Nominations are now closed
Because challenge changes what young people believe is possible.
Experiences like Outward Bound are about more than just mountains and maps. They're about what happens to a young person when they're stretched, supported and trusted to rise to a challenge.
The Outward Bound Award exists to recognise young people who have taken that leap and come back changed. This is your chance to nominate a young person whose outdoor adventure experience sparked confidence, courage or belief that anything is possible.
Nominations close: Sunday 12 April 2026
Nominate now
Who can be nominated?
If their story reflects what Outward Bound is about: courage, care for others, and learning through challenge and adventure – they belong here. You can nominate a young person who:
- Is aged 10 - 22
- Has shown growth, resilience or leadership through challenge and adventure
- Is in school, college, an apprenticeship, training, or early employment.
They do not need to have been on an Outward Bound course.
Who can nominate?
Anyone who’s seen their journey, including:
- Teachers and school staff
- Employers, supervisors or mentors
- Parents or carers
- Youth workers or community leaders
- Young people themselves.
Key details
Nominations close: Sunday 12 April 2026.
Regional winners: 7 across England, Scotland and Wales.
1 National Winner announced later in the year.
Ready to nominate?
Frequently asked questions
Who can nominate a young person?
Anyone who has seen a young person grow through challenge and adventure can nominate. This includes teachers, parents or carers, youth workers, community leaders, Outward Bound instructors — and young people themselves.
If you’ve witnessed a moment of courage, kindness or confidence, you’re the right person to nominate.
Who is eligible for The Outward Bound Award?
The award is open to young people aged 10–22 who have shown personal growth through challenge and adventure.
They do not need to have taken part in an Outward Bound course. We’re looking for young people whose stories reflect the spirit of Outward Bound: courage, resilience, compassion and belief in themselves, wherever that journey has taken place.
To be eligible, the adventure or experience you’re nominating them for should have taken place between 1 January 2025 and the nomination deadline of 12 April 2026.
When do nominations close?
Nominations close on Sunday 12 April 2026.
We recommend submitting your nomination as soon as you can. A short, honest nomination is all that’s needed.
Do I need to write a long or formal nomination?
No, please don’t overthink it. A strong nomination simply explains:
- What you noticed
- Why it mattered
- How the young person grew through challenge and adventure.
A few thoughtful paragraphs are more powerful than polished language.
Can I nominate more than one young person?
Yes. If more than one young person stands out to you, you’re welcome to submit multiple nominations. Each nomination should focus on one individual and their story.
What happens after nominations close?
All nominations will be reviewed by a judging panel against the values of Outward Bound.
We will select:
- 7 Regional Winners across England, Scotland and Wales
- 1 National Winner, selected from the regional recipients
All nominators will be contacted once decisions have been made.
What do regional winners receive?
Each regional winner will receive:
- Regional recognition as an Outward Bound Award winner
- An official certificate
- A £50 voucher towards outdoor or adventure kit.
What does the national winner receive?
The national winner will receive:
- National recognition as the Outward Bound Award winner (press release)
- An official certificate
- A £100 voucher towards outdoor or adventure kit
- A guest speaker visit to their school, college or workplace to celebrate their achievement.
Will winners be involved in media activity?
Yes. The Outward Bound Award is designed to celebrate young people and share their stories more widely.
Regional and national winners will be expected to take part in positive media activity, such as local press, social media or website content. We will always work closely with families and schools, and no media activity will take place without consent.
Are nominations confidential?
Yes. Nominations are treated sensitively. The young person will not be informed unless they are shortlisted, and no information will be shared publicly without appropriate permissions.
What if the young person I nominate doesn’t win?
Every nomination matters. Not everyone can be selected, but each story helps us understand and celebrate the impact of challenge and adventure on young people. We’ll also be looking for ways to recognise the breadth of nominations beyond the final winners.
I still have a question, who can I contact?
If you have a question not covered here, please contact us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help.
I’m interested in supporting the award, who should I contact?
We welcome enquiries from individuals, organisations or trusts who share our belief in the power of challenge and adventure to change young people’s lives.
If you’re interested in supporting The Outward Bound Award, please contact [email protected] and a member of our team will be in touch.
The Outward Bound Award 2025
In front of classmates, teachers, and a record-breaking adventurer, 13-year-old Harvey became the first ever recipient of The Outward Bound Award, created to celebrate young people who show extraordinary courage, kindness and growth through challenge and adventure.
Read Harvey's Story
