Now’s the Day, Now’s the Hour

At Outward Bound, we wholeheartedly support this Bill. It represents a commitment to something we’ve championed for decades: ensuring that every young person, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to benefit from a transformative outdoor residential experience.

We know these experiences change lives. Our own research through our Social Impact Report confirms it. Teachers and parents tell us about the difference it makes. Young people share their stories of resilience, confidence, and teamwork built on the side of a mountain or around a campfire. And our alumni, whether they attended last year or fifty years ago, tell us those lessons have stayed with them for life.

Thanks to the hard work of the Children's and Young People’s Committee for their careful consideration and leadership we can now look forward to this Bill being debated on Thursday 27 March 2025. If passed, it will be a bold step towards ensuring that every young person in Scotland, regardless of circumstance, has access to the life-changing opportunities that only an outdoor residential can provide.

It’s also worth recognising that Scotland’s leadership in this area is inspiring similar movements elsewhere in the UK. The progress of this Bill has already sparked interest in Westminster and the Senedd in Wales, encouraging them to explore how outdoor learning can play a more central role in the lives of young people across Great Britain.

Back the campaign

• Read the content of the Bill here
• Find and write to your MSP here
• Download our letter template here