| OUR MISSION: Thompson Island Outward Bound is a not-for-profit organization whose primary purpose is to provide adventurous and challenging experiential learning programs that inspire character development, compassion, community service, environmental responsibility and academic achievement. Our organization principally serves early adolescents from all economic and social communities of greater metropolitan Boston, and the institutions and adults who support them. ESTABLISHED: As Thompson Island Outward Bound in 1988 PRESIDENT and CEO: Arthur N. Pearson GOVERNANCE: 26-member Board of Trustees NONPROFIT EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATION: 501 (c) 3 LOCATION: Thompson Island is a private island and one of 34 islands that comprise the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area, one mile from downtown Boston. ISLAND FEATURES: - 204 acres
- Four challenge courses
- A 60-foot climbing tower
- A pristine salt marsh
- Beaches and meadows
- Marine life, such as hermit crabs & harbor seals
TRANSPORTATION: Our ferry, the Outward Bound, departs from the Marine Industrial Park/EDIC Dock just off of Drydock Avenue, near the Black Falcon Terminal in South Boston YOUTH PROGRAMS INCLUDE: - Summer Expeditions offer a variety of courses for 12-17 year olds:
- Connecting with Courage®: Course designed specifically to empower 12 and 13-year old girls to develop a healthy sense of self
- Passages®: Course for 12 and 13-year old boys that encourages teamwork and compassion
- Intercept: Course for kids that need to get back on course in school or at home, co-ed, ages 13-17
- Environmental Expeditions: Sailing course with marine ecology focus, in conjunction with the New England Aquarium, coed, ages 14-17
- Activities include backpacking, climbing, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and rock climbing
- Course Areas Include: Boston Harbor and Massachusetts Bay, and the White Mountains of New Hampshire
- The Choices Program: Brings the Outward Bound experience to urban middle school students and teachers in Boston’s public middle schools, in the form of 5-day expeditions on Thompson Island and school-based programming with a focus on developing decision-making skills.
- Green Corps: a National Park Service sponsored summer employment training program for Choices graduates ages 14 – 17.
- School & Community Youth Group Courses: Customized for schools, fifth grade to undergraduates, teachers, groups and community organizations.
ACTIVITIES THAT SUPPORT OUR MISSION: - Outward Bound Professional: corporate teambuilding and leadership development programs for adults
- Thompson Island Conference Center: special event & conference services; proceeds support our youth programs
FUNDRAISING: Through the generous support of our donors, we are able to continue mission-based programming for Boston’s metropolitan youth. About 50% of our revenues are donated by: - Individuals
- Foundations
- Corporations
HISTORY: There has been a school on Thompson Island since 1833. It was the first vocational school in America, and established the first school band in the country. Read more about Thompson Island’s history. Thompson Island Outward Bound
P.O. Box 127
Boston, MA 02127
Phone: 617-328-3900 x104
Fax: 617-426-5637
E-mail: info@thompsonisland.org
www.thompsonisland.org | 
