Brazil

In 1998 a core group of board members who had experienced Outward Bound in other parts of the world, gathered together and decided to launch Outward Bound Brazil to serve the young people of Brazil. By the year 2001 they received Provisional licensing from Outward Bound International and began operations in Chapada Diamantina, where students can travel 75 km in 12 days and the Serra da Mantiqueira where students have the opportunity to climb a 2550 meter peak. Both of these areas offer extraordinary backpacking with relatively easy access to major metropolitan areas.

In Chapada Diamantina, students hike for 14 days through grasslands, dried riverbeds, stop at swimming holes, hike off trail and do service projects with locals. This area is marked by a history mining and foreign occupation. Students learn about their country's past by walking on stone paved trails built by slaves and stopping at a remote mining settlement. It is also an area marked by many rivers and waterfalls, including one that is 370 meters high.

The three-day courses travel in self-sufficient mini expeditions over the highlands of Serra da Mantiqueira, hiking about 20 K in altitudes that ranging from 1800 to over 2500 meters. The highlights of Serra da Mantiqueira include immense open views of the landscape, and almost infinite route and campsite opportunities.

As the largest South American country with some of the richest biodiversity in the world, Outward Bound Brazil has exciting opportunities ahead as it grows and develops. They have plans to operate along the coast, in the desert, in the Amazon Rainforest and in the mountains. On all of their courses, the students learn environmental stewardship, outdoor living skills and team building skills. Through their courses, Outward Bound Brazil hopes to provide an alternative, engaging experience for school children in Brazil.