Scholarship student Feliciana Conner is one of the 1,600+ students introduced to our life-changing experiences during 2018.
Every year, students like Feliciana travel from around the world—and from their own backyard here in the Northwest—to raft the Deschutes, climb the North Cascades, scale Smith Rock, or participate in our Portland urban expeditions. Of the students we introduce to the Pacific Northwest’s vast natural wonders, more than half face economic disadvantages and are supported by fundraising dollars. Donor contributions to Northwest Outward Bound School create opportunity for these students to make this amazing educational experience a reality.
As the new executive director, I have witnessed, first-hand, that Northwest Outward Bound School challenges young people to test their limits, work with other students, reveal their best qualities, and become the leaders and citizens today’s world desperately needs. I am awed at how students return from their courses forever changed, and empowered to succeed and lead. The excitement I feel in this role is the same as I felt when I returned home from my own transformative outdoor experience. It reinforces my belief that these opportunities should be available to every student that wants to participate on a course, in the wilderness or in the classroom, regardless of income.
I want to personally thank our community of incredible staff and instructors, courageous alumni, dedicated partners, passionate sponsors and generous donors for believing in the transformative power of Northwest Outward Bound School. This work would not have been possible without your support. Together we have transformed the lives of these youth through challenge and discovery.
As 2018 comes to a close, I ask that those of you looking to give this holiday season consider making a donation to our programming and help empower the leaders and citizens of our future.
Sincerely,
Marc Heisterkamp
Executive Director