Nominate a young person

Celebrate Adventure, Resilience, and Growth

At Outward Bound, we know that outdoor education changes lives.

The Outward Bound Award shines a spotlight on young trailblazers who have embraced challenges, discovered new horizons, and inspired their communities through courage, teamwork, and genuine grit.

What’s the Award?

It’s your chance to nominate a young person whose journey embodies the Outward Bound spirit. If they’ve overcome obstacles, led with heart, or simply shown the kind of compassion and resilience that inspires, we want to hear their story.

The reward: One standout nominee will win an unforgettable moment with their school at the end of term:

• An inspiring guest speaker to light up a school assembly and present the Award.
• £300 worth of personal equipment for them to fuel their next great adventure.

Nominate now

Frequently Asked Questions

Nominations

You have until 31 May 2025 to share the story of one of your favourite young adventurers. All we need is a maximum of 200 words describing why they're deserving of the Award.

"I never imagined I could conquer that mountain today

...but I did, and it wasn’t even that cold! I tackled all three climbs, with the easiest-looking one turning out to be the toughest. I came for the fun and new skills, and now I’m eager for canoeing!

- Aisha

"I didn't really knowing what to expect from Outward Bound, but I’ve gained so much

...It’s given me time to get know myself and think about what I want to do with my future.

- Dylan

"Today, I challenged myself to walk a mountain...

and I was amazed at how far I went. Leading the group made it even more rewarding."

- Malik

Outward Bound has taught me so much about myself

...I feel stronger and even though I came here on my own I've made some great friends.

- Julia

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I nominate someone?

It’s easy! Simply complete our short online form with a brief description of your nominee’s inspiring journey. Feel free to add photos if you have them, and submit your nomination before 31 May 2025. We're looking for something short and sweet, up to 200 words long, or if you prefer, a short video.

Nominate now: https://forms.office.com/e/y31...

Who can be nominated?

Anyone who embodies the Outward Bound spirit! We're looking for young people aged 12 - 22 who have shown courage, resilience, and teamwork in their journey, no matter how big or small the adventure. Whether it was a moment of triumph or self-discovery during their residential or a change you've seen when they got home - we want to know.

What are the criteria

We’re looking for genuine stories about young people across the UK who have been on a residential with us either during 2024 or 2025 and truly embodied the spirit of Outward Bound.

Here’s what that could means in practice:

1. Uncovering Hidden Potential:
   Think of a young person who discovered a new strength or skill they never knew they had.
2. Learning Through Adventure:
   Did they embrace challenges that taught them valuable life lessons?
3. Taking Smart Risks:
   Did they show bravery, balancing daring decisions with a sense of responsibility?
4. Caring for Others and the Environment:
   Have they demonstrated genuine respect and compassion towards peers and nature alike?
5. Being Authentically Themselves:
   Did they have the confidence to be true to who they are, inspiring others to do the same?

For example, imagine a young person who, during a challenging expedition, not only discovered an untapped talent but also rallied their team with kindness and thoughtful decision-making. That’s exactly the kind of spirit we want to celebrate.

This could apply during or after the young person’s adventure as long as you believe they’ve shown one or more of these qualities as a result of Outward Bound, we want to hear their story.

What does the winner receive?

One outstanding nominee will be celebrated in a special school event at the end of the Summer term (on a date of your choosing, but ideally during June or July 2025).

The winner will secure an inspiring guest speaker at their School assembly plus £300 worth of adventure equipment for themself to spark their next great journey.

Who can nominate a young person?

Anyone who’s witnessed a young person shine is welcome to nominate them. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, mentor, or friend, if you’ve seen them embrace adventure, overcome challenges, or simply be their authentic self as a result of Outward Bound, we want to hear their story.

It’s all about recognising that spark - no need to overthink it, just share the journey you’ve seen.

When is the deadline?

Nominations close on 31 May 2025. There's only a short window to hare with us the story of a young trailblazer who is making a difference, so don't delay! Nominations received outside that window may be considered for future Awards.

Will the winner be involved in press or media activity?

Yes. As part of the award, we’ll work with the winning young person, their school, and parents or carers to share their story through press and social media. This helps us celebrate their achievement and highlight the impact of Outward Bound.

We’ll handle all media activity sensitively and with full permission, making sure everyone involved feels supported and comfortable throughout.

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