A VETERAN of the Outward Bound experience, John Hasell was on the island recently, offering his knowledge of the operation and its potential for development to the local programme.

In 1969, Mr. Hasell was involved in establishing the first Canadian Outward Bound School, eventually serving as its director before helping launch a second. He worked tirelessly through 1976 as the organisation's executive director and today shares his expertise in organisational development wherever possible, through the auspices of Outward Bound International.

"We're looking at the future ? what Outward Bound could do," he explained. "It started with youth really, going through puberty, moving to independence, moving away from home, going through a dramatic life change.

"Outward Bound has proven that it can help people who are going through other changes in their lives ? if they've lost a spouse, they've lost a job, they've recovered or are in remission from a critical illness, if they've gone through a divorce.

"Women who are escaping an abusive relationship, people who need to build self-esteem ? self-esteem is the essence of what Outward Bound stands for. So it's these sort of people who are not being reached by the current programme; for whom Outward Bound Bermuda can really make a significant difference."

Mr. Hasell's encounters with Outward Bound date back to 1961.

"I am an Outward Bound has-been. I've been a long-time Outward Bounder, as chief instructor, school director, executive director and board chairman of different things. And I just want to make some contribution before I take that expertise that's in (my head) into a wooden box," he laughed.

"One of the reasons I came out here was knowing what (Outward Bound co-ordinator PC Mark Norman) stood for and what this school could do. Mark has attended conferences all over the world with Outward Bound. He is a world figure in the movement.

"As he's stayed longer with this, he's gained more and more insight into what it is. He's in many ways becoming irreplaceable. Part of our plan is to expand (the Bermuda programme) so there's more Marks. I know that one of the reasons he's stayed (with Outward Bound) is he's seen the positive impacts of what he's doing. He does a wonderful job. I have a great deal of admiration for him."

The programme ? and its origins ? are unique, Mr. Hasell explained. Even today, however, it can work in conjunction with other programmes of similar merit such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, the soon-to-be launched Bermuda Sloop Foundation and the Boy Scouts.

"It truly does encourage (participants) to exceed their boundaries. They do things that they don't think they could possibly do. It's self-discovery through adventure and really goes back to the origins of Outward Bound. Outward Bound sees itself as a mover and a leader, but not as a competitor with the cadets, the scouts, and the Duke of Edinburgh (Award Scheme). They are all other organisations serving youth and if we work together we can serve more."

In 1941, Mr. Hasell said, it was found that young merchant seamen sailing across the Atlantic were dying ? being sunk by German U-boats ? while older, less fit sailors were surviving.

"Lawrence Holt, chairman of the Blue Funnel Line, who had a keen interest in training for the sea and sea survival, identified the fact that young people didn't think they could survive so they didn't. He set up a short course ? 28 days ? for young sailors with Kurt Hahn, headmaster of Gordonstoun where Prince Philip and Prince Charles went to school.

"These young sailors went through this, in the mountains, in small boats, really facing the elements in themselves, discovering that together, they could do much more than they ever thought possible. When the war came to an end, there was a dramatic change in the ratio of survival by age and people thought it was too valuable an experience to throw away."

That idea developed into Outward Bound and eventually spread to a host of countries including Africa, Singapore, parts of Eastern Europe, the United States, Canada and Bermuda.

"Outward Bound schools are now in 44 countries; 56 schools serving youth to self-discovery through adventure," he added. They discover how they can use their potential to take care of themselves; take care of others and the world about them.

"It's based on (Outward Bound founder Kurt Hahn's principles) of craftsmanship, team work, self-reliance. Compassion also plays a big part ? Outward Bound run mountain rescues, sea rescues, fire service, survival help, service to the community. It's all about reaching outside of yourself to others; finding out who you are and what your responsibilities are to other people.

"In the mission statement (Outward Bound is described) as 'challenging activities in unfamiliar settings'. It used to be in outdoor settings. Outward Bound is now using all sorts of other mediums. There are a lot of people who love crashing down rivers in rafts and kayaks and climbing over the mountains, but put them in front of a group ? to have to speak, to write, design, choreograph and act in a play or a dance ? that can be every bit as challenging, and force them to call on reserves within them that they didn't think they had.

"So Outward Bound is today looking at all sorts of ways in which they can challenge you to be the best you can be."