Nestled on the pristine banks of the Swartvlei, just outside Sedgefield, is the beautiful Willowpoint centre, home of Outward Bound South Africa (OBSA). OBSA is part of a worldwide movement delivering life enhancing learning adventures to young and old alike. Using adventure as the teacher and the outdoors as the classroom, Outward Bound programmes are not easily forgotten. And with trails to blaze, mountains to climb and rivers to conquer, the Garden Route offers the perfect backdrop.
Outward Bound SA was founded in 1992 when a wealthy American, Charlie Stetson, was travelling through South Africa and was deeply touched by the pain he saw as a result of the violent and troubled history of the country. Having experienced the power of Outward Bound in the USA and other countries he donated the money to start Outward Bound in SA. The old Veld & Vlei facility at Willowpoint was acquired and became the centre of OBSA operations. Part of Charlie's donation was two beautiful, historic whalers, which are now often seen in full sail, manned by students and gracing the waters of the Swartvlei.
Since 1992 thousands of participants have benefitted from the life changing impact of Outward Bound programmes. Outward Bound is an exhilarating, life-enhancing, learning adventure. It is an experience that leaves you changed for life and somehow bigger than you were before. Using fun, challenge and adventure, Outward Bound programmes are designed for impact. The predominantly outdoor programmes excite, provoke, nurture, teach, and transform. A world class, multinational, not-for-profit organisation, Outward Bound operates in 31 countries on 5 continents. For over 60 years this unique organisation has been transforming lives, communities and organisations.
Outward Bound core values are service, compassion, social and environmental responsibility, character development, learning through experience, adventure and challenge. It is a new kind of school where the world of thought and action are no longer divided. Outward Bound SA raises funds to support its work with youth, as well as running world class programmes for fee paying clients. Customised programmes are offered to youth, schools, adults, corporations, special needs groups, and overseas groups. The mission of Outward Bound SA is to radically impact the youth of the country, creating young people who have strong values, a powerful belief in themselves and who make a positive contribution to society.