Outward Bound California (“OBCA”) is a nonprofit educational organization with programs that deliver character development, leadership, self-discovery and community service in the outdoors and urban green spaces. The OBCA mission is changing lives through challenge and discovery. We use the inherent challenges and splendor of nature and urban outdoor spaces to teach people of all ages to be compassionate, resilient leaders, serve their communities, and build character to unlock the potential within all of us. These discoveries become assets that alumni use to better their lives, their communities, and the world.
With a 50 year history in the US, we provide extended and expeditionary-style rock climbing, backpacking, mountaineering, urban, and service courses, serving ages 12+, including adult and veteran programs. OBCA is committed to a more accessible outdoors and two-thirds of our students receive scholarship support to attend courses in the High Sierra, Joshua Tree, and in the outdoor spaces of the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
Outward Bound California is part of a national network of 11 Outward Bound schools in the United States, and 41 around the world.