2026-07-29T14:46:30-04:00 2025-12-31 272001590 J MILLER & ASSOCIATES LLC PO BOX 27308 PHILADELPHIA PA 19118 990 2025-01-01 562472884 PHILADELPHIA OUTWARD BOUND CENTER PHIL 2152329130 3401 RESERVOIR DRIVE PHILADELPHIA PA 19121 JUSTIN ENNIS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 0021523291 2026-07-29 JOYCE MILLER P00047160 2156001701 2026-07-29 2025 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z PHILADELPHIA OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL JUSTIN ENNIS 3401 RESERVOIR DRIVE PHILADELPHIA PA 19121 3575354 false X HTTPS://OUTWARDBOUNDPHILADELPHIA.ORG/ X 2005 PA THE PHILADELPHIA OUTWARD SCHOOL (POBS) SPARKS LIFELONG GROWTH THROUGH CHALLENGE - OUTSIDE. WE FACILITATE ADVENTUROUS LEARNING, ROOTED IN THE OUTDOORS, TO UNLOCK CONFIDENCE, CURIOSITY, AND THE SKILLS TO THRIVE WITH PURPOSE. POBS PRIMARILY SERVES YOUTH 12-18 YEARS THROUGH SINGLE DAY PROGRAMS AND MULTI DAY EXPEDITIONS. POBS ALSO OFFERS PROFESSIONAL TEAM- BUILDING EXPERIENCES FOR ADULTS. 24 24 85 14 0 1902402 1770963 1283469 1483949 26002 38890 15 215250 3211888 3509052 0 0 2335915 2612289 0 444580 850860 1001603 3186775 3613892 25113 -104840 2196666 2238917 351214 406716 1845452 1832201 X THE PHILADELPHIA OUTWARD SCHOOL'S (POBS) MISSION IS TO SPARK LIFELONG GROWTH THROUGH CHALLENGE - OUTSIDE. WE FACILITATE ADVENTUROUS LEARNING, ROOTED IN THE OUTDOORS, TO UNLOCK CONFIDENCE, CURIOSITY, AND THE SKILLS TO THRIVE WITH PURPOSE. false false 2098273 1483949 INSIGHT PROGRAMS ARE ONE-DAY FACILITATED OUTWARD BOUND EXPERIENCES HELD AT OUR HEADQUARTERS AT THE DISCOVERY CENTER IN FAIRMOUNT PARK AND IN WISSAHICKON VALLEY PARK. PARTICIPANTS MOVE THROUGH A PROGRESSION OF ACTIVITIES BEGINNING WITH GROUND-BASED TEAM CHALLENGES AND BUILDING TOWARD A PEAK EXPERIENCE SUCH AS CLIMBING THE HIGH ROPES COURSE. EACH PROGRAM DAY IS DESIGNED TO BUILD CONNECTION, COMMUNICATION, AND CONFIDENCE WITHIN A GROUP. IN 2025, POBS SERVED 5,502 YOUTH THROUGH THIS INTRODUCTORY-LEVEL PROGRAM. THEY CAME PRIMARILY FROM SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND OTHER NEARBY DISTRICT PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOLLOWED BY YOUTH FROM CHARTER AND INDEPENDENT/PRIVATE SCHOOLS. STUDENTS SPANNED GRADES 6 - 12. FOR MANY YOUNG PEOPLE, SPENDING 5-6 HOURS IMMERSED IN OUTDOOR EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PROVIDES A RARE AND FORMATIVE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE THE NATURAL WORLD, CHALLENGE THEMSELVES, AND DISCOVER NEW POSSIBILITIES. IN 2025, POBS SURVEYED 760 INSIGHT STUDENTS TO MEASURE THE IMPACT OF OUR PROGRAMS. COMBINED WITH FINDINGS FROM STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN OUR MULTI- DAY WILDERNESS EXPEDITIONS, THE LARGEST GROWTH AREAS WERE GROUP RELATIONSHIPS, ASSERTIVENESS, AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. HIGHLIGHTS FROM POBS' 2025 STUDENT SURVEYS INCLUDE: 92% ARE MORE AWARE OF HOW TO SUPPORT OTHERS 87% FEEL MORE CONNECTED TO THEIR PEERS 89% GAINED CONFIDENCE TO TRY NEW THINGS 91% ARE EXCITED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THEMSELVES AND OTHERS EXPEDITION PROGRAMS ARE IMMERSIVE, MULTI-DAY WILDERNESS EXPERIENCES THAT ACCELERATE SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL SKILLS RELATED TO COURAGE, BELONGING, REFLECTION, AND PHYSICAL ENGAGEMENT. PARTICIPANTS PRIMARILY COME FROM A SCHOOL'S SPECIFIC GRADE LEVEL, A