Jana, an eighth grader at Visitacion Valley Middle School is a great example of the growth our students achieve through our school programs.  She comes from an immigrant family of modest means and, without opportunities like Outward Bound, would not have the chance to get outside of the city and see the greater natural world.  Over the past several years, she has completed three Peer Leadership expeditions and two rock climbing Insight Days with her classmates.

Jana’s guidance counselor, Orlando Beltran, let us know that the Outward Bound courses she has been on have given her the chance to shine. She has embraced challenges that seemed insurmountable and pushed beyond her ordinary comfort zone, building on her progress from year to year. On the most recent expedition, we know she struggled and broke down crying because her pack was quite heavy and the miles were long and she was not sure she could go on. But she pushed through that doubt, maintained a good attitude, and saw that she was capable of much more than she thought.

Not only has Jana’s self-confidence grown through Outward Bound, but she also has built supportive relationships with her guidance counselor and fellow students, this year she often stops by Orlando’s office to ask questions or seek advice.  Jana will start high school next year and Orlando believes that the confidence, skills and resiliency she has learned through Outward Bound California courses will pave the way for her to succeed both socially and academically.

Young participants like Jana often times do not have many options for exploration and self discovery outside of their neighborhood. With help from donors like you, Jana was able to attend multiple courses with her schoolmates. You can make it happen for other students too!

Donate here to impact the lives of students at a such a crucial time in their adolescence.