A Message from Interim Executive Director Stephen Streufert

As many of you know from personal experience and fond memories, NWOBS has served students of all ages and from all backgrounds since 1965. We have helped thousands of students discover more within themselves through kayaking, backpacking, mountaineering, rafting, canoeing, and climbing expeditions in some of the most incredible wilderness areas in the county, including the Cascade Mountains, San Juan Islands, and Deschutes River.

That’s why it is very difficult to share that we have begun the challenging process of closing NWOBS after 59 years. We recently informed staff that we will cease operations in Portland by May 31, 2024, and at our Mazama and Odin basecamps by August 31, 2024. 

Despite the stalwart support and unwavering commitment of many friends and supporters like you, NWOBS has struggled to maintain long-term financial stability due to changes in the outdoor education landscape and declining enrollment over the past several years.  The financial situation was exacerbated by the enrollment fluctuations caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Unfortunately, we could not find a financially viable pathway for our School to maintain operations for the long-term. However, we are pleased to tell you that today, we are laser-focused on delivering an exceptional 2024 summer experience for our currently enrolled students.

While we are deeply saddened about this course of action for NWOBS after the summer, we are hopeful about the future of Outward Bound at our other Schools, and perhaps here again in the beautiful Pacific Northwest at some point down the road. The Outward Bound USA network is healthy, despite some headwinds because of lower post-pandemic enrollment that many other organizations in the outdoor experiential industry also are facing right now.

Here at NWOBS, we are proud of the lives we have changed through challenge and discovery in the Pacific Northwest and grateful to all our students, staff, partners, donors and friends over the years. Thank you for all the memories and time we shared.

Until we meet again, be well. 

In gratitude,

Stephen

P.S. We have launched a fundraising campaign to provide much-needed scholarships for young people who seek to participate in an NWOBS course this summer but cannot afford the experience. If you would like to support a student in the weeks ahead, please click here.