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Character Matters

Imagine Your Students...

...Unplugging, shouldering a canoe, charting a course, lightening a friend’s load, initiating courageous conversations, forging friendships, experiencing belonging... stargazing, discovering strengths, tapping into joy, growing grit, finding confidence... and developing character.

Character Expedition

  • 8 days in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness or St Croix Riverway
  • college or high school students
  • summer or fall 2026
  • 7 students + 2 Outward Bound instructors per crew
  • student character certificate & recommendation

Character Research & Community

  • EMA pre and post custom survey, student interviews & data analysis
  • annual character roundtable & cohort convenings
  • national impact publications & presentations
  • storytelling, elevation, media & video

Character Cohort Specs

Value

  • Character Expedition— student character development, certificate & recommendation
  • Research— evaluation, data & impact reporting
  • Community— annual roundtable, publication, presentations, video & messaging

Support

  • Design— customized expedition program for your learning community goals
  • Admissions— student recruitment, info sessions & readiness screening
  • Impact— student surveys, program evaluation & debrief meeting

Investment

  • $15,400— cohort participation + 1 expedition crew (7 students)
  • $30,800— cohort participation + 2 expedition crews (14 students)
  • $46,200— cohort participation + 3 expedition crews (21 students)

*If you are a youth-serving nonprofit or public school and require funding to participate, please inquire about support. Funding may be available to support historically marginalized students.

“On this trip, I started to discover how strong I really am and to explore my full potential. I learned how to work well in group settings, how to try new things, and how to speak up when I have ideas.”
- Culver Academies Alum

“I went Outward Bound 2 weeks before college. I was feeling unsure about my place in this new community, but this program gave me a sense of belonging, and the skills I need to thrive.”
- University of Notre Dame Alum
"An unforgettable experience—pushing boundaries, building confidence, and developing important leadership and teamwork skills. Your team’s thoughtful planning, expert guidance, and dedication made a tremendous difference. Thank you for creating such a safe, empowering, and memorable adventure.”
- Girls Inc. Executive Director
"Youth-serving nonprofits, high schools, colleges and powerful institutions like NACAC and EMA have a vested interest in helping students and learning communities grow character. Educators and researchers know that character development is central to college readiness, access, and success. Character really matters.”
- NACAC Character Focus Initiative Chair

Join the Character Crew 

   
Contact Partnership Officer Susan Farrell
susan.farrell@vobs.org • 651.321.4626

 

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