The Spark 09.2018 : Why Outward Bound?

Why do we do what we do?
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to interview two of our VOBS instructors Yoshie Kateada and Katie Dyer to hear about their instructor training and experiences across Baltimore and Voyageur Outward Bound Schools, why gratitude and service mean so much to them and why the heck they’re traveling across the country by road bike to promote mental wellness. (Their whole interview is on our blog!)

During our conversation, something became very clear for me. The "WHY" behind what we do here at VOBS and across the Outward Bound network.

Katie first shared, “everyone that goes on an OB trip isn’t going to say ‘I want to live in the woods!’ But what going on course does do for everyone, is give them space; to be away from everything they know. It’s really the “Ah Ha! Moments.” Even if our students hated the mosquitoes or eating copious amounts of dried fruit, there’s a moment on course where they realize, “I know why it’s hard to talk to my mom” or “I know why I procrastinate on homework.”

“Going on course puts a spark in their brain; our students figure out their trajectory and are given an opportunity to see something else.”
- Katie Dyer, VOBS instructor

Yoshie also added, "There’s something about trusting the structure and process. It’s hard to watch students struggle because you want to care for them. But if you take them into the woods and give them this experience, it might not always be what you thought it would be but the outcome will work.

"People’s lives are in your hands; you’re trying to give them this amazing experience. But really, it’s about handing the experience over to them, and trusting they’ll find what they need."
- Yoshie Kateada, VOBS instructor

But back to the "WHY." On course, we are presented with new opportunities. To reflect, to disconnect, to grow and at the same time, an opportunity to come together. On course students learn more about themselves and how to work together.

This summer, I got to witness the end of not one, but several of our expedition courses up at Homeplace and at the Twin Cities Center: Notre Dame, multiple canoe classic courses, a Semester Intercept Course, a Summer Semester Course and The Fellowship Initiative (TFI). In total, there were more than 150 students circling up with their crews and celebrating their newfound sense of self and adventure. During the debrief for TFI one of our instructors, Mark, shared a personal story from course, and I would like to share it with you:

“One evening, after an exhausting day, I was purifying water. Emily was leading a group discussion about family by the fire. At one point, Emily asked if I’d like to add anything to the discussion, so I walked over and joined in. I’m not sure what came over me at that moment, but I’ve lost both parents, two brothers and one sister. All of a sudden, I found it difficult to speak and I became emotional. Just when I thought I had composed myself and began to speak, I started crying.

I was trying to explain that family should never be taken for granted. Then each of those young men gathered around me and silently put their hands on my shoulder while I continued to speak. I can honestly say, with great gratitude and sincerity, that this felt like the same comfort I once received from my deceased family.

The family and community support offered up by these strong young me gives me hope for the future..."
- Mark Petraitis, VOBS Instructor

Mark and his co-instructor Emily, shared more about their experiences on course in our most recent blog post here. They talked a lot about creating community and family on course, which I believe is also a big part of our "WHY" at VOBS.

On the note of family, I’m excited to share with all of you that my husband and I are expecting our first child (a little girl!) and newest member to our own family late this October.

Over the past couple of weeks I've been offered lots of first-time parenting advice, here are some of my favorites:

"Have hard conversations in the car. You can avoid eye contact and they can't go anywhere."

"When dealing with a scraped knee, dirt is the best band-aid."

"The five second rule applies to dropped food and taking back anything you maybe didn't mean to say to your partner..."

"Anyone who says they have it all figured out, is lying."

As I gear up to go on maternity leave, I’m also excited to welcome the newest member of our development team and VOBS Family, Katherine Davis.

Katherine comes to us as a VOBS Instructor turned Development Officer. Katherine joined the development team this September and will help us continue to pave the way connecting with our donors as well as our alumni.

"Hello! My name is Katherine Davis and I am honored to introduce myself as the new Development Officer for VOBS. My Outward Bound story began almost five years ago when I was a student; since the completion of that transformative experience, I have spent time pursuing work in communication strategy, non-profit development and completing my master’s degree. The opportunities that VOBS provides for individuals to discover their voice, act with compassion and develop a tenacious spirit is why I have continued to return as an intern, field instructor and now, Development Officer. I am thrilled to be supporting our mission in a new way."

Please give Katherine a warm welcome!

Lastly, in 2019 VOBS will be running a comprehensive/capital campaign to support three specific needs: improved facilities, grow financial aid for low income students and support internal capacity. We'll continue to send you updates as we move along in our planning process.

Thank you on behalf of our entire team for your ongoing support to our organization, students and staff. We wouldn’t be VOBS without you.

Courtney Kupsch
Director of Development
Courtney.Kupsch@vobs.org
(651) 401-0635

JEAN REPLINGER SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Over 50 years ago, Jean Replinger proposed that Outward Bound courses be available for girls. Voyageur Outward Bound School is proud to be the first Outward Bound school in the United States to make that proposal a reality.

In honor of programming for girls and of Jean Replinger making Outward Bound history, we’re launching a new scholarship program in her name.

At VOBS, we are committed to providing equal access to our programs. Please consider making a donation today to the Jean Replinger Scholarship Fund and give the gift of challenge and discovery for future female and non-binary leaders.
Click on the link here to learn more.

YOU'RE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Thank you for being part of a community that develops accomplished and compassionate people who make a positive difference not only in their own lives, but also in their communities and the world.

When you donate to VOBS, you are changing lives by providing students with unparalleled opportunities for personal growth, self-reliance, teamwork and compassion. Click here to read about how your gift makes a difference.

Your support is critical to helping VOBS provide life-changing expeditions to over 2,000 students every year. Donate today and give the gift of challenge and discovery!