Outdoor education was a significant part of my time in Junior High and High School. All those experiences greatly contributed to who I am today. (Thanks Mr. Maas!!) It was only later that I learned about Outward Bound and subsequently went on a course.

I've been supporting their work because I believe education is supremely important. It is our future. I also believe that education is more than words and numbers. I think Outward Bound does a great job of making better, more compassionate human beings - people who are confident in themselves and also respect their environment, both social and natural. The world needs more of that.

Outward Bound has a great mission statement. It reads:

Our Mission is to inspire character development and self-discovery in people of all ages and walks of life through challenge and adventure, and to impel them to achieve more than they ever thought possible, to show compassion for others and to actively engage in creating a better world.

I hope you'll agree that it is a worthy cause.

Check out their website if you want to learn more about their history, philosophy or programs.