Building character through integrity one child at a time
On Monday, December 5 the association Outward Bound Monaco (OBM) held their annual awards ceremony, at the Yacht Club of Monaco, for 32 of the youngsters, from different nationalities and diverse backgrounds, who successfully completed the courses in the UK during the summer of 2016. They received the recognition certificates directly from the hands of HSH Prince Albert II, who honored the event with his presence in spite of suffering from a cold. The Prince enjoyed meeting the accomplished teenagers, who were very enthusiastic with the opportunity to share their experiences in the program with him, explaining how this life changing opportunity became a rite of passage for them, increasing resilience, self confidence and strength of character.
OBM is a registered charity part of the Outward Bound network, counting with the High Patronage of HSH Prince Albert II and HRH Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, providing logistics and access to the outstanding facilities and adventures of the organisation in the UK (mainly in the Lake District and Wales areas) to children all over the Europe.
Michael Peagram, President of OBM, gave a brief and enthusiastic presentation and said: “The outdoor activities are not only sporting and enjoyable, but they are character forming and they take our young people into a new sphere of challenge, bravery and self-discovery. At the same time as having fun, they are learning skills for life such as resilience, leadership, and team building. In today’s fast changing and uncertain world Outward Bound is an environment where maturity and determination are grown.” (In the photo insert HSH Prince Albert with Michael Peagram and Judy Churchill, OBM General Secretary.)
Since its inception in 2004, OB Monaco has successfully arranged the participation of more than 300 teenagers from this area, who took part in outdoor education programs, including rock climbing, trail backpacking, camping, orienteering, canoeing, raft building, environmental awareness as well as mental toughness exercises.
The objective is to take these boys and girls out of their comfort zone, learn to adapt to new situations, build both physical and mental strength that in the end will foster character building. These traits will ultimately help the youngsters become men and women of integrity.
The OBM team assess each applicant for their financial status and provide help if needed, like in the case of single parent families. OBM subsidises the travel plus the cost associated with the people accompanying each group to and from the UK, while the transformative programs are implemented on site by Outward Bound UK.
For information about upcoming courses, visit their website or contact Administrator Vanessa Ilsley at vanessa@outwardbound.monaco.com
You can also help!
If you are interested in becoming part of the Outward Bound family, please complete the form below and return it with your annual membership dues of Euro 50.
If you have a company you may become a patron by offering an annual contribution (see form below). Please contact Judy Churchill, OBM General Secretary via email: judy.churchill@orange.fr
Three OBM corporate patrons were present at this year’s awards ceremony. In the photo below with HSH Prince Albert, Michael Peagram and Judy Churchill: (Left to Right) Louis Aureglia and Peter Brigham representing Rosemont Monaco who administers the James Mitchell Foundation; Jean-Francois Noaro of Noaro Freres and Jean-Claude Eude representing The Stelios Foundation. The OBM association thanks them profusely for their invaluable and continuous support. 
Today’s Quote
“Sometimes, you need to step outside, get some fresh air and remind yourself of who you are and who you want to be.” Unknown
Monaco Reporter 