The first Outward Bound School was created by Kurt Hahn, who’s motto for the schools was ‘To serve, to strive and not to yield’. Hahn (1957) emphasised the value of physical culture in the schools to ‘character-training’ and leadership, which was echoed through the outward bound videos this blog will reflect upon.
Summers (1961) initially valued outward bound as at that time, young people were simply engaged in receptive forms of entertainment, and this exploitation of leisure was seen as damage to the national character. However later, it was suggested that ‘character training’ was misleading, and his view supports the idea of outward bound trying to simply bring about inner strength of boys. Phrases used in the videos such as “learn what tough living really means” and “Spartan experience” suggests to me that the all male course was reflecting the post war period and its purpose was to prepare boys for national service and prove their manliness in surviving in the outdoor conditions. 
The terminology during the video was very militaristic, along with the screening of cold-water showers, running in underwear, and climbing ropes. Arnold-Brown (1962) suggested that the term ‘character training’ reminded him of Hitler youth, which was not helped by ex military staff running the outward bound programme using phrases such as ‘watches’ and ‘patrols’, cementing the outward bound reputation. The reflection of a militant programme in the video could be seen with physical development being the emphasis and the school claiming “fitness and determination” was tested, with trainees coming to “no serious harm”.
I saw little appreciation for the outdoors and the values participants now understand to gain from the outdoors. The use of the chapel during the video however suggested faith and reflection was still prominent within the movements early leaders, however even religious components saw a downgrade in the 1960’s as this period became the ‘turning point’ in the history of ‘character’ education (Arthur 2003).
I think outward bound programmes have changed drastically since these videos. This can be supported by Wills (2005) who noticed a downgrading of physical and militaristic aspects in outward bound, reflected in the abolition of the national service. This transition perhaps reiterates how programmes have changed from using terms such as ‘character training’, the view is now of personal growth, and many women are now fully involved in both adventure and outward-bound programmes. The view initially of males gaining more from adventure experiences (Smith 1971) had no statistical significance in studies carried out on gender differences. This ‘softened’ approach to outward bound can be seen today and the physical and hard skills gained certainly do not take prominence over the soft skills.
Further reading to the changes that occured in the 1960's and the turning point should be explored through Harrogate (1965), the conference report which saw a reconsideration in language and a turn towards individual development. Alongside this Freeman's research in the transformation of 'character training' to 'personal growth' and the history behind the changes to understand the benefits of outward bound could be exlpored further.
References
Arthur, J., 2003. Education with character: The moral economy of schooling. London: Routledge.
Arnold-Brown, A., 1962. Unfolding Character: The impact of Gordonstoun. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul.
Freeman, M., 2011. From 'Character-Training' to 'Personal Growth': The earcly history of outward boun 1941-1965. History of Eucation, 40(1), pp.21-43.
Hahn, K., 1957. Outward Bound. New York: World Books.
Harrogate, 1965. Harrogate Conference Report: Outward bound in the 60's & 70's.
Smith, M.A.W., 1971. An investigation of the effects of an outward bound experience on selected personality factors and behaviours of high school juniors. Dissertation Abstracts Internationl, 32.
Smith, M.A.W., 1971. An investigation of the effects of an outward bound experience on selected personality factors and behaviours of high school juniors. Dissertation Abstracts Internationl, 32.
Summers, S., 1961. The history of the trust. London: Routledge.
Wills, A., 2005. "Delinquency, Masculinity & Citizenship in England 1950-1970", Past and Present.
I very much enjoyed reading your BLOG and the analysis of the footage. You have illustrated your comments very well with additional source material and there is a good balance of your ideas and those of the authors. Perhaps you could have considered 'transfer' in greater depth. You might also add contextual pictures to your BLOG.
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