LEADERSHIP GROUP, CLUB, OR AFFINITY COHORT. EXPEDITIONS RANGE 5-14 DAYS AND TAKE PLACE ALONG THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL IN THE DELAWARE WATER GAP. ALONG WITH THE RIGORS OF CAMPING, STUDENTS ENGAGE IN 2-3 PHYSICAL CHALLENGES (HIKING, CANOEING, AND ROCK CLIMBING). TOGETHER, THEY NAVIGATE SHARING TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES: COOKING, DECISION MAKING, ROUTE PLANNING, AND PROBLEM-SOLVING. POBS ALSO OFFERS MERIT-BASED 100% SCHOLARSHIP SUMMER EXPEDITIONS OPEN TO YOUTH THROUGHOUT THE REGION. THESE OPPORTUNITIES ATTRACT MOTIVATED STUDENTS WHO PREVIOUSLY PARTICIPATED PREVIOUSLY IN A ONE-DAY INSIGHT PROGRAM OR A SCHOOL/GROUP SPONSORED EXPEDITION. IN 2025, 611 YOUTH PARTICIPATED IN A MULTI-DAY WILDERNESS EXPEDITION; 418 OF THESE STUDENTS WERE SURVEYED POST COURSE TO MEASURE THE IMPACT OF OUR PROGRAMS. COMBINED WITH FINDINGS FROM STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN INSIGHT DAYS, THE LARGEST GROWTH AREAS WERE GROUP RELATIONSHIPS, ASSERTIVENESS, AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. HIGHLIGHTS FROM POBS' 2025 STUDENT SURVEYS INCLUDE: 92% ARE MORE AWARE OF HOW TO SUPPORT OTHERS 87% FEEL MORE CONNECTED TO THEIR PEERS 89% GAINED CONFIDENCE TO TRY NEW THINGS EXPEDITIONS TAKE THREE BASIC FORMS. 1). PEER LEADERSHIP COURSES ARE 5-7 DAY WILDERNESS COURSES THAT ENGAGE PARTICIPANTS WITH PEERS IN CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENTS TO DEVELOP LEADERSHIP AND PERSONAL SKILLS. THEY ARE EITHER BACKPACKING OR CANOEING EXPEDITIONS IN THE FALL OR SPRING. SCHOOLS USE THESE AS PART OF A PROGRAM PROGRESSION FOR THEIR 8TH - 12TH GRADE STUDENTS WHO PARTICIPATED EARLIER IN INSIGHT PROGRAMS. THESE ARE ALSO A POPULAR FORMAT FOR SUMMER OPEN ENROLLMENT COURSES THAT ATTRACT STUDENTS FROM ALL OVER WHO SEEK A CHALLENGE. 2) GET OUT AND LEAD (GOAL) IS AN ANNUAL 10-DAY MERIT-AWARD SUMMER EXPEDITION FOR PHILADELPHIA REGION TWELVE MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS. THE CREW BRINGS TOGETHER MOTIVATED STUDENTS SELECTED FROM A VARIETY OF BACKGROUNDS FOR A MIX OF BACKPACKING, CANOEING AND ROCK- CLIMBING. STUDENTS MUST APPLY, PROVIDE REFERENCES, AND INTERVIEW TO BE CONSIDERED. 3) YOUTH LEADERSHIP CORPS IS AN ANNUAL 14-DAY MERIT-AWARD SUMMER EXPEDITION FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. DEPENDING ON FUNDING, THERE CAN BE ONE TO TWO CREWS (12 STUDENTS EACH). IN 2025 THERE WAS ONE CREW. THIS COURSE ALSO BRINGS TOGETHER MOTIVATED STUDENTS SELECTED FROM A VARIETY OF BACKGROUNDS FOR A MIX OF BACKPACKING, CANOEING AND ROCK-CLIMBING. STUDENTS MUST APPLY, PROVIDE REFERENCES, AND INTERVIEW TO BE CONSIDERED. EDUCATOR AND OTHER ADULT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS PRIMARILY USE THE SINGLE DAY INSIGHT MODEL ADAPTED FOR A MATURE STUDENT WORKING IN EDUCATION, NONPROFIT, AND CORPORATE SETTINGS. POBS CUSTOMIZES THE PROGRAM TO ADDRESS EACH ORGANIZATION'S TEAMWORK, COMMUNICATION, AND PROBLEM-SOLVING GOALS. THE EXCEPTION IS THE 7-DAY SUMMER CANOE EXPEDITION FOR EDUCATORS FROM POBS' PARTNER SCHOOLS AND YOUTH-SERVING PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS. IN BOTH CASES, PARTICIPANTS BUILD TRUST AND GAIN NEW PERSPECTIVES ON LEADERSHIP. EDUCATORS AND SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS GAIN A DIRECT AND DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE OUTWARD BOUND