2021/2022
"A really transformational experience.
You will form beautiful connections with people who start out as strangers and end as family. You will have so much fun.
You will learn to push yourself and dig deep into your own mental strength. You will learn how to access a strength that has always been part of you.
You will be inspired and feel deeply proud of yourself and those who you form connections with. You will learn to find comfort in the discomfort.
You will experience the beautiful scenery of the Marlborough sounds.
You will truly have the time of your life!"
Outward Bound Student - 2022
*Less annual student numbers than average reflects reduced course delivery to mitigate COVID transmission at the school
Results from students attending between July 1 2021 – June 30 2022. N=925.
All students complete an electronic post-course evaluation at the end of their course. They’re asked to score themselves against statements in these eight categories (self-confidence, values awareness, service etc.), 1 being ‘false, not like me’ and 8 being ‘true, very like me’, firstly how they felt at beginning of the course, and secondly how they feel at the end of the course.
This data is used to calculate the change each student experiences during their course, therefore the effect the course has on them. The effect size is a quantitative measure of how much the course has affected them. An effect size of above 0 indicates a positive change, and an effect size of above 0.4 indicates a major change.
Outward Bound courses consistently show effect size results of more than 0.6 across all course objectives, in fact our overall effect size for this annual year is 1.15!
"I found this experience extremely useful because it provided us with countless opportunities to grow as a person; physically, emotionally, mentally and socially. It enabled me to grow and see the true potential I hold with the support of the incredible instructors."
Like many New Zealand businesses, COVID continued to disrupt Outward Bound’s business as usual and after two years of delivering courses through a pandemic, it felt hard to remember what a ‘normal’ Outward Bound course looked like!
As is highlighted throughout this year’s report, it was without doubt our passionate, innovative, and tenacious staff who steered us safely through the COVID storm.
Pictured: Outward Bound students using first available RATs in NZ, November 2021.
Our response to the pandemic was and continues to be values-driven. The safety of our students, staff and wider community is our number one priority. All our decision-making pivoted on that key priority. The school’s unique setting in Anakiwa offers a lot of opportunity for COVID transmission.
With almost 2000 New Zealanders making the pilgrimage to Anakiwa from different regions every year, and being in close contact with 13 others from the get-go, it was vital we could give our students and staff the confidence that we could keep them and others safe.
As the COVID outbreak started to take hold in every region of Aotearoa, every day presented a new challenge that required a different approach. COVID fatigue was felt by all of us.
However, in true Outward Bound fashion, we continue to reflect on what COVID has taught us and how we can continue to learn from the challenges and celebrate the silver linings. Here’s a snapshot of the rollercoaster that was COVID over 12 months at Outward Bound:
One of the first NZ businesses to roll out RAT self-testing in early November 2021 thanks to the support of Arrotex Pharmaceuticals
Successfully mandated and ‘unmandated’ COVID vaccination in line with government regulations
Diversified our course delivery to mitigate COVID transmission
Provided onsite 7 day isolation to over 30 students who tested positive for COVID on course
Administered over 2000 RATs to students and staff
450 less students made it to Anakiwa
31 courses cancelled by Outward Bound during July 21- June 22, due to COVID
COVID outbreak within our instructor body in June resulting in 3 courses being postponed.
2 courses sent home mid-course due to COVID within the watch
361 students unable to attend due to testing positive or long-COVID symptoms pre-course
Reported an end-of-year deficit of $685,743
