Over the summer, a group of 10- to 17-year-old students from Monaco participated in Outward Bound programmes in England and Wales. Earlier this month, these brave young adventurers were honoured for their efforts at the local branch of the organisation’s annual awards ceremony, held at the Yacht Club de Monaco in the presence of Prince Albert II and Lord Sebastian Coe.
Taking direction from Alfred Tennyson’s words in Ulysses – “To serve, to strive, and not to yield” – the international Outward Bound network seeks to inspire young people to stretch beyond their usual limits and learn the art of balancing responsibility, risk, and reward.
During this past summer, 23 students from the Principality, accompanied by Outward Bound Monaco chaperones, stepped out of their comfort zones and took part in programmes centred around daring activities such as gorge climbing, hiking, kayaking, sailing, rock climbing, and overnight camping expeditions.
Now, their personal achievements have been celebrated and honoured at a momentous awards ceremony in Monaco on 4th December, where each was presented with a diploma and commended for their bravery and perseverance.
The event was attended by Prince Albert of Monaco, the patron of Outward Bound Monaco, and Lord Sebastian Coe, a former Olympian and the current president of World Athletics, as well as numerous family members and friends of these adventurous young people and supporters of the local Outward Bound chapter.
“Outward Bound programmes are not easy,” said Prince Albert, “but they teach courage, resourcefulness, and the value of pushing beyond one’s limits.”
Sarah O’Connor, President of Outward Bound Monaco, reflected on the organisation’s mission and the impact of the evening, saying, “The aim of Outward Bound is to help young people believe they can achieve more than they thought possible. We are not talking about aspirations, but about belief in what you can do based on physical experience. Outward Bound takes young people out of their comfort zones and on adventures in wild places. It presents young people with challenges that help them to know themselves.”
The evening marked a proud moment for the students, who dedicated their summer to tackling demanding activities that tested their limits. Their efforts were rewarded not only with new skills and resilience but also with a profound sense of accomplishment.
For more information about Outward Bound Monaco and their 2025 courses, click here.
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Photos credit: Ed Wright Images