EDUCATION MODEL AND ARE THEN BETTER EQUIPPED TO SUPPORT THE TRANSFER OF THEIR STUDENTS' LEARNING FROM POBS COURSE TO CLASSROOM TO COMMUNITY. IN 2025, POBS ENGAGED 520 TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS INVOLVED IN SECONDARY EDUCATION AS WELL AS 908 OTHER ADULTS RANGING FROM VETERANS AND PEOPLE WORKING IN THE CORPORATE, GOVERNMENT, AND NONPROFIT SECTORS. AFTER COMPLETING A PROGRAM WITH THEIR TEAM, 85% OF THE 2025 PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS SURVEYED AGREED OR STRONGLY AGREED THAT THEY FELT MORE COMMITTED TO THEIR TEAM'S SUCCESS AND 80% AGREED THAT THEY FEEL MORE ALIGNED WITH THEIR TEAM'S GOALS. RESPONDING TO HOW MUCH THE PROGRAM HELPED THEM DEVELOP, STRENGTHEN, OR BECOME MORE AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION SKILLS, 83% AGREED THAT IT HELPED THEM WITH COMMUNICATION SKILLS AND 87% AGREED THAT THEY BECAME MORE AWARE OF THE NEEDS OF THEIR TEAM. A TOP AND ONGOING PRIORITY FOR POBS REMAINS DEEPENING PARTNERSHIPS WITH COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AND RESIDENTS OF STRAWBERRY MANSION, THE NEIGHBORHOOD THAT SURROUNDS THE DISCOVERY CENTER, OUR HEADQUARTERS IN EAST FAIRMOUNT PARK. SINCE 2018, POBS HAS SHARED THIS WORLD-CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FACILITY WITH AUDUBON MID-ATLANTIC (AMA). COMMUNITY INPUT WAS CRITICAL FOR CREATING THE DISCOVERY CENTER. EVER SINCE THE FACILITY OPENED IN 2018, POBS AND AMA HAVE WORKED TO OFFER A MONTHLY SCHEDULE OF PROGRAMMING FOR THE COMMUNITY. THESE DISCOVERY DAYS OFFER A VARIETY OF EDUCATIONAL AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES USING BOTH INDOOR AND OUTDOOR CLASSROOMS, EXHIBITS, TRAILS, CLIMBING WALL, HIGH ROPES COURSE, THE 37-ACRE LAKE, AND BIRD WATCHING LOOKOUTS. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC YEAR-ROUND, POBS COLLABORATED WITH AMA TO OFFER 10 WEEKEND EVENTS DESIGNED TO INTRODUCE COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO EACH ORGANIZATION'S RESPECTIVE PROGRAMS. POBS AND AMA ORGANIZE ONGOING ADVISORY GROUP MEETINGS AND THE VOLUNTEERS PLAN AND PROMOTE THE EVENTS. THIS CONSISTENT OUTREACH FOSTERS NEIGHBORHOOD ADULTS' UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT POBS AND AMA OFFER AND BUILDS THE TRUST CRITICAL FOR THEM TO SUPPORT THEIR CHILDREN'S PARTICIPATION IN PROGRAMS. IN 2025, POBS AND AMA CONTINUED TO HOST A 10-WEEK PAID SUMMER ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FOR A SMALL GROUP OF YOUTH RECRUITED FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD. IT IS A PIPELINE THAT CULTIVATES YOUTH AWARENESS OF AND INTEREST IN OUTDOOR EDUCATION JOBS. 2098273 true true false false false false false false false true true false false false true true true false false false false false false false true false false false false true false false false false false false false false false false false false false true false false false true X 17 0 true 85 true false false false false false true true false false false false false false false false X 24 24 false false false false false false false true true false false true true true true true true true true false PA NJ X JUSTIN ENNIS 2153728937 3401 RESERVOIR DRIVE PHILADELPHIA PA 19121 X JUSTIN ENNIS EXECUTIVE DI 40.00 X 155092 0 12507 JENNEL JOHNSON DIRECTOR OF 40.00 X 119424 0 6496 MATT NORCINI CHAIR 1.00 X X 0 0 0 CLAIRE ROBERTSON-KRAFT VICE