Outward Bound Outward Bound Center 3250 W Sedglely Drive Philadelphia, PA 19130 Telephone: 215-232-9130 Fax: 215-232-9162 E-mail: [email protected]

Dear Peer Leadership Participant, Parent/Guardians and Family:

What is Outward Bound? Our mission is to conduct safe, adventure-based courses structured to encourage growth and discovery, and to inspire leadership, confidence, self-reliance, compassion and care for the environment. The heart of the Outward Bound experience is learning by doing. Peer Leadership programs offer youth an opportunity to develop leadership capabilities and take them back to their communities. Utilizing a variety of outdoor activities as vehicles for learning, groups encounter unfamiliar settings, equipped with the necessary tools for solving problems and achieving success. Outward Bound expeditions encourage youth to develop leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills in an exciting and challenging outdoor environment.

What is a Backpacking Expedition? You or your child will be part of a team from your school comprised of 11 students, 1 teacher, and 2 professionally trained Outward Bound instructors. Your team will hike along portions of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. You will experience rock climbing, map and compass navigation, environmental ethics, emotional and physical challenges, and team leadership skill development.

Can I talk to my family while on course? To maximize group cohesiveness and energy, we ask that all participants refrain from calling or receiving calls from home during their time on expedition. Each instructor is equipped with a cell phone, linking those in the field with our office staff - 24 hours a day. In the case of an emergency at home, parents may call the Course Director in Philadelphia at 267-809-0595. Parents or guardians will be notified immediately if a situation occurs while students are on the course.

Who are my child’s instructors? Accompanying participants on these five-day expeditions are two highly trained Outward Bound Instructors. Our instructors come from Baltimore, Philadelphia, and around the country. We require our instructors to carry certifications in First Aid and CPR, and at least one is a Wilderness First Responder – a high level of wilderness medical training. In addition, all of our staff have been screened and cleared by the national FBI criminal record database, local police databases, and the Maryland State police. Safety for your child and for our staff is among our highest priorities.

What paperwork is required? Accompanying this letter is the 2 page Medical Form and Acknowledgement & Assumption of Risk Form. In order to participate, BOTH forms needs to be fully completed, signed, and returned to your school contact on time. Outward Bound’s screening process is thorough and rigorous in order to ensure the safety of our participants. Our Medical Screener may need to contact you for clarification or to request additional information.

When and where do I pick up my child at the end of the course? Your child’s course will end with a special graduation ceremony at 1:00 p.m. at the Philadelphia Outward Bound Center base in the Sedgeley Porter House, East (directions are below). Please join us to celebrate your child’s accomplishments with Outward Bound. RSVP to me at the number below. If you are unable to attend, your child will be brought back to their school by 3:00 p.m.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me. We are excited about your upcoming Outward Bound adventure!

Sincerely,

Aisha Burrell Medical Screener & Admission Coordinator 215-232-9130 ext. 2327 [email protected]

Directions to:

Philadelphia Outward Bound Center 3250 West Sedgeley Drive Sedgely Porter House – East Fairmount Park Philadelphia, PA 19130

From I-95 (north or south):  Take Rt. 676 West towards Center City/Valley Forge  Merge onto Rt. 76 West towards Valley Forge  Exit at /  At top of exit ramp, turn right onto 33rd Street (Zoo will be on your left after you turn).  Turn right at the light at Girard Avenue and proceed over the Girard Avenue bridge (over the ).  IMMEDIATELY after crossing the bridge, turn right into East Fairmount Park onto West Sedgeley Drive.  Proceed up Sedgeley Drive to the first stop sign and turn left into Outward Bound’s driveway.  Proceed through the iron gates and park in the lot.

From Rt. 76 ():  Exit at Girard Avenue/Philadelphia Zoo  At top of exit ramp, turn right onto 33rd Street (Zoo will be on your left after you turn).  Turn right at the light at Girard Avenue and proceed over the Girard Avenue bridge (over the Schuylkill River).  IMMEDIATELY after crossing the bridge, turn right into East Fairmount Park onto West Sedgeley Drive.  Proceed up Sedgeley Drive to the first stop sign and turn left into Outward Bound’s driveway.  Proceed through the iron gates and park in the lot.