Outward Bound: Crew Not Passengers

Outward Bound: Crew Not Passengers

Outward Bound is well-known for its courses in outdoor learning but few people understand the philosophy behind these programs. This book explains how Outward Bound USA founder Joshua T. Minor came to understand the teachings of Kurt Hahn -- considered a progressive educator in World War II Europe -- and shows how the foundation of growing through experiencing the unfamiliar, the difficult and the adventurous, has created a company that has grown to embrace five separate wilderness schools, two urban centers, and several other sites in the United States.Outward Bound programs can be found in the Peace corps training program, schools across the country, activities in colleges, programs in disadvantaged communities, and juvenile delinquency programs. An Outward Bound course includes: Wilderness Skills Training; Expeditionary Learning; Working in Small Groups; Environmental Stewardship; Solo experiences; High-Performance Team Dynamics; and Service. Ooutward Bound has developed many of their courses for use in public schools and have a thriving program. They also have Outward Bound Professional programs to create positive and lasting change in the workplace by improving individual group and organizational effectiveness.About the AuthorJOSHUA L. MINER brought the concepts of Outward Bound to this country from Scotland, where he taught under the innovative educator Kurt Hahn at the Gordonstoun School. Now retired as Phillips Academy's Emeritus Dean of Admissions in Andover, Mass., Miner has spent over 35 years working as "an advocate for kids - my own and others." Following his graduation from Princeton in 1943, Miner went on to serve in Patton's Third Army in Europe as captain in an Army field artillery battalion. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, five combat stars and the Croix de Guerre. He began his education career following the War, teaching at the Hun School and Andover as well as at Gordonstoun. Miner spent the bulk of his academic career at Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass., as an instructor and coach among other positions, including Dean of Admissions from 1972-1985.As founding trustee of Outward Bound USA, he has been influential in shaping the development of the organization in the United States since 1961. He further served as director of the Colorado Outward Bound School, and as a trustee of the Northwest and Hurricane Island schools. For eight years, he was president of Outward Bound, Inc. and was board chairman from 1970-1972. He has also served as a consultant on urban affairs to the Peace Corps and the Found Foundation, and was vice chairman of the 1970 White House Conference on Youth. He has been honored by the American Academy of Achievement, the Appalachian Mountain Club and Princeton University for his work with young people. He continues to live in Andover, with his wife Phebe. They have five children and, at last count, ten grandchildren. Joshua Minor passed away in 2002.