or socially. According to the CCPS site, applicants must supply a letter of intent and two letters of reference from non-family members.
Students who are ready for a life-changing experience can grab an application from their school counselor, or go to the “Students” page of the District Web site at: www.collierschools.com/students, then click on the “Outward Bound” icon. You can also contact Jeanette Arcia in the Student Services Office at (239) 377-0522 or by e-mail at arciaje@collierschools.com.
Kerrie McLoughlin is the chaos-loving mom of 5 and blogs at TheKerrieShow.com.