Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School Marks 40 Years of Youth Outdoor Programs

Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School (CBOBS) is commemorating four decades of operation. Founded in 1986, the nonprofit has delivered outdoor education programs to over 100,000 students, focusing on developing character, resilience, and leadership skills.

The school's approach centers on experiential learning, taking participants on activities such as canoeing, hiking, and ropes courses. Experiences are designed to build self-awareness, confidence, and problem-solving abilities. Student testimonials indicate the programs foster significant personal growth and courage, with one 9th grader noting increased confidence to speak up.

In addition to its Baltimore base, CBOBS is expanding its reach to Washington D.C. with a new campus under construction at the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC). This expansion includes new climbing elements to enhance program offerings in the nation's capital.

The development of the D.C. campus received a significant boost from a $2 million investment by the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation. Looking forward, CBOBS aims to serve 10,000 students annually by 2030, a goal supported by facility expansion, increased staffing, and continued emphasis on scholarship access.

CBOBS operates as a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering personal growth through challenging experiences. With its headquarters in Baltimore's Leakin Park, the school has served diverse age groups across the Chesapeake Bay region for 40 years.