In Jim’s words, rappelling off the Hyatt is “a challenge for guys with white hair,” and is a great way to show support for Outward Bound.Once a regular supporter, Jim’s contributions had slowed over the years for various reasons. But the idea of using rappelling to fund scholarships was too good to pass up. “I have respect for the management and for their innovative ideas for raising money. I also appreciate how they are managing the mission. Outward Bound California seems like a dynamic organization with good management.”Jim’s support of Outward Bound goes back almost thirty years. He first heard of the power of the Outward Bound experience from a tennis partner who told Jim how Outward Bound had changed his own kids’ lives. After only three weeks on a wilderness expedition, his kids returned home with more maturity and perspective than he’d ever imagined possible.Jim liked the idea of exposing his own teenage kids to the kind of challenge and adventure that could support their transitions into adulthood and the greater levels of responsibility and self awareness that requires. He looked into the Outward Bound program and liked what he saw.His kids did, too. Each of Jim’s kids went on three week backpacking expeditions in the Sierra. At the end of their courses no one was disappointed.

Jim says that Outward Bound alumni “show some real stuff” when they return, and this was certainly true of his own children. “When they came back there was a great degree of maturity.”

Jim later attended a number of Outward Bound courses himself, including a trip to Patagonia. He always found the trips rigorous and interesting.

In terms of his philanthropy, Jim has always been drawn to helping young people. At Outward Bound California, Jim’s support funds scholarships for young people to go expeditions just like those that his own kids attended 20 years ago. “One thing that we really need to do in our country is to help kids. And what better way than to help kids from the city to get off the streets in the summer time?”

Outward Bound California is grateful to Jim Wyatt for his ongoing support of Pinnacle Scholarships. Thank you, Jim! We really appreciate your generosity.

 

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