CHAMPS CHANGE LIVES

Being a Champion is about more than fundraising - it’s about changing lives.

OB Champs help provide scholarships that make life-changing Outward Bound experiences possible for those who need them most. 

When you become a Champion, you open doors for individuals who never imagined this kind of opportunity was within reach.  

How you fundraise is up to you! Run a marathon, take on an epic endurance challenge, host a bake sale, shave your head, or get creative with something uniquely you. There are countless ways to make an impact. 

You can also raise money in memory of someone special, or to celebrate something meaningful - like your birthday or the anniversary of your own Outward Bound course. 

Visit our special Outward Bound Champions platform to get started. Here you will also see what other Champs are up to, and get inspired. 

FIND A CHALLENGE EVENT

You can pick one of the hundreds of events on offer, from mud runs to colour runs, marathons to aquathons and multi-sport adventure racing. There is something to challenge you wherever you are in the country. 

To see what events are coming up check out the Running Calendar
or
Sportzhub

CREATE YOUR OWN CHALLENGE

Whether you’re hosting an event, taking on a personal goal, or raising money in memory or celebration, all you need to do is set up your fundraising page, share it with family and friends, and start raising money.  

SET UP YOUR FUNDRAISING PAGE

Maddy walking the Te Araroa Trail

Holly's Half Marathon

Rory's sea kayaking challenge

Louise doing Coast to Coast

LOOKING FOR IDEAS? TRY ONE OF THESE! 

Get Active

  • Do a 24-hour outdoor challenge (e.g., hike for 24 hours, sleep under the stars for a night) 

  • Summit a peak at sunrise every weekend for a month 

  • Complete 100 km in 10 days – walk, run, bike, or kayak 

  • Cycle the length of your region or country (or a virtual version)  

  • Run a half or full marathon, or sign up for a multisport event like Spring Challenge or Coast to Coast.  

Hold an Event 

  • Host a backyard campout challenge — invite friends/family to join and donate 

  • Lead a group hike, meditation session or yoga class with a donation entry 

  • Organise a community clean-up or tree-planting day  

Get Creative 

  • Wear your tramping boots every day for a week (even to work!) 

  • Do a cold plunge every day for a week/month 

  • Host a gear swap or second-hand outdoor gear market 

  • Challenge yourself to live out of your pack for a week 

  • Shave your head (for a bold and impactful fundraising moment!) 

In Memory or Celebration 

  • Ask for donations in lieu of flowers in memory of a loved one 

  • Dedicate a hike, climb, or paddle to someone you lost or admire 

  • Celebrate your course anniversary with a personal challenge  

  • Ask for donations instead of gifts for birthdays or milestones 

FUNDRAISING MILESTONE REWARDS 

As if you didn't need another reason to fundraise for Outward Bound, check out the swag you'll receive when you hit these fundraising milestones. 

When you set up your fundraiser

We'll send you a cap to help you spread the word! 

When you raise $500

We'll send you a stainless steel outward bound drinkbottle #stayhydrated 

When you raise $1000

You'll score yourself an exclusive outward bound champion t-shirt 

HEAR FROM THE CHAMPIONS THEMSELVES

Read more
Stories
John Gluckman: A Life of Adventure, Resilience, and Giving Back
Inspirational Champions Fundraising

For John Gluckman, life has always been about pushing boundaries—both physical and personal. His journey began in 1968 with a 23-day Outward Bound course at Anakiwa.

Read more
Stories
Going the Extra Mile
Inspirational Champions Fundraising Life after OB

Wellingtonian Breanna Ward swam the Strait in 7hours 26mins on Saturday 1st December, 2018 to raise funds for the Outward Bound Champion programme. We caught up with Breanna to chat about the swim and what she's planning next.

Read more
Stories
First time marathoner smashes fundraising goal
Champions

Aydhen, Batten 629, completed a Professional course in 2017 and was sponsored by his employer, Fisher and Paykel, as part of their leadership programme. He shares with us why his experience motivated him to get involved in the OB Champion programme.

CONTACT

If you have any questions or need further assistance please don’t hesitate to contact the Outward Bound fundraising team:

Email: fundraising@outwardbound.co.nz

Freephone: 0800 688 927

Get Started!