Voyageur Trail Mail-January 2021

Greetings VOBSters,

As we paddle into 2021, the wind is definitely at our backs. What a year we have had! Despite so many obstacles and challenges, you made the world a more compassionate and resilient place. Thank you for leading with compassion and strength.

This year will bring it's own challenges and we will continue to rely on our VOBS community for their dedication, ingenuity and flexibility. But as we paddle out, thanks to you, we are strong and the wind is at our backs.

With gratitude,
Your VOBS Crew

Things We Love

Yep, seems like we could all benefit from a deep, collective and cleansing breath. If you're looking for a way to de-stress, check out these mediations, sleep stories, movement exercises, journals and music from the #1 app for Sleep, Meditation and Relaxation (Calm). All of the resources on this page are free to use, and to share.
18 Things Much Easier Than 'New Year, New You' by Brendan Leonard.
If you're in Minnesota, here's a list of Safer Ways to Explore Minnesota This Winter.
This brilliant way to cut a bell pepper.

Celebrate!! VOBS met its annual fundraising goal with the help of our dedicated community! Over 600 donors helped us achieve our ambitious goal of raising $1.82M to support our students and operations throughout the challenges that 2020 offered.

We are fortunate to have such a strong community of dedicated support. Thank you to all who gave - every single contribution is needed and appreciated!

We also thank the David and Janis Larson Family Foundation for their significant gift to the VOBS Endowment Fund. This fund supports the long-term sustainability of our mission. We are grateful to the Larson Family and Foundation for such a generous gift!

MISSION MOMENT

“Thank you, this trip has given me a new perspective on my relationship with both the outdoors and myself. This trip has taught me lessons about working cohesively as a group member, taking on new responsibility, and forging relationships that will last a lifetime. I never thought that I would be able to survive in the wilderness for 50 days. I am incredibly thankful for this opportunity and chance to be a student of Outward Bound. I am extremely grateful for everything the donors have done for the advancement of knowledge in our group.”

- Ben, VOBS Alum

COURSE SPOTLIGHT

Intercept Boundary Waters Semester

This 50-day wilderness canoeing and backpacking course in the pristine wilderness of the Boundary Waters is ideal for young adults struggling to build the skills necessary to live independently. Students begin the journey with a 3-week canoe expedition that brings them to a week-long transition phase, in which they touch base with their families via an instructor-facilitated phone conference. Students then help plan and prepare for a multi-week backpacking and North Canoe expedition which ends with a 2nd transition phase before their family conference.