Outward Bound USA
Outward Bound USA is a nonprofit outdoor education organization operating nine regional schools across the United States, delivering multi-day wilderness expedition courses in backpacking, climbing, canoeing, and sailing to youth, adults, veterans, families, schools, and corporate teams for tuition ranging from $50 to $21,100.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1962
- HeadquartersGolden, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Outward Bound USA does
Outward Bound USA is a nonprofit outdoor education organization founded in 1962 and headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, operating a national network of nine chartered regional schools that deliver experiential wilderness programming across the United States. Its core product is multi-day to multi-week expedition-based courses in activities including backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, sailing, whitewater rafting, dog sledding, and mountaineering, targeted at youth (ages 12-18), young adults, adults, families, military veterans, and corporate/professional groups. Course pricing ranges from $50 for subsidized veterans programs to $21,100 for 80-day leadership semesters, with need-based financial aid and scholarship support broadening access.
Revenue is generated through direct-to-consumer course tuition sold via the outwardbound.org catalog, supplemented by philanthropic donations, corporate sponsorships (including the Ford Bronco Wild Fund partnership that reached over 2,025 students from 2020-2025), and partnership-driven group programs for school districts, youth organizations, colleges/universities, and corporate teams. The organization served 30,628 students in 2024 and references over 1 million lifetime alumni. Operating geographies span nine US regions (California, Boston, Chesapeake Bay, Colorado, Maine, NYC, North Carolina, Philadelphia, Minnesota) plus international locations in Costa Rica, Panama, Patagonia, and the Bahamas. Leadership is provided by CEO Ginger Naylor with a Board chaired by Christine Cook and a full C-suite covering development, operations, finance, and marketing functions.
Outward Bound USA firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Outward Bound USA
- Legal name
- Outward Bound
- Website
- https://outwardbound.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1962
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Outward Bound USA is a nonprofit outdoor education organization operating nine regional schools across the United States, delivering multi-day wilderness expedition courses in backpacking, climbing, canoeing, and sailing to youth, adults, veterans, families, schools, and corporate teams for tuition ranging from $50 to $21,100.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Outward Bound USA industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Outdoor Education
- NAICS
- Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620), Educational Services (611), Educational Services (61), All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Outdoor & Wilderness Education Schools (Field-Based Learning) (THAAAOAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Adult Skill-Building Expeditions & Courses (Leadership, Survival, Navigation) (THAAAOAC), Certification & Training Providers (Wilderness First Aid, Lifeguard, Guide Training) (THAAAOAF), Adventure Multi-Sport Camps & Skills Academies (THAAAKAM), Outdoor Recreation & Adventure Programs (Trips, Climbing, Rentals) (EDALAIAG)
Keywords
Where Outward Bound USA is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Golden
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices10 records
Markets served
Outward Bound USA business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Course Tuition: Primary revenue from course fees ranging from $50 (veterans programs) to $21,100 (80-day leadership semester). Pricing varies by course duration, activity type, and location. Need-based financial aid and scholarships available.
- Philanthropy and Corporate Partnerships: Donations from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners like Ford Bronco Wild Fund. Corporate sponsors fund scholarships and access programs for underrepresented communities.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Veterans Programs - subsidized or free courses |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Middle School Courses (Ages 12-14) - 5 to 15 days |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | High School Courses (Ages 14-18) - 6 to 22 days |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Young Adult Courses (Ages 18-25) - multi-week expeditions |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Adult Courses (Ages 30+) - diverse outdoor activities |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Leadership Semester Programs - extended expeditions |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Families Programs - intergenerational courses |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Outward Bound USA product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Outward Bound USA delivers experiential outdoor education through wilderness adventure courses spanning backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, sailing, whitewater rafting, and mountaineering. Programs are offered for youth (ages 12-18), young adults, adults, veterans, families, schools, and corporate teams across nine regional schools in the United States and select international destinations. Revenue is generated primarily through course tuition, supplemented by donations, corporate sponsorships, and scholarship fundraising.
