Outward Bound Singapore

Logo of the Outward Bound Singapore

Outward Bound Singapore (Chinese: 新加坡外展学校) is part of the network of Outward Bound centres worldwide. While Outward Bound is well-established in many other countries, the Outward Bound centre in Singapore has the distinction of having an 'Excellent' rating for expertise, facilities and safety. Established in 1967, it aims to be a world-class Outward Bound centre for outdoor education and leadership development. Outward Bound Singapore has two campuses, located on the island of Pulau Ubin and at East Coast Park.

History

Inverse tower at Pulau Ubin

Initially named the Outward Bound School of Singapore (OBSS), it was founded by then Minister of the Interior and Defence and Deputy Chairman of the People's Association, Goh Keng Swee in 1967. From 1970, OBSS was under the management of the Ministry of Defence, where it was used as a facility to prepare young men for compulsory national service. After it was returned to the People's Association in 1991, however, the school was renamed to Outward Bound Singapore, hence playing an active role in helping young people in their development. The number of participants has grown since 1991 and it is currently the largest Outward Bound school worldwide. Secondary school students are strongly encouraged to attend a week's programme at Outward Bound's Pulau Ubin centre. The programme is either an indoor or outdoor programme, depending on the weather conditions.

Facilities

Rock-climbing wall at Pulau Ubin

When Outward Bound first started in 1967, its facilities were spartan. Currently, OBS has two campuses, one at Pulau Ubin and the other at East Coast Park where both are centres for teenagers and National Service men. The facilities at the Pulau Ubin campus include a Peak Ascent Tower, tunnelling and caving system, inverse and tripod towers, rock climbing walls, teaching rooms and a 25-metre swimming pool for kayaking. The Pulau Ubin campus is located at two locations, with Campus 1 being larger than Campus 2. Depending on the course, Residential or Mobile, the campers either stay in the dormitories provided on campus or in tents on the school's ground respectively.

The other campus at East Coast Park, also known as SPARKc@Marine Parade, is located in the eastern area of the beach park. The campus caters more to children and adolescents in the development of their physical and mental abilities. The facilities at the East Coast campus include a Multi-Element Tower, tunnel/caving/maze system, rope courses, a tree house, dormitories for overnight campers, rock climbing walls and also learning studios.

Awards

1995/1996

• Pin of Honour Award to Winston Lim from Outward Bound International
• 12 Friends of Schools Award

1997

• OBS Spirit Award (International) from Chairman of Outward Bound International
• Spirit of the Outward Bound Award from Chairman of Outward Bound Australia

2000

• Excellence for Singapore Award from Singapore Totaliser Board.
• Distinguished Service Award from Outward Bound Indonesia.
• Leadership Award to Winston Lim from Outward Bound International.

2001

• Winner of Innovative Programming Award from Outward Bound International for Overseas Youth Programme.
• Special Commendation Award in Innovative Programming from Outward Bound International for SPARKc .

2002

• Winner of NOVA Award for artificial Tunnel/Cave/Maze (TCM).
• Winner of Innovative Programming Award from Outward Bound International for artificial Tunnel/Cave/Maze (TCM).
• Distinguished Service Award to Winston Lim from Outward Bound International.

2003

• Leader Mentor Award to Winston Lim at Global Leaders Mentoring Congress.

See also

• Outdoor education
• Outward Bound

External links

• OBS Homepage

References