CHAIR 1.00 X X 0 0 0 ALLISON MARTIN NGUYEN VICE CHAIR 1.00 X X 0 0 0 DONALD MOBLEY TREASURER 1.00 X X 0 0 0 KATE FITZGERALD SECRETARY 1.00 X X 0 0 0 ANDREW ADAMS TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 STEVEN CHINTAMAN TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 KEENAN CORRIGAN TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 NYRON CRAWFORD TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 JOHN D'ANNA TRUSTEE X 0 0 0 CORY DULANEY TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 DR CRYSTAL EDWARDS TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 BETSY LONGSTRETH TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 DANIELLE MERRIT-ROBINSON EDD TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 GREGORY MIRAGLIA TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 NANCY PETERSON TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 HOMER ROBINSON TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 KIMBERLY TOGMAN TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 BRYAN TRACY TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 MICHAEL VAN PELT TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 PAUL VERNON TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 WHIT WEBSTER TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 KELLAN WHITE TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 MITCHELL YOUNG TRUSTEE 1.00 X 0 0 0 274516 19003 2 false true false 69157 1701806 1770963 TUITION & FEES 611710 1483949 1483949 1483949 34673 34673 70519 66302 4217 4217 4217 215250 69157 215250 215250 3509052 1483949 254140 167599 112404 36468 18727 2109506 1414787 459010 235709 149243 100093 32474 16676 185941 124706 40459 20776 14300 14300 210111 28201 123422 58488 160154 54157 18656 87341 2736 232 1866 638 63517 63499 18 17669 5854 11433 382 6979 6979 58971 58971 233608 233608 PROGRAM AND EQUIPMENT 190478 188323 2155 TELEPHONE AND INTERNET 21817 3320 18497 FOOD 12816 1239 8339 3238 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 4005 818 2742 445 4442 640 1642 2160 3613892 2098273 1071039 444580 710023 582441 209110 199110 140727 276274 54219 56670 545588 364023 240536 181565 818237 942857 23814 2196666 2238917 93023 184155 55331 60275 65822 29105 137038 133181 351214 406716 X 791435 938099 1054017 894102 1845452 1832201 2196666 2238917 -104840 99427 -7838 X false true X true false X 1962262 2216857 1689147 1902402 1770963 9541631 1962262 2216857 1689147 1902402 1770963 9541631 9541631 66408 61871 25541 25684 34673 214177 214250 214250 249963 237378 195304 210334 255470 1148449 11118507 5103527 0.85820 0.87910 X PART II, LINE 10 PROGRAM RESERVE FUNDS - OTHER CONTRI 1,146,874 OTHER INCOME 1,575 RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 818237 124620 942857 754210 64027 818237 1117802 -363592 754210 1328997 -143398 1117802 1053073 167500 108424 1328997 1.00000 false false 34390 3587 30803 454294 303532 150762 56904 56904 181565 ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOAN 133181 133181 X 3603566 99427 2925 102352 3501214 7838 7838 3509052 3616817 2925 2925 3613892 3613892 SCHEDULE D, PAGE 3, PART X THE ORGANIZATION IS EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL AND STATE INCOME TAX UNDER SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE AND DETERMINED NOT TO BE A PRIVATE FOUNDATION WITHIN SECTION 