Voyageur Outward Bound School is excited to welcome a new partner, the Center for Well-Being at the University of St. Thomas (UST) in St. Paul, Minnesota. Thanks to the Haggerty Family Foundation, Voyageur and UST launched Preparing to Thrive, a comprehensive pilot program designed to equip St. Thomas students with resilience, leadership, and the interpersonal skills necessary for creating a healthier, more inclusive campus environment. 

Preparing to Thrive is a two-year pilot program that engages students from Spring 2025 through Summer 2027. The program includes several phases designed to foster leadership, resilience, and more. Preparing to Thrive provides immersive experiences that combine the wisdom of VOBS’ adventure-based learning with the vital work of emotional and social growth supported by the Center of Well-Being. Students will engage in experiential learning opportunities that challenge societal norms and equip students to thrive in their personal, academic, and leadership roles.

The Preparing to Thrive program includes several phases and extends over two academic years. The program begins with Demo INSIGHT Days, introducing 10 students to on-campus and near-nature adventures, helping them explore the power of well-being programming, unplug, step out of their day-to-day routines and experience the Outward Bound approach to social, emotional, and physical well-being. 

The Fall and Spring of 2026 and 2027 will include monthly INSIGHT that build the foundation for engaging in teambuilding activities, including climbing, skiing, and more. While they unplug, connect, and reflect, students will deepen their understanding of emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and the impact of violence in relationships. These sessions will lead to Capstone Expeditions in Summers 2026, 2027.

Capstone Expeditions are an 8-day wilderness experience where students will apply Insight learnings, serving as a restorative opportunity for students to practice keys of thriving – and develop social, emotional, physical, and intellectual well-being.

Thanks to the Haggerty Family Foundation, the Center for Well-Being and Voyageur Outward Bound School will pilot a new, innovative program that enables the fostering of a generation of student leaders committed to cultivating healthier relationships, challenging harmful gender norms, taking care of their mental health and leading with empathy and respect.

Are you or your school interested in exploring partnership opportunities with Voyageur Outward Bound? Contact Marlais.Brand@vobs.org or 612-978-9671.