Greetings VOBSters,

Minnesota has finally found our spring weather - flowers, grass and tree buds are starting to pop just in time for our field staff to head out for spring travel training. In just over a month, we'll be welcoming our first group of students, thus kicking off our biggest season of the year, summer. We look forward to welcoming back past staff and introducing new staff to the VOBS community, and we can't wait to see our students find belonging and purpose through the wilderness. If you know a VOBS field staff member, we encourage you to give them a shout this month as they prepare for the season! And if you know of anyone who you think should experience an Outward Bound expedition, send them our way - we still have some space and financial aid available on summer courses!

With gratitude,
Your VOBS Crew

Pathfinder students gather on the Rio Grande during expedition

"The most enjoyable part of my trip was the time spent learning and trying new things with my peers. It showed that in a short time, you can make fast friends when you bond over long canoeing trips and cooking meals together."

- Tahar, VOBS Alum

Pathfinder students take a break while backpacking in Big Bend, Texas

Things We Love

This great blog post from Outward Bound USA on the relationship between self-care and community care.
The month of May becoming Mental Health Awareness month! Check out this great article on why all kids need nature and how nature addresses concerns around mental health. Or this other great article about how research is advancing our understanding of how time in nature can improve our mental health and sharpen our cognition.
These ten books that celebrate the dynamic relationships between women and water.

COURSE SPOTLIGHT

Summer expeditions launching
from the Twin Cities, for ages 12-18!

Did you know that you can fly into the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport and begin your expedition within a few hours of landing? The St. Croix Riverway is only two hours from the cities and despite it's close proximity to the city, it is truly a remote oasis!

The St. Croix has over 200 miles of scenic riverway that bends and winds through forest, with geological features continuing to change from start to finish. As you paddle down the river, abundant wildlife, such as bald eagles, osprey, and great blue heron, soar overhead, and white turtles, beavers and river otters greet you along the shore.

ENROLL ON A ST. CROIX COURSE TODAY!

VOBS students are all smiles during the rock climbing portion of their expedition

JOIN OUR CREW

Now Hiring

VOBS has two really exciting opportunities available for those looking to join our community.

Our Homeplace basecamp is looking for a creative, go-getter cook to join their kitchen team. Work full-time cooking for large groups in a fun community of hearty eaters. Housing included. Apply today!

We are also looking to hire a Director of Development. The search for this position is being led by our friends at Cohen Taylor. View the job description here, inquire or apply by emailing VOBS@CohenTaylor.com.

VIEW ALL JOBS HERE

Instructors show their love for the Boundary Waters while on expedition.

Calling VOBster experts!

Submit a trivia question
and win free swag.

VOBS has been around for nearly 60 years! Over those years, we have continued to change lives through challenge and discovery. To honor that legacy and engage with you, our favorite people, we're starting a monthly trivia series. Winners will be entered to win some pretty sweet swag!

The first trivia question will come in June; however, for this issue, we're asking you to submit your trivia questions! Every question you submit will be entered in a drawing for this month's gift!

SUBMIT TRIVIA QUESTIONS HERE!

Alumni Community

"To Serve, To Strive, and Not To Yield"
Stay connected and always part of our community.

VISIT OUR ALUMNI PAGE

SHARE OUR STORY

You Are Needed

VOBS strives to serve every student, regardless of income. By making a donation today, you help make it possible for everyone to experience Outward Bound. Your donation helps young teens working on rebuilding their family relationships, veterans looking to find success beyond the military, and adults on the precipice of their next life stage. A gift to VOBS is just one way to demonstrate the lasting value of this experience. Thank you!

DONATE TODAY!