509(A) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. ACCORDINGLY, THERE IS NO PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES. THE ORGANIZATION DID NOT ENGAGE IN ANY UNRELATED BUSINESS ACTIVITIES DURING THE YEAR AND IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ACTIVITIES THAT WOULD JEOPARDIZE ITS TAX EXEMPT STATUS. THE ORGANIZATION FOLLOWS THE GUIDANCE FOR UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS. THE ORGANIZATION HAS APPROPRIATE SUPPORT FOR ANY TAX POSITIONS TAKEN, AND AS SUCH, DOES NOT HAVE ANY UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS THAT ARE MATERIAL TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS BUILDING ADVENT 284407 69157 215250 284407 69157 215250 215250 SCHEDULE G, PART IV ON OCTOBER 17, 2025, POBS SUPPORTERS TOOK TO THE AIR FOR THE TENTH TIME AT BUILDING ADVENTURE, OUR SIGNATURE PEER-TO-PEER FUNDRAISER IN WHICH RAPPELLERS DESCEND 30 STORIES OF A SKYSCRAPER IN CENTER CITY. THEY DO THIS TO POWER OUTDOOR LEARNING FOR PHILADELPHIA YOUTH. THE 125 PARTICIPANTS RAN THE GAMUT FROM MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS TO POBS ALUMNI, CORPORATE PARTNERS, AND LONGTIME SUPPORTERS. THEY RAISED 284,407 FROM 1,459 DONORS WHO CHEERED THEM ON IN PERSON AND FROM AFAR AS THEY TACKLED THIS CHALLENGE IN SUPPORT OF POBS MISSION. X false false false false false false false false false JUSTIN ENNIS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 155092 12507 167599 FORM 990 - ORGANIZATION'S MISSION THE PHILADELPHIA OUTWARD SCHOOL'S (POBS) MISSION IS TO SPARK LIFELONG GROWTH THROUGH CHALLENGE - OUTSIDE. WE FACILITATE ADVENTUROUS LEARNING, ROOTED IN THE OUTDOORS, TO UNLOCK CONFIDENCE, CURIOSITY, AND THE SKILLS TO THRIVE WITH PURPOSE. FORM 990, PAGE 1, PART I, LINE 6 THE 14 VOLUNTEERS FROM SEI ASSISTED WITH SITE PROJECTS AT THE DISCOVERY CENTER AND WIGARD PROGRAM FACILITIES OVER TWO DAYS (4 HOURS EACH). THEY CONTRIBUTED 56 HOURS OF SERVICE. IN ADDITION, 10 VOLUNTEERS FROM SEI ASSISTED WITH THE 2025 BUILDING ADVENTURE EVENT ON OCTOBER 17 (8 HOURS EACH). THEY CONTRIBUTED ANOTHER 80 HOURS FOR A COMBINED TOTAL OF 136 HOURS OF SERVICE. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A INSIGHT PROGRAMS ARE ONE-DAY FACILITATED OUTWARD BOUND EXPERIENCES HELD AT OUR HEADQUARTERS AT THE DISCOVERY CENTER IN FAIRMOUNT PARK AND IN WISSAHICKON VALLEY PARK. PARTICIPANTS MOVE THROUGH A PROGRESSION OF ACTIVITIES BEGINNING WITH GROUND-BASED TEAM CHALLENGES AND BUILDING TOWARD A PEAK EXPERIENCE SUCH AS CLIMBING THE HIGH ROPES COURSE. EACH PROGRAM DAY IS DESIGNED TO BUILD CONNECTION, COMMUNICATION, AND CONFIDENCE WITHIN A GROUP. IN 2025, POBS SERVED 5,502 YOUTH THROUGH THIS INTRODUCTORY-LEVEL PROGRAM. THEY CAME PRIMARILY FROM SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND OTHER NEARBY DISTRICT PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOLLOWED BY YOUTH FROM CHARTER AND INDEPENDENT/PRIVATE SCHOOLS. STUDENTS SPANNED GRADES 6 - 12. FOR MANY YOUNG PEOPLE, SPENDING 5-6 HOURS IMMERSED IN OUTDOOR EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PROVIDES A RARE AND FORMATIVE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE THE NATURAL WORLD, CHALLENGE THEMSELVES, AND DISCOVER NEW POSSIBILITIES. IN 2025, POBS SURVEYED 760 INSIGHT STUDENTS TO MEASURE THE IMPACT OF OUR PROGRAMS. COMBINED WITH FINDINGS FROM STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN