This year, over 400 lives
have been transformed
Under the starlit skies of Shennongjia and amidst the waves of Shenzhen, young individuals stepped out of their comfort zones, embraced nature’s challenges, and redefined their potential. Outward Bound Central China (OBCC) proudly presents its 2023-2024 Impact Report—a testament to the transformative power of outdoor education, backed by data and stories of 400+ participants who discovered their strength, resilience, and purpose.
Our Journey:
Five Years of Empowering Growth
Since 2019, OBCC has guided over 1,000 participants on journeys of self-discovery. In 2023-2024, we expanded our localized programs across Shennongjia, Shenzhen, and Ningbo, using hiking, camping, and rock climbing to help participants:
Push Boundaries: Confront fears in unfamiliar environments and realize, “I am stronger than I ever imagined.”
Forge Connections: Build trust, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.
Empower Futures: Cultivate courage and resilience to navigate an uncertain world.
2024 Milestone: OBCC achieved Full License Certification from Outward Bound International (OBI), solidifying our role as a leader in experiential education in China.
Our education is more
More Effective
Research Methodology: Using the "Outward Bound Outreach Survey (OBOS)" - a research instrument validated by Pennsylvania State University researchers - we analyzed 327 participant surveys to quantify educational impact through Effect Size measurements across five key outcomes post-program.
◈ Global Outdoor education average: 0.34
◈ Global OB average: 0.60
◈ OBCC average: 0.82
Key Findings：The outreach curriculum demonstrates statistically significant impacts across all five measured outcomes. Particularly in Mainland China, participants not only internalized but actively recognized the educational value, achieving 141% higher effectiveness than global averages.
Let's examine the five transformative outcomes:
I've Become
More Resilient
“Through the challenges of this Outward Bound course, I learned tobelieve in myself, push my limits, and realize that my potential islimitless.”
From OBCC participant
Resilience (Effect Size: 0.93): 87% of participants learned to “bounce back” from adversity.
I've Become
More Confident
“After these days of journey, I have learned to actively express myopinions and confidently share my ideas.”
From OBCC participant
Self-Confidence (Effect Size: 0.91): 84% gained the courage to voice ideas and trust their abilities.
“I have realized that everyone can achieve things through their own efforts. We have gained many things that we normally wouldn’t, such as likeminded friends.”
From OBCC participant
Compassion (Effect Size: 0.71): 86% developed deeper empathy and motivation to support others.
I've Improved My
Social Competence
“We are a team, and unity is extremely important. During this OB course, I realized that teamwork brings many benefits to the group. Each of us has a responsibility within the team, and only by taking on this responsibility can the journey proceed smoothly.”
From OBCC participant
Social Competence (Effect Size: 0.65): 84% mastered teamwork and communication skills.
I feel more Connected
With the Nature
“Putting down my phone, I truly returned to nature—feeling the ocean, the beach, the rugged rocks, and the deep connection between humans and nature.”
From OBCC participant
Environmental Responsibility (Effect Size: 0.76): 83% strengthened their bond with nature and commitment to sustainability.
Nature as Our Classroom:
Education Meets Stewardship
OBCC’s programs are rooted in environmental consciousness:
Eco-Education: Every course integrates sustainability practices, from waste reduction to water conservation.
Future Commitments: Starting in 2024, we will implement carbon offsetting, circular economy principles, and energy-efficient operations to minimize our ecological footprint.
Voices of Transformation:
Moments That Redefined Lives
“Under the stars, I finally asked the questions I’d buried inside—and found strength in vulnerability.”
“Teamwork isn’t a slogan, it’s each person owning their role to carry the group forward.”
“I discovered I’m capable of far more than I ever believed.”
These moments are the heart of Outward Bound’s legacy.
Looking Ahead:
Expanding Access to
Life-Changing Education
Over the next five years, OBCC will:
Reach 10,000+ Chinese youth through programs in new cities.
Partner with schools and businesses to create customized growth initiatives.
Advocate for outdoor education as an essential pillar of youth development.
Call to Action:
“The world outside is richer, more powerful, and more full of possibility than you imagine.”
Whether you’re a youth seeking growth or an organization investing in potential, join OBCC to—
Step beyond comfort zones and discover the best version of yourself in nature.
If you are a representative of a company or organization and would like to partner with us to bring an unprecedented experience to your team, please email us at connect@obcc.org.cn
Editor: Charlie Qu
Source of Materials: OBCC
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What is Outward Bound?
Outward Bound is a unique blend of experiential, adventurous outdoor learning that aims to foster the personal growth and social skills of participants by using challenging and authentic adventure in the outdoors. With eight decades of experience, our proven model of outdoor learning has become established around the world.
