Building Benches, Summer Expeditions & Joshua Tree Joy

Tue May 6 11:00:19 PDT 2025

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When people find out I work for Outward Bound, I often get a version of this question: “So what’s the most epic trip you’ve done?”

I love the beauty of the Sierra. I can close my eyes and picture Cherry Lake right now - swimming in the cold water, granite rising behind the lake like some kind Ansel Adams picture. But here’s the thing the hike in is two miles.

Of course, some of my coworkers have hiked the entire Pacific Crest Trail or run 100-mile races on purpose. And then there are plenty like me, whose version of adventure involves zero running, a generous snack break, and preferably a lake at the end of the trail.

At Outward Bound, there’s a place for everyone. We’ve got single-day ropes course programs in San Francisco, day-long rock climbing in Joshua Tree, and 30-day Sierra expeditions for those who are ready to go deep into the backcountry and themselves.

If you’re looking for a summer adventure, we’ve got a backpack for you. Join us here. (https://www.outwardbound.org/expedition-finder?p=1&view=&sort=&school=&columnsort=&age=&locations%5B%5D=112&programs%5B%5D=98&programs%5B%5D=105&programs%5B%5D=97&from=&to=&month=&flexibility=&length_min=4&length_max=48&search=) :)

Chelsea Knoren, Senior Marketing and Communications Manager, cknoren at obca.org (mailto:cknoren at obca.org?subject=&body=)

First Aid Kits & Sun Shades —Thank You Volunteers

Outward Bound California’s 2025 Service Weekend was a huge success! More than 30 volunteers and staff prepped our Midpines Basecamp for the upcoming summer!

Thanks to their efforts, the place is safer and more ready to welcome our summer staff as they prep for hundreds of students heading into the mountains.

Together, we:
* Assembled hundreds of first aid kits
* Weed-whacked to reduce fire hazards
* Hung sun shades
* Reorganized food, boots, and sleeping bags
* Cleaned emergency kits, tubs, and canteens
* Built benches for future trail tales

We’re so grateful to everyone who joined — your work helps us keep the adventure going.
https://www.outwardbound.org/expedition-finder?p=1&view=grid&sort=&school=&columnsort=&age=&locations%5B%5D=112&from=&to=&month=6&flexibility=&length_min=10&length_max=29&search=

An Unforgettable Summer - Enroll Today!

Summer Break is a month away! We’ve got a few courses with spots left on June expeditions, and more openings in July and August. We can promise you stars, swimming, trail mix and new friends!
FIND YOUR COURSE HERE (https://www.outwardbound.org/expedition-finder?p=1&view=grid&sort=&school=&columnsort=&age=&locations%5B%5D=112&from=&to=&month=6&flexibility=&length_min=10&length_max=29&search=)
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIb1jMBxmh6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Aaaaand… That’s A Wrap!

Being in the desert, Joshua Tree is too hot to handle for summer backpacking. We wrapped up last month with some unforgettable courses, including crews from Archer and Anawakalmekak.

This year also marked a big milestone: we became homeowners (!!) with the purchase of our new basecamp.

Thank you to our amazing program partners, students and staff for making this season one to remember.
WATCH THE FINDING JOY REEL (https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIb1jMBxmh6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==)
https://www.climateride.org/events/joshua-tree-anza-borrego/

Spend Five Days Cycling Through Joshua Tree

Climate Ride turns adventure into action by mobilizing people to protect our planet — and raising funds for the causes they care about. Every year, OBCA rallies a team to ride in support of our programs, and this November we’re heading to Joshua Tree!

Join us for an unforgettable ride. Use code OBCA for 25% off registration. Reply to this email if you want in!
REGISTER HERE! (https://www.climateride.org/events/joshua-tree-anza-borrego/)
https://outwardboundcalifornia.org/donate

Coming Soon: Our Spring Appeal

Keep an eye on your inbox this week for a chance to support transformative outdoor learning. Ready now?https://outwardboundcalifornia.org/donateGive here. (https://outwardboundcalifornia.org/donate)
DONATE HERE (https://outwardboundcalifornia.org/donate)
https://www.outwardbound.org/blue-heron-educator-awards/?tfa_4=tfa_5

Nominate an Educator: Blue Heron Educator Awards

The Blue Heron Educator Awards honor educators who embody the values of resilience, compassion, perseverance, and purpose — core to Outward Bound. These awards recognize inspiring teachers, school leaders, and youth program staff across the country.

Nominations open today, in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, and close at the end of the month.
NOMINATE YOUR EDUCATOR (https://www.outwardbound.org/blue-heron-educator-awards/)
https://shop.sportsbasement.com/products/basementeer-membership-1?beneficiary=[724]%20Outward%20Bound%20California

Be a Basementeer for Good!

Support Outward Bound California while gearing up for your next adventure! Sports Basement’s Basementeer program turns the typical loyalty program into a win-win—you get 10% off, and OBCA gets 10% of your purchase.

Join in person or online and select OBCA as your beneficiary. Already a Basementeer? Update your account here (https://shop.sportsbasement.com/pages/basementeer-account-update-form?email=example%40test.com) to donate to us while you shop!
BECOME A BASEMENTEER (https://shop.sportsbasement.com/products/basementeer-membership-1?beneficiary=[724]%20Outward%20Bound%20California)

Notes From the Field

This excerpt is from Shelby’s reflection letter after she completed a two week backpacking expedition in the High Sierra.

“A couple special moments from my course include swimming in an alpine lake and summiting Red Mountain. I felt so free during these once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I also enjoyed connecting with my teammates and instructors. Everyone was extremely supportive. We laughed together, cried together, supported each other, and shared special experiences. We really grew close as a team and were able to accomplish difficult hikes and summit attempts.

Individually, I appreciated the opportunity this course gave me to find independence and confidence. It was the longest time I'd been away from home, but with the support of others, I was able to gain confidence in myself as an individual unit. I was able to navigate challenges by myself.”
https://outwardboundcalifornia.org
https://rcatalinotto@obca.org

We’re so grateful for your continued support and excited for all that’s ahead.
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