Doc Otto understood the healing power of nature. Today, his Otto Bound Scholarship is a pathway to hope.

Brothers, not of blood, but of Outward Bound. That’s the story of the Otto Bound Scholarship. It really starts with a 15-year-old – along with a scholarship and an age waiver – who becomes an instructor. He’ll meet a veteran, James (Doc) Otto and the two will become lifelong friends, brothers. And, together, they will decide to pay it forward, forever. 

Meet Doc and Ken.

James (Doc) Otto went on his first course as a young man in 1967. Like so many, he’d tell you it was life-changing and Bob Pieh (founder of Minnesota’s Outward Bound School) was an incredible influence. Doc served in Vietnam and found himself back on course in 1992. It was that course that transformed his life and fueled a belief in the healing power of the wilderness. A licensed social worker and outdoor therapist, and inspired by his own valuable experiences on course, Doc co-led therapy programs for veterans offered through the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) and sponsored by Voyageur (Minnesota) Outward Bound. 

Like the scholarship that honors Doc’s legacy, Ken Gilbertson’s Outward Bound story starts with strong will and a scholarship. He knew of Outward Bound and was determined to make an expedition early on. In fact, he’d get a waiver to be allowed on course before he was of “official age.” In 1971, Ken received a $300 “tuition grant” to make an expedition. His acceptance letter and packet included everything from directions on how to prepare for the course to a sample thank you letter for the scholarship that would make his expedition possible. All these years later, Ken holds those initial documents dear. That waiver and scholarship would set the stage for impact for the next 54 years and beyond.

A Lifelong Bond Through VOBS.

While Ken was delivering outdoor education at UMD, Doc was an outdoor therapist for a prominent youth program called Camp St. Croix. “Doc was a passionate man who believed deeply in helping people who are struggling in life,” said Ken. Doc was diagnosed with significant PTSD [following his combat service] and would return to Outward Bound to support his mental health. He participated in a wilderness therapy program designed specifically for Vets with PTSD where he met amazing co-instructors for the course, Ken Gilbertson and Ted Harrison. 

It would be Voyageur Outward Bound that would connect Doc Otto and Ken Gilbertson for life. Their friendship would take many turns and eventually Doc asked Ken to manage his estate and carry out his wishes to help veterans, sexual assault survivors, and adjudicated youth, through the Otto Bound Trust. 

When Doc passed in 2024, the two had a plan to honor his passion and belief and create a legacy for helping military veterans and others experiencing life struggles with the opportunity to go Outward Bound. 

Introducing the Otto Bound Scholarship.

Ken is honoring his Outward Bound experience and his brother’s dream to give others the same chance to go into the wilderness and learn. This year, Ken delivered on his commitment to Doc’s wishes and established the OTTO BOUND SCHOLARSHIP. This scholarship connects passion, purpose, ‘brothers’, the life changing power of the wilderness, and the incredible experiential curriculum unique to Outward Bound programs. Ken recalls the power of his own VOBS/MOBS experience and the journey to self-awareness. Specifically, the equality of men and women and the acceptance of difference – pivotal concepts in growth and transformation at any age. 

Voyageur Outward Bound is thankful to Doc for choosing to make VOBS a part of his legacy planning and make that aspiration known to his friend and brother in life, Ken. More students will explore, discover, and grow because of them. Like Ken, scholarships are the difference for so many students. Removing a financial barrier to going Outward Bound matters, now more than ever. 

If you are interested in honoring a loved one, honoring your Outward Bound experience, or including VOBS in your estate planning, learn more by contacting Stacey or Jack at Development@vobs.org or 651-401-0637.

Click HERE if you are interested in going on course and would like to apply for a scholarship.