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Who is Outward Bound?
Outward Bound is an International organization that uses experiential learning (learn by doing), the outdoors and adventure-based programming as a classroom for learning life skills. Outward Bound was founded in 1941 by Kurt Hahn, a German Educator in Wales, who felt that education should impel students into value forming experiences. He developed programs that brought together young people from all walks of life in an effort to help them learn about working with others as well as gaining confidence in themselves. He believed that educational programs should help students develop the following qualities: tenacity in pursuit, enterprising curiosity, undefeatable spirit, readiness for sensible self-denial and above all compassion. Taken from his original work, our current core values include Character Development, Social and Environmental Responsibility, Adventure and Challenge, Learning from Experience, Compassion and Service. The organization has been in the United States for over 40 years and serves 60,000 students per year.
Who is Thompson Island Outward Bound?
Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center is an independent, chartered operating unit of Outward Bound USA. Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center was established in 1988. The organization serves over 5,000 students per year in School and Community Youth Groups, Summer Outward Bound Expeditions, and the Choices program for the Boston Public Schools.
What are the directions to the Thompson Island Ferry?
The M.V. Outward Bound leaves from the EDIC dock off of Drydock Avenue in South Boston, two hundred yards from the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal and Boston’s Design Center. A parking garage is located on Drydock Avenue across from the Design Center.
Who are the instructors?
Our instructors meet national standards for the skills and competencies required of the courses they instruct. Our instructors are Outward Bound certified instructors, which means, a lead instructor must have worked as an assistant instructor to develop their skills. Groups include a Lead Instructor.
How old are the instructors?
All members of our field staff are over 21 years of age. The Lead Instructors range from ages 23-45.
What kind of training do instructors have?
All instructors are required to have completed intensive Outward Bound training programs. Lead instructors have had at least three years prior experience working with Outward Bound programs. All instructors are Wilderness First Responders (WFR), certified in first aid in the wilderness. On Thompson Island we have certified EMTs, defibulators, and CPR certified staff. Many instructors have backgrounds in education, child development, outdoor education, and clinical studies.
What is the student to instructor ratio?
Our learning is group based, and groups are usually of 10 students to one Lead Instructor. However, the number of students- instructors differs for certain program elements. For instance, there is a six to one ratio for climbing elements.
Are instructors CORI checked?
All instructors and all personnel on Thompson Island have criminal background checks using the GIS system, which includes a 7-year nationwide background check. It is more extensive than the CORI check, which only covers Massachusetts.
What is the staff’s experience with homesickness and what are the procedures for extreme homesickness?
Instructors have strategies to divert students from focusing on feeling homesick; ranging from keeping an eye out, talking with them, keeping them engaged in the activities, etc. Generally students are comforted but encouraged to stay on course unless they are so homesick that they aren’t getting anything out of the program. If the problem persists, parents may be called, and in extreme cases students go home, although this is rare.
What are the sleeping arrangements and what should I bring for linens?
The students will sleep in dormitories or camp. The dormitory rooms feature nice, clean wooden bunks. Sheets, pillows, blankets and towels will be provided for those in the dorms. Sleeping bags and camping equipment are provided for campers.
What about safety?
Thompson Island Outward Bound operates under the safety guidelines of Outward Bound USA, which follows all industry standards. Thompson Island has yearly safety inspections, which include a review and assessment of all programs and course elements, all ropes courses and related climbing equipment, emergency procedures, safety manuals, student screening plus instructor quality and training. There is a full-time Safety Director for the entire island and a fulltime Safety Coordinator for the youth programs. Safety is built into all our procedures.
Thompson Island will customize a course to fit the needs of your school or group. To speak to a sales representative, please call 617-328-3900 x116, or e-mail youthcontracts@thompsonisland.org.
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