Catalytic learning experiences for NYC students
Our 35+ year history of deep-rooted partnership within NYC public schools combined with Outward Bound’s 60 years of expertise in outdoor education, makes us particularly well-suited to deliver impactful and immersive programming to students who have historically faced systemic barriers to outdoor education.
Whether on-site at schools, in the city, or in a wilderness-based setting, our Outdoor Adventure programs are designed to increase students’ sense of belonging and agency, and help develop skills like collaboration and initiative that transfer to the academic classroom.
These programs are best experienced within the Crew structure — NYC Outward Bound Schools’ signature advisory structure, typically comprised of 8-16 students and an adult advisor. Together, Crews of students have the opportunity to convene in nature — disconnected from technology — and build deeper relationships and trust with one another, connect with the identity and culture of their school, and work on their individual initiative and perseverance.
Crew Adventure is a joyful rite of passage for our students and staff! There is no other comparable experience for uniting a Crew and inspiring them to become a cohesive team. The confidence, courage and memories students take with them extend through their academic journeys.
Take a look at our seasonal offerings:
Crew Connect
Our Crew Connect community building program encourages students to foster connection and belonging with their peers by taking part in fun activities and collaborating to solve problems. During the spring and fall seasons, we offer this program outdoors at a large city park. We encourage schools to book a full day of programming with us (for one group, or split among two groups) to maximize their time.
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Crew Climbing
Our Crew Climbing program encourages participants to step out of their comfort zones and develop focus, commitment, tenacity and trust as they scale the tallest outdoor rock climbing wall in New York City, located on the back wall of NYC Outward Bound Schools’ headquarters in Long Island City! We encourage schools to book a full day of programming with us (climbing for one group + team building, or climbing for two groups) to maximize their time.
Learn More
Urban Exploration
Set against the vibrant backdrop of NYC’s neighborhoods, our Urban Exploration programs provide immersive learning experiences for participants as they explore their city and make connections to their own lives. This is a full-day program.
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Crew Adventure
Our overnight Crew Adventure program combines one day of community building in a large NYC park with 3 days/2 nights at Sharpe Reservation, our wilderness campsite in Fishkill, NY. This program encourages group connection and collaboration, as well as individual leadership, perseverance and initiative through activities such as hiking, high and low ropes courses, and team building.
Learn More
Crew Connect
Our Crew Connect community building program encourages students to foster connection and belonging with their peers by taking part in fun activities and collaborating to solve problems. During the spring and fall seasons, we offer this program outdoors at a large city park. We encourage schools to book a full day of programming with us (for one group, or split among two groups) to maximize their time.
Learn More
Crew Climbing
Our Crew Climbing program encourages participants to step out of their comfort zones and develop focus, commitment, tenacity and trust as they scale the tallest outdoor rock climbing wall in New York City, located on the back wall of NYC Outward Bound Schools’ headquarters in Long Island City! We encourage schools to book a full day of programming with us (climbing for one group + team building, or climbing for two groups) to maximize their time.
Learn More
Indoor Crew Climbing
We also offer opportunities for students to climb indoors during the summer thanks to our local partners at Brooklyn Boulders Queensbridge. This is a great opportunity for students to hone their climbing skills, challenge themselves to reach new heights, and become closer as a Crew. We encourage schools to book a full day of programming with us (climbing for one group + team building, or climbing for two groups) to maximize their time.
Learn More
Urban Exploration
Set against the vibrant backdrop of NYC’s neighborhoods, our Urban Exploration programs provide immersive learning experiences for participants as they explore their city and make connections to their own lives. This is a full-day program.
Learn More
Crew Connect
Our Crew Connect community building program encourages students to foster connection and belonging with their peers by taking part in fun activities and collaborating to solve problems. During the spring and fall seasons, we offer this program outdoors at a large city park. We encourage schools to book a full day of programming with us (for one group, or split among two groups) to maximize their time.
Learn More
Crew Climbing
Our Crew Climbing program encourages participants to step out of their comfort zones and develop focus, commitment, tenacity and trust as they scale the tallest outdoor rock climbing wall in New York City, located on the back wall of NYC Outward Bound Schools’ headquarters in Long Island City! We encourage schools to book a full day of programming with us (climbing for one group + team building, or climbing for two groups) to maximize their time.
Learn More
Urban Exploration
Set against the vibrant backdrop of NYC’s neighborhoods, our Urban Exploration programs provide immersive learning experiences for participants as they explore their city and make connections to their own lives. This is a full-day program.
Learn More
Crew Adventure
Our overnight Crew Adventure program combines one day of community building in a large NYC park with 3 days/2 nights at Sharpe Reservation, our wilderness campsite in Fishkill, NY. This program encourages group connection and collaboration, as well as individual leadership, perseverance and initiative through activities such as hiking, high and low ropes courses, and team building.
Learn More
Indoor Crew Connect
Our Crew Connect community building program encourages students to foster connection and belonging with their peers by taking part in fun activities and collaborating to solve problems. From mid-January through the end of March, we offer Crew Connect on-site at schools in indoor locations like gyms, libraries or cafeterias. We encourage schools to book a full day of programming with us (for one group, or split among two groups) to maximize their time.
Learn More
Indoor Crew Climbing
Students can continue to climb indoors throughout the winter months thanks to our local partners at Brooklyn Boulders Queensbridge. This is a great opportunity for students to hone their climbing skills, challenge themselves to reach new heights, and become closer as a Crew. We encourage schools to book a full day of programming with us (climbing for one group + team building, or climbing for two groups) to maximize their time.
Learn More
Why Work With Us?
- 100% of our current clients answered “definitely” to the statement “Our program met our specific goals and needs.”
- Our safety record is second to none.
- All programs are can be modified based on the client’s desired outcomes.
- Our skilled course directors have extensive training in youth development and facilitation, and are experienced in designing and delivering programs that cater to the needs of each client.
- Programs are offered year-round.
- We work with students in grades 6 – 12, as well as teachers, college students, and youth workers.
Program Learning Targets & Outcomes:
