Philadelphia Outward Bound School recently launched its “Advancing Access to the Outdoors” initiative.
POBS is based at the Discovery Center, 3401 Reservoir Drive in Fairmount Park.
Over the next three years, the initiative will engage more than 25,000 individuals — from school-aged children and teens to adults — in life lessons that encourage them to safely and confidently step outside their comfort zones while traveling through natural environments.
The March 27 event also celebrated the start of POBS’ 34th spring season, which in the months ahead will engage thousands of students in natural environment activities that build connections, confidence and skills. In existence since 1992, POBS has a contract with the School District of Philadelphia to provide free outdoor classroom activities for students.
Justin Ennis, a Northwood native and executive director of POBS, said Advancing Access to the Outdoors, over the next three years, will offer 900 day programs, 150 wilderness expeditions and, perhaps most importantly, “half-a-million screen-free hours,” referring to expedition rules that prohibit students from using cell phones.
Also appearing at the announcement was Cindy Adams Dunn, secretary of the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. She spoke of her department’s statewide outdoor recreation plan, Outdoor Places, Shared Spaces, a five-year blueprint that aims to expand, connect and make nature accessible to all residents.
Dunn praised POBS for helping prepare the next generation of environmental stewards, from those who will ultimately choose a career in the field to those who will become conservation-minded citizens.
Shaalin Gamble-Sarfo, a Swarthmore freshman and POBS alum, shared stories of the ways her several multi-day Outward Bound expeditions in the Delaware Water Gap and along the Appalachian Trail helped build her confidence and capabilities as a youth and continues to empower her today,
Gamble-Sarfo said her experiences were impactful and helped her feel she was “one with nature.” At the same time, there were challenges that tested and strengthened her perseverance.
Specifically, she pointed to rock climbing.
“I persevered and continued going to the top,” she said.
Among those on hand at the event was Andy Adams, a Northeast High teacher and director of Project SPARC who serves on the POBS board.
“They’re doing amazing work,” he said of the POBS staff.
Adams said Northeast High students will soon take part in five-day, four-night canoeing and backpacking expeditions that will build leadership skills and provide direction in life.
“Life is all about putting one foot in front of the other,” he said.
Ennis said POBS – funded generally by donations, grants and corporate support – tries to make the outdoors a space for all, with programs that provide social and emotional growth. He is looking forward to measuring the impact of Advancing Access to the Outdoors.
“The return on this investment will be profound,” he said. ••
For more information, visit outwardboundphiladelphia.org.