Product overview
Outward Bound USA is a national outdoor education organization operating as a network of nine regional schools across the United States. The organization offers a diverse portfolio of adventure-based courses and programs designed to spark lifelong growth through challenge in outdoor settings. The core offerings include Youth Courses (Middle School and High School programs ages 12-18), Adult Courses (classic courses for ages 18+ and 30+), Gap Year Courses (Pathfinder and Intercept semester programs for ages 17-25), Veterans Programs, Professional/Team Programs, School Partnership Programs, Family Courses, and Outdoor Educator Training. Activities span backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, whitewater rafting, mountaineering, dog sledding, surfing, scuba diving, and wilderness expeditions. The organization also runs national initiatives like The Reset Campaign and partnerships like the Ford Bronco Wild Fund to expand access to outdoor education.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- The Reset: A national campaign launched in January 2026 encouraging youth, families, and educators to unplug from screens and reconnect with their communities.
Products and services
- Youth Courses (Middle School and High School) Outdoor adventure courses for students ages 12-18 featuring backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, whitewater rafting, and wilderness expeditions. Programs build confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills through challenge-based learning. Course pricing ranges from $2,000 for a 5-day Colorado Rockies Intro to Adventure to $6,175 for 15-day Maine Island programs.
- Adult Courses Outdoor adventure courses for adults seeking to unplug, reflect, and reset. Activities include backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, dog sledding, and cross-country skiing for ages 18+ and 30+ cohorts. Pricing ranges from $1,680 for a 4-5 day Joshua Tree Rock Climb Basecamp course to $2,875 for a Blue Ridge Backpack & Rock Climb course.
- Gap Year Courses (Pathfinder and Intercept) Extended semester-length programs (30-80 days) for young adults ages 17-25 including Leadership Semester expeditions, Pathfinder courses, and Intercept programs. Activities combine multiple outdoor activities with cultural immersion and service projects. Pricing ranges from $8,070 for a 30-day Boundary Waters Pathfinder canoe course to $21,100 for the 80-day Maine to Bahamas Leadership Semester.
- Veterans Programs Specialized outdoor courses for military veterans including backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, sailing, and sea kayak expeditions. Programs focus on transition support, healing, and leadership development for veteran populations. Includes Women Veterans programs and Ten Thousand Islands expeditions with substantial scholarship support.
- Professional Programs Team-building and professional development experiences for corporations and organizations. Programs develop trust, communication, and leadership skills beyond typical professional development through experiential outdoor learning. Delivered through dedicated partnership channels for corporate teams, non-profits, and organizations.
- School Programs Custom partnership programs for schools bringing social-emotional development to students. Includes programs for middle schools, high schools, college and university institutions. Programs are aligned with school curricula and educational goals and delivered through dedicated partnership channels.
- Family Courses Multi-generational outdoor adventures for families to experience together, including canoe expeditions and backpacking trips such as the Ten Thousand Islands Families Canoe (3 days at $1,700) and Blue Ridge Families Backpack & Rock Climb.
- Outdoor Educator Courses Professional training programs for individuals seeking to become outdoor educators, including instructor development and certification preparation courses. Programs develop the skills needed to lead wilderness expeditions and outdoor education experiences.
Quantifiable outcome
- 86% of students report increased self-confidence after completing Outward Bound programs
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Outward Bound USA
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles7 records
Outward Bound USA technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Outward Bound USA partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Two partnerships are on record, tiered major and core.
- Ford Bronco Wild FundmajorFive-year collaboration (2020-2025) between Outward Bound USA and Ford Bronco Wild Fund reaching over 2,025 students, including many from underrepresented communities, through outdoor learning programs. Partnership aims to expand access to the outdoors and develop future leaders.
- National Youth and Family OrganizationscoreOutward Bound launched 'The Reset' national campaign on January 24, 2026, partnering with youth and family organizations to address rising youth mental health concerns and digital fatigue through outdoor activities and digital wellness.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Outward Bound USA competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Road Less Traveled: Road Less Traveled is a smaller experiential education provider focused on teen service and adventure trips. Comparable target market (youth and families) and trip formats (multi-week outdoor expeditions) to OBUSA's youth programs.
- National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS): NOLS is the closest direct peer to Outward Bound USA — a nonprofit wilderness education organization offering multi-week backpacking, climbing, and paddling courses for youth, adults, and professionals with comparable methodology, pricing, and target segments.
- Bold Earth Teen Adventures: Bold Earth is a for-profit experiential education provider offering teen adventure trips domestically and abroad. It competes directly with OBUSA's youth and gap-year segments on multi-week wilderness and international courses.
- Appalachian Mountain Club: AMC is a regional outdoor recreation and education organization offering hiking, climbing, and outdoor skills programs in the Northeast US. Overlaps with OBUSA's New England/Maine regional school on outdoor education programming and member-driven engagement.
- REI Adventures: REI Adventures offers guided outdoor trips and expeditions across the US and internationally. Operated by the REI co-op, it overlaps with OBUSA in backpacking, climbing, and rafting experiences, but targets a more consumer-driven audience with shorter-format trips.
Broad incumbents
- YMCA of the USA: YMCA operates a national network of camps and youth programs with outdoor adventure components. Broader mission (fitness, childcare, community services) but directly comparable in delivering outdoor youth programming and summer camp experiences.
- Expeditionary Learning (EL Education): EL Education is a K-12 school network and professional development organization applying experiential, adventure-based pedagogy in schools. Comparable methodology to OBUSA but delivers through partner schools rather than direct outdoor expeditions.
- Student Conservation Association: SCA is a national nonprofit offering conservation service and outdoor leadership programs for youth and young adults. Broader portfolio than OBUSA (includes urban and trail crew work) but overlaps in outdoor leadership development and youth engagement.
- Boy Scouts of America: BSA is a large national youth organization delivering outdoor skills, leadership, and adventure programming. Broader and more youth-development-focused than OBUSA but competes for the same youth and family outdoor education audience.
- Sierra Club: Sierra Club is a large national environmental organization offering outdoor activities, outings, and education programs. Overlaps with OBUSA in outdoor recreation and experiential learning for adults, though more conservation-advocacy oriented.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Outward Bound USA social profiles
Digital presenceOutward Bound USA financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Outward Bound USA leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles27 records
Outward Bound USA funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Outward Bound USA M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Outward Bound USA
What does Outward Bound USA do?
Outward Bound USA delivers experiential outdoor education through wilderness adventure courses spanning backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, sailing, whitewater rafting, and mountaineering. Programs are offered for youth (ages 12-18), young adults, adults, veterans, families, schools, and corporate teams across nine regional schools in the United States and select international destinations. Revenue is generated primarily through course tuition, supplemented by donations, corporate sponsorships, and scholarship fundraising.
Is Outward Bound USA a public or private company?
Outward Bound USA is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Outward Bound USA founded?
Outward Bound USA was founded in 1962. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Outward Bound USA based?
Outward Bound USA is headquartered in Golden, United States, in the North America region.
How does Outward Bound USA make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Course Tuition is the primary driver. The others are philanthropy and Corporate Partnerships.
Who are Outward Bound USA's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Road Less Traveled, National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Bold Earth Teen Adventures, Appalachian Mountain Club and REI Adventures. Broad incumbents are YMCA of the USA, Expeditionary Learning (EL Education), Student Conservation Association, Boy Scouts of America and Sierra Club.
Does Outward Bound USA have an API?
No public API is recorded for Outward Bound USA.
What industry is Outward Bound USA in?
Outward Bound USA's product category is Outdoor Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAAAOAA, Outdoor & Wilderness Education Schools (Field-Based Learning), with a secondary code of THAAAOAC, Adult Skill-Building Expeditions & Courses (Leadership, Survival, Navigation). Its NAICS code is 611620 and its SIC code is 8200.