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Outward Bound Finland

The idea of an Outward Bound Center in Finland came in 1993 after a Finnish group of representatives from different fields of Finnish Youth Work visited Outward Bound Koeningsburg in Germany. Soon after, members of this early team pushed to open an Outward Bound in the small town Nurmes, in North Karelia near the eastern border. By 1994, Finland received its licensing from Outward Bound International and began operations with Finnish youth in North Karelia, South Karelia, Southern Finland, and Lapland (above the arctic circle).

Their courses range from 2-14 days with the most common being a 5-day experiential education course. Outward Bound Finland is positioning itself as the expert in experiential training and outdoor safety in Finland. To do this they offer a number of wilderness leadership courses for wilderness guides as well as a safety and quality training programs. In addition, Outward Bound Finland's courses range from youth at risk, college-courses, youth and social worker trainings, and corporate courses.

Some unique adventure elements available to participants in Finland include trekking, canoeing, cross-country skiing, and Church Boat rowing. Rowing the church boat is a traditional way of traveling in Finland, each small village had a rowboat for 10-16 persons that people used when getting to church in Sundays. Today it is used as an excellent group task to build teamwork and coordination.

CONTACT OUTWARD BOUND FINLAND:
Outward Bound Finland
Askonkatu 5
15100 Lahti
Finland
Bus: 358 (3) 751 66 42
Mobile: 358 (40) 5050 355
Bus Fax: 358 (3) 751 66 42
E-mail: toimisto@outwardbound.fi
Web Page: http://www.outwardbound.fi