OUR MULTI- DAY WILDERNESS EXPEDITIONS, THE LARGEST GROWTH AREAS WERE GROUP RELATIONSHIPS, ASSERTIVENESS, AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. HIGHLIGHTS FROM POBS' 2025 STUDENT SURVEYS INCLUDE: 92% ARE MORE AWARE OF HOW TO SUPPORT OTHERS 87% FEEL MORE CONNECTED TO THEIR PEERS 89% GAINED CONFIDENCE TO TRY NEW THINGS 91% ARE EXCITED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THEMSELVES AND OTHERS FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4B EXPEDITION PROGRAMS ARE IMMERSIVE, MULTI-DAY WILDERNESS EXPERIENCES THAT ACCELERATE SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL SKILLS RELATED TO COURAGE, BELONGING, REFLECTION, AND PHYSICAL ENGAGEMENT. PARTICIPANTS PRIMARILY COME FROM A SCHOOL'S SPECIFIC GRADE LEVEL, A LEADERSHIP GROUP, CLUB, OR AFFINITY COHORT. EXPEDITIONS RANGE 5-14 DAYS AND TAKE PLACE ALONG THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL IN THE DELAWARE WATER GAP. ALONG WITH THE RIGORS OF CAMPING, STUDENTS ENGAGE IN 2-3 PHYSICAL CHALLENGES (HIKING, CANOEING, AND ROCK CLIMBING). TOGETHER, THEY NAVIGATE SHARING TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES: COOKING, DECISION MAKING, ROUTE PLANNING, AND PROBLEM-SOLVING. POBS ALSO OFFERS MERIT-BASED 100% SCHOLARSHIP SUMMER EXPEDITIONS OPEN TO YOUTH THROUGHOUT THE REGION. THESE OPPORTUNITIES ATTRACT MOTIVATED STUDENTS WHO PREVIOUSLY PARTICIPATED PREVIOUSLY IN A ONE-DAY INSIGHT PROGRAM OR A SCHOOL/GROUP SPONSORED EXPEDITION. IN 2025, 611 YOUTH PARTICIPATED IN A MULTI-DAY WILDERNESS EXPEDITION; 418 OF THESE STUDENTS WERE SURVEYED POST COURSE TO MEASURE THE IMPACT OF OUR PROGRAMS. COMBINED WITH FINDINGS FROM STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN INSIGHT DAYS, THE LARGEST GROWTH AREAS WERE GROUP RELATIONSHIPS, ASSERTIVENESS, AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. HIGHLIGHTS FROM POBS' 2025 STUDENT SURVEYS INCLUDE: 92% ARE MORE AWARE OF HOW TO SUPPORT OTHERS 87% FEEL MORE CONNECTED TO THEIR PEERS 89% GAINED CONFIDENCE TO TRY NEW THINGS EXPEDITIONS TAKE THREE BASIC FORMS. 1). PEER LEADERSHIP COURSES ARE 5-7 DAY WILDERNESS COURSES THAT ENGAGE PARTICIPANTS WITH PEERS IN CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENTS TO DEVELOP LEADERSHIP AND PERSONAL SKILLS. THEY ARE EITHER BACKPACKING OR CANOEING EXPEDITIONS IN THE FALL OR SPRING. SCHOOLS USE THESE AS PART OF A PROGRAM PROGRESSION FOR THEIR 8TH - 12TH GRADE STUDENTS WHO PARTICIPATED EARLIER IN INSIGHT PROGRAMS. THESE ARE ALSO A POPULAR FORMAT FOR SUMMER OPEN ENROLLMENT COURSES THAT ATTRACT STUDENTS FROM ALL OVER WHO SEEK A CHALLENGE. 2) GET OUT AND LEAD (GOAL) IS AN ANNUAL 10-DAY MERIT-AWARD SUMMER EXPEDITION FOR PHILADELPHIA REGION TWELVE MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS. THE CREW BRINGS TOGETHER MOTIVATED STUDENTS SELECTED FROM A VARIETY OF BACKGROUNDS FOR A MIX OF BACKPACKING, CANOEING AND ROCK- CLIMBING. STUDENTS MUST APPLY, PROVIDE REFERENCES, AND INTERVIEW TO BE CONSIDERED. 3) YOUTH LEADERSHIP CORPS IS AN ANNUAL 14-DAY MERIT-AWARD SUMMER EXPEDITION FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. DEPENDING ON FUNDING, THERE CAN BE ONE TO TWO CREWS (12 STUDENTS EACH). IN 2025 THERE WAS ONE CREW. THIS COURSE ALSO BRINGS TOGETHER MOTIVATED STUDENTS SELECTED FROM A VARIETY OF BACKGROUNDS FOR A MIX OF BACKPACKING, CANOEING AND ROCK-CLIMBING. STUDENTS MUST APPLY, PROVIDE REFERENCES, AND INTERVIEW TO BE CONSIDERED. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4C EDUCATOR AND OTHER ADULT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS PRIMARILY USE THE SINGLE DAY INSIGHT MODEL ADAPTED FOR A MATURE STUDENT WORKING IN EDUCATION, NONPROFIT, AND CORPORATE SETTINGS. POBS CUSTOMIZES THE PROGRAM TO ADDRESS EACH ORGANIZATION'S TEAMWORK, COMMUNICATION, AND PROBLEM-SOLVING GOALS. THE EXCEPTION IS THE 7-DAY SUMMER CANOE EXPEDITION FOR EDUCATORS FROM POBS' PARTNER SCHOOLS AND YOUTH-SERVING PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS. IN BOTH CASES, PARTICIPANTS BUILD TRUST AND GAIN NEW PERSPECTIVES ON LEADERSHIP. EDUCATORS AND SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS GAIN A DIRECT AND DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE OUTWARD BOUND EDUCATION MODEL AND ARE THEN BETTER EQUIPPED TO SUPPORT THE TRANSFER OF THEIR STUDENTS' LEARNING FROM POBS COURSE TO CLASSROOM TO COMMUNITY. IN 2025, POBS ENGAGED 520 TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS INVOLVED IN SECONDARY EDUCATION AS WELL AS 908 OTHER ADULTS RANGING FROM VETERANS AND PEOPLE WORKING IN THE CORPORATE, GOVERNMENT, AND NONPROFIT SECTORS. AFTER COMPLETING A PROGRAM WITH THEIR TEAM, 85% OF THE 2025 PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS SURVEYED AGREED OR STRONGLY AGREED THAT THEY FELT MORE COMMITTED TO THEIR TEAM'S SUCCESS AND 80% AGREED THAT THEY FEEL MORE ALIGNED WITH THEIR TEAM'S GOALS. RESPONDING TO HOW MUCH THE PROGRAM HELPED THEM DEVELOP, STRENGTHEN, OR BECOME MORE AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION SKILLS, 83% AGREED THAT IT HELPED THEM WITH COMMUNICATION SKILLS AND 87% AGREED THAT THEY BECAME MORE AWARE OF THE NEEDS OF THEIR TEAM. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4D A TOP AND ONGOING PRIORITY FOR POBS REMAINS DEEPENING PARTNERSHIPS WITH COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AND RESIDENTS OF STRAWBERRY MANSION, THE NEIGHBORHOOD THAT SURROUNDS THE DISCOVERY CENTER, OUR HEADQUARTERS IN EAST FAIRMOUNT PARK. SINCE 2018, POBS HAS SHARED THIS WORLD-CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FACILITY WITH AUDUBON MID-ATLANTIC (AMA). COMMUNITY INPUT WAS CRITICAL FOR CREATING THE DISCOVERY CENTER. EVER SINCE THE FACILITY OPENED IN 2018, POBS AND AMA HAVE WORKED TO OFFER A MONTHLY SCHEDULE OF PROGRAMMING FOR THE COMMUNITY. THESE DISCOVERY DAYS OFFER A VARIETY OF EDUCATIONAL AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES USING BOTH INDOOR AND OUTDOOR CLASSROOMS, EXHIBITS, TRAILS, CLIMBING WALL, HIGH ROPES COURSE, THE 37-ACRE LAKE, AND BIRD WATCHING LOOKOUTS. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC YEAR-ROUND, POBS COLLABORATED WITH AMA TO OFFER 10 WEEKEND EVENTS DESIGNED TO INTRODUCE COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO EACH ORGANIZATION'S RESPECTIVE PROGRAMS. POBS AND AMA ORGANIZE ONGOING ADVISORY GROUP MEETINGS AND THE VOLUNTEERS PLAN AND PROMOTE THE EVENTS. THIS CONSISTENT OUTREACH FOSTERS NEIGHBORHOOD ADULTS' UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT POBS AND AMA OFFER AND BUILDS THE TRUST CRITICAL FOR THEM TO SUPPORT THEIR CHILDREN'S PARTICIPATION IN PROGRAMS. IN 2025, POBS AND AMA CONTINUED TO HOST A 10-WEEK PAID SUMMER ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FOR A SMALL GROUP OF YOUTH RECRUITED FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD. IT IS A PIPELINE THAT CULTIVATES YOUTH AWARENESS OF AND INTEREST IN OUTDOOR EDUCATION JOBS. FORM 990, PART V LINE 6A -POBS DOES NOT ACTIVELY SOLICIT CONTRIBUTIONS THAT ARE NOT TAX- DEDUCTIBLE. RATHER, WE ASK DONORS TO SUPPORT OUR MISSION, PROGRAMS, AND INITIATIVES AND USE OUR WEBSITE TO OUTLINE THE MANY WAYS IN WHICH THEY CAN PROVIDE OR DIRECT SUPPORT TO POBS. SOME DONORS CHOOSE TO RECOMMEND GRANTS TO POBS FROM THEIR DONOR ADVISED ACCOUNTS. OTHER DONORS DIRECT QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTIONS FROM THEIR IRA SAVINGS. BOTH TYPES OF GIFTS ARE NOT TAX-DEDUCTIBLE AND POBS' ACKNOWLEDGMENTS OF SUCH GIFTS AFTER RECEIVING THEM SPECIFY THE SOURCE OF THE FUNDS AND AVOID ANY LANGUAGE CONVEYING TAX- DEDUCTIBILITY. LINES 7A AND 7B - POBS TREATED THE 2025 BUILDING ADVENTURE EVENT REGISTRATION FEE (100) AS PAYMENT FOR EVENT GOODS AND SERVICES. THIS IS THE FIRST STEP THAT ENABLED EVENT ACTIVITY PARTICIPANTS TO SET UP THEIR PEER-TO-PEER FUNDRAISING WEBPAGES IN THE EVENT WEBSITE. SUBSEQUENT DONATIONS BY THE PARTICIPANT TOWARD THEIR FUNDRAISING GOAL WERE PURE DONATIONS AND TAX-DEDUCTIBLE. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B TRUSTEES SERVING ON THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WERE FIRST TO REVIEW A COMPLETE, DIGITAL COPY OF THE 2025 FORM 990 AT THEIR JULY 15, 2026 MEETING. THEIR FEEDBACK LED TO REVISIONS PRIOR TO POBS DISTRIBUTING THE ADVANCED DIGITAL DRAFT TO THE FULL BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR REVIEW PRIOR TO AND DURING THE JULY 23, 2026 MEETING. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 12C POBS REQUIRES ALL OFFICERS, BOARD TRUSTEES, AND KEY EMPLOYEES TO SUBMIT ANNUALLY IN WRITING WHETHER THERE ARE KNOWN CONFLICTS OF INTEREST OR CONFIRM THERE ARE NOT ANY. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15A THE BOARD'S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DEVELOPS AND RECOMMENDS COMPENSATION PLANS FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND KEY STAFF, WHICH ARE REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY THE FULL BOARD OF DIRECTORS DURING AN EXECUTIVE SESSION. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15B THE BOARD'S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DEVELOPS AND RECOMMENDS COMPENSATION PLANS FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND KEY STAFF, WHICH ARE REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY THE FULL BOARD OF DIRECTORS DURING AN EXECUTIVE SESSION. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19 POBS USED AN UPON REQUEST BASIS FOR MAKING ITS GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC IN 2025. FORM 990, PART VII POBS IS FORTUNATE TO HAVE SEVERAL FOUNDERS AND EMERITUS TRUSTEES STILL ENGAGED WITH THE ORGANIZATION. WHILE THEY ARE NOT VOTING MEMBERS, THEY ARE INVITED TO BOARD MEETINGS AND VOLUNTEER ON COMMITTEES. THEIR CONTINUED ADVICE AND SERVICE REMAIN VALUABLE AS POBS CHARTS A NEW STRATEGIC COURSE 2025-2028. THEY INCLUDE: NANCY GOLDENBERG, CO-FOUNDER THOMAS GREENWOOD, JR., CO-FOUNDER MICHAEL NUTTER, CO-FOUNDER JON CONANT, EMERITUS TRUSTEE MARK HALSAM, EMERITUS TRUSTEE JAMES MCLANE EMERITUS TRUSTEE EAST PARK LEADERSHIP AND CONSERVATI 3401 RESERVOIR DRIVE PHILADELPHIA PA 19121 462907677 EDUCATIONA PA 501C3 7 NA false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false