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Gratitude
At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lit the flame within us. - Albert Schweitzer
"No one likes to fail. This course reminded us that we have the tools within ourselves to get up and succeed at anything we want. The amount of gratitude I feel cannot be expressed. From myself and other veterans in the course, THANK YOU!"
- Sergio, VOBS Alum

"I now feel so much more confident in leading a team, more confident in my strength and abilities and most importantly, I feel more confident in who I am as a person and my value and limits. Thank you so so much for all your support, generosity and kindness that went into making Outward Bound one of the most memorable experiences in my life."
- Rhea, VOBS Alum

"Being out here away from one’s day to day normality really helps you see clearly the kind of person you are becoming. Here there is no room for exclusion because you have a community around you that’s willing to help you."
- Sarina, VOBS Alum

Appreciations are part of any Outward Bound course. They happen after a long day of portaging, finishing that hike to the top of a bluff, helping someone belay down the side of a cliff, and around the campfire while sharing a meal. But shared appreciations aren't limited to time in the field. At VOBS, appreciations show up everywhere. They're in our morning huddles, season end debriefs, board meetings, course planning, partner calls and donor visits. Taking time to share an appreciation connects us to one another and creates community, no matter where you are.

We are so grateful for you. Your support creates powerful partnerships with local schools and nonprofits. Your support provides life-changing courses and eye-opening experiences. Your support changes our community and our world for the better.

On an Outward Bound journey, there are no passengers, only crew.

Thank you for being a part of ours!

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

 
 
 
Meet Our Newest VOBS Board Trustee, Heidi Weiler!

Heidi joined our VOBS Board of Trustees last September. Heidi is the VP of Corporate Financial Strategy at HB Fuller, and was previously with St. Jude Medical, Varde Partners and Deloitte. She was first introduced to VOBS while conducting H.B. Fuller's foundation site visit for our grant support. We're excited to welcome her both to our Board and our Outward Bound community!  
Where do you work?   
H.B. Fuller Company, as the Vice President, Corporate Financial Strategy.

What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
I have always had an interest in understanding what drives value for a business and in working collaboratively with others to solve complex issues to help improve processes and drive results. I also really enjoy leading teams of people and knew this field would afford such opportunities.


What influenced you to join the VOBS Board of Trustees?
When meeting with VOBS staff members during H.B. Fuller’s grant process, I was immediately drawn to the authenticity of those with whom I met, the VOBS mission statement and core values and the meaningful way in which the organization has a very direct and favorable impact on the growth and development of students in particular.

What excites you most about the mission and direction of VOBS, and how will you contribute to it?
VOBS is so necessary, particularly in today’s society. It provides a hands on forum involving the outdoors to grow and develop people of all ages, but especially teenagers and young adults. Participating in the program teaches people to be self-aware, have perseverance/resilience, to work collaboratively as a team, to grow in confidence, and to develop leadership skills. It has a transformational impact that helps set participants up for long-term success, no matter what life throws at them. I hope to work collaboratively with others to help positively influence and ensure the long-term ongoing success of VOBS.

Our values at VOBS are: Compassion, Integrity, Excellence, Inclusion and Safety. Which Outward Bound Value is your favorite and why?
The value of integrity is particularly core to me. I believe having integrity in all that one does is a key foundational attribute and necessary to long-term success in all relationships, both personally and professionally.

Where is your favorite outdoor spot in Minnesota?
Our family loves camping and hiking and we really enjoy the North Shore, particularly in the fall.

Tell us about a person that changed your life for the better?
My parents are both amazing people. They have always been so kind, accepting, and welcoming to everyone. Their kind hearts and willingness to reach out to people, particularly those in need, and to provide unconditional love and support is amazing. They are very giving of themselves and they have touched the lives of so many, including mine, in a remarkable way.

What is your advice for future leaders?
First and foremost, be kind and respectful to others and do not judge people. Act with integrity and character in all that you do. Build strong relationships with others. Give things you set out to do your all. Show enthusiasm and a willingness to put forth effort. Be a team player and work collaboratively with others. Do all that you can to grow your leadership skills, everyone can be a leader both personally and professionally at all stages of life.
 
This summer we went through the process of conducting a campaign feasibility study. We are excited to share that the interview findings were overwhelmingly positive. Based on the encouraging results of this study, VOBS’ Board of Trustees unanimously approved moving forward with the planning phase to launch a fundraising campaign.

This Leadership Campaign will support three specific areas: our purpose, people, and places.
  • Purpose: to ensure that anyone, regardless of income, can experience a VOBS course. We aim to provide student scholarships with a focus on underserved populations locally here in the Twin Cities.
  • People: strengthening our existing staff and hiring new staff to effectively run expanded programming
  • Places: repair and upgrade facilities for programming at Homeplace, Texas and our Twin Cities Center.

We will share a more detailed update early next year, but if you have questions about the feasibility study or the campaign in general, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Jack Lee
Executive Director
Phone: (651) 401-0633
Email: jack.lee@vobs.org
Courtney Kupsch
Director of Development
Phone: (651) 401-0635
Email: courtney.kupsch@vobs.org
 
Since 2015, REI has been asking our communities to spend Black Friday outdoors with their #OptOutside initiative.

Join the movement and #OptOutside this Friday! For details and clean up activities around the country, visit REI's #OptOutside and Opt to Act webpage, click here.

On REI's site you can also sign up for the "Opt to Act" Plan. Continue to #OptOutside with 52 weeks of simple actions to reduce your impact, get active, and leave the world better than you found it. Check it out here!
Support VOBS when you shop at Target!
From now until Jan. 5, every time you shop at a Target located in Minneapolis/Saint Paul, MN, you have an opportunity to cast a vote for Voyageur Outward Bound School and raise money for our students! Learn more at www.target.com/circle
Support VOBS when you shop Amazon online!
Instead of Amazon.com go to smile.amazon.com/ and choose "Voyageur Outward Bound School" for your charity to support. For every online purchase you make on smile.amazon.com/,
Amazon will donate .5% to Voyageur Outward Bound School.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Voyageur Outward Bound School
1650 Carroll Ave
St. Paul, MN 55104